What's Happening in Stamford, CT…

The 26th annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular will be kicking off the holiday season near the end of November.

Funded and produced by Stamford Downtown Special Services District along with local businesses and property owners, this parade of giant helium balloons is considered one of the nation’s longest.

Over 14 balloons will appear, including ones representing Mr. Potato Head and Bob the Builder. Bands such as the Fairfield County Police Pipes and Drums, NYPD Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band, and high school bands from Brentwood, Uniondale, Trumbull, Westhill, and Stamford will be showing off their music and marching skills. Floats will be gliding down the avenue in all their holiday glitz.

Parade viewers can also expect to see dance groups such as Hoop Girls, Locust Performing Arts Center, City Center Dance, and Center Stage Dance Studio. Horse lovers may enjoy the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard.

Parade units often get special banner printing done before holidays so their colors will match the holiday theme.

Both novice and experienced clowns will be involved in shenanigans along the parade route. Route Marshalls will be directing parade flow and over 100,000 spectators are expected to line the sidewalks along the route.

Santa will be bringing up the rear for the official start of the Christmas holiday season.

The parade will start at noon at Hoyt and Summer intersection and end at Federal and Atlantic intersection.

The Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular will take place Sunday, November 20.