Stamford Parade Spectacular To Return For 32nd Year: Details

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford’s annual Parade Spectacular will return Nov. 23, marking the 32nd year of one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country. Organizers say the event draws 100,000 spectators annually.

The parade, produced and funded by the Stamford Downtown Special Services District with support from local businesses and property owners, will feature 15 giant balloons, including favorites such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, Elmo, Mr. Potato Head, Oscar the Grouch, Peppa Pig, Shrek and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

The lineup also includes marching bands from Westhill High School, Brentwood, Uniondale and Wyandanch, along with newcomers Pride of Port Chester High School Marching Band, Ballet Folklórico de las Américas and the Ballet School of Stamford.

Other groups include Center Stage Dance Studio, City Center Dance Performing Company, Dance on the DL, Locust Performing Arts Center of Stamford and The Pulse Performing Arts Studio’s Nova Jazz.

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, floats, and Santa Claus will round out the procession.

Colin Cosell, public address announcer for the New York Mets and New York Riptide, will return as master of ceremonies.

The parade begins at noon at Summer and Hoyt streets and will end at Atlantic and Federal streets near the Stamford Transportation Center, accessible by Metro-North, Amtrak and CTtransit.

On the eve of the parade, Point72 Asset Management will host the annual Giant Balloon Inflation Party on Nov. 22 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hoyt and Summer streets. The event, launched in 2014, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the balloons coming to life, along with music, performances, costumed characters and Santa.

More information is available at stamford-downtown.com.