SHARE

Stamford Celebrates Season With Balloon Inflation Party And Parade

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Get in the Thanksgiving spirit all weekend long when Stamford hosts its annual Giant Balloon Inflation Party on Saturday followed by the UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday.

Stamford will host its annual Giant Balloon Inflation Party on Saturday followed by the UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday.

Stamford will host its annual Giant Balloon Inflation Party on Saturday followed by the UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday.

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern, File

The festivities begin Saturday afternoon with the Giant Balloon Inflation Party, which will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Summer and Hoyt Street. You can get a backstage look at the parade and watch the giant helium balloons come to life. 

The party will also feature performances by extreme trampoline act "Flippen Out," dancing with Locust Performing Arts Center of Stamford, music, clowns, holiday characters and a visit from Santa. The event is presented by Point72 Asset Management.

The celebration continues on Sunday with the UBS Parade Spectacular. The parade is now in its 22nd year and is one of the largest balloon parades in the country. Tens of thousands of people will flock to Stamford from all around Fairfield County to watch volunteers carry 14 giant helium balloons through the city.

The Master of Ceremonies for this year's parade will be television personality Alan Kalter. THe parade will feature 10 award-winning marching bands from around Fairfield County and New York, including the Sacred Heart University Marching Band, the NYPD Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band, The Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corps, and high school groups from Stamford, Westhill, Trumbull, Brentwood and Harrison.

New balloons in the parade this year include Daniel Tiger from PBS Kids and Kung Fu Panda. Returning favorites include Big Bird, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Elmo, Mr. Potato Head, Paddington Bear, Fred Flintstone, Scooby Doo, Kermit the Frog, Shrek, Super Grover and the Very Hungry Caterpillar. 

In addition to the giant balloons, there will also be floats from Make-A-Wish Connecticut, "The Miracle of Life" Donate Life Connecticut, 95.9 The Fox, Frank and His Buffalo Friends, Trinity Catholic High School, and a float featuring the Stamford Teachers of the Year.

Among those marching in the parade will be local dignitaries, Stamford police, fire and EMS, the Stamford All-School Musical Cast of Disney's "The Littler Mermaid," Center Stage Dance Studio, and Stamford Youth Foundation Cheerleaders.

The parade steps off at noon on Sunday on Summer Street and concludes on Atlantic Street. Click here for more information about parade festivities and routes.

to follow Daily Voice Ridgefield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE