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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WFSB Channel 3’s Renee DiNino Named Grand Marshal for the Bristol CT Mum Festival

BRISTOL, Conn. — The Bristol CT Mum Festival committee is proud to announce that well-known Connecticut media personality and community advocate Renee DiNino will serve as this year’s official Grand Marshal.

DiNino brings her passion for community building, non-profit advocacy, and local storytelling to the forefront of one of Connecticut’s most cherished annual traditions, the Mum Festival.

As the Director of Community Affairs for WFSB Channel 3, DiNino is a prominent fixture across the state’s media landscape. She is the host of Hello Connecticut with Renee DiNino, Amazing K9 Duos, and Lost & Pound, in addition to being a regular contributor to Great Day at 9A and Great Day Connecticut. Known widely for giving a voice to local non-profits, veterans, law enforcement, and animal welfare initiatives, DiNino’s extensive background spans decades of dedicated service and connection to the people of Connecticut.

“I am deeply honored and thrilled to serve as this year’s Grand Marshal for the Bristol Mum Festival,” said DiNino. “Highlighting community spirit, local organizations, and wonderful Connecticut towns is what I love to do most. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in Bristol!”

The Bristol CT Mum Festival draws thousands of visitors each year for a weekend packed with family-friendly entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, children’s activities, and the signature grand parade.

Festival organizers invite community members, families, and fans of Renee DiNino to come out and welcome her as she leads this year’s festivities.

For more information regarding festival schedules, event locations, and parade times, please visit the official Bristol Mum Festival website or follow local updates.

Media Contact:

Bristol CT Mum Festival Committee

MumFestivalBristol@gmail.com

BristolMumFestival.com

WFSB Channel 3 Media Relations: WFSB Renee DiNino

MUM FESTIVAL 2025
By Tom Lagasse, Bristol Poet Laureate

Once in Bristol, on Chippen’s Hill, there was a rainbow of chrysanthemums that captivated visitors and locals alike, which forever made us the self-proclaimed Mum City.

Like us, mums too, arrived here as immigrants, whose seeds traveled across an ocean and became part of us. Hardy, diverse, they twinkle on overcast days, shine like jewels in the autumn sun, and withstand cold nights when frost, that layer of ice, maims

Or kills the gardens we tended with care. They are survivors.

More than half a century ago, several of Bristol’s supporters believed there was a need to recognize the town’s bouquets where many

more saw a weedy, fallow field. Now, different boosters continue the tradition of celebrating the town’s health, acknowledging what it gets right. This thankless work to celebrate who we are flower, stem and root, is a party for us, complete with a parade,

Where marching bands and dancers join veterans, and members Of our faith and government institutions. Where our current and future leaders, our lineage, our history is on display.

Along the sidewalks, regardless of weather, we applaud in gratitude and pride. Here we can remember not only who we are but what we share, a desire to have things be a little better for young and old alike.

And here, on Memorial Boulevard, when the laughter and joy

Of children and young people on carnival rides fills the night sky, we can only hope this appeases the ghosts, our ancestors,

Whose names are etched on the plaques and monuments That line this road. They gave their lives fighting

for freedom and against tyranny, as they watch over us.

As we begin this year’s festival, remember the sturdy mum. its historic use is to both beautify and heal. It is not,

as it once was, to be mistaken for a common weed. This is who we are, in art, in sport, and in enterprise – hardy and resilient – we are all chrysanthemums.