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UBS Parade Rises Again In Stamford On Sunday

STAMFORD, Conn. -- The holiday season kicks off in Stamford this weekend as the UBS Parade Spectacular once again fills downtown with giant inflated balloons, marching bands and dancers -- and Sandy Goldstein couldn't be more excited.

Volunteers let the 35-foot high Abby Cadabby balloon rise during a media event Nov. 6 promoting this Sunday's UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday. She will make her debut in the Stamford parade this year.

Volunteers let the 35-foot high Abby Cadabby balloon rise during a media event Nov. 6 promoting this Sunday's UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday. She will make her debut in the Stamford parade this year.

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern, File

"This parade is going to be sensational. We will have 16 phenomenal balloons, 12 high school or college marching bands and five dance troupes and the weather is with us," said Goldstein, president of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District. 

She laughed when mentioning the forecast, which calls for temperatures in the 50s as the parade steps off Sunday, a big improvement over the freezing mid-week temperatures that hit the area.

The Stamford Downtown Special Services District organizes the parade and other events throughout the year. The parade, held the weekend before Thanksgiving and starring Santa Claus, is now in its 21st year. It is one of the largest events in Fairfield County and is a signature event for the Stamford area. 

The fun kicks off the evening before the parade with a giant balloon inflation party. Fans of the parade can watch as the balloons come to life in the fun-filled family event held from 3 to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Summer and Hoyt streets.

Those attending the parade will get a glimpse of favorite son Dannel P. Malloy, the former Stamford mayor and recently re-elected governor, who will be grand marshal. Alan Kalter from the "Late Show With David Letterman" will once again serve as the master of ceremonies.

New this year is the renowned Extreme Pogo Xpogo stunt team.

The parade begins at noon. Motorists are reminded that many downtown city streets will be closed to traffic and that parking will be at a premium with tens of thousands of people expected to pour into the city for the parade.

The parade route starts on Summer Street at Hoyt Street, then proceeds south on Summer, East on Broad, then south on Atlantic Street. It ends at Federal Street.

For a list of street closings, click here. For a map of the parade route and parking options, click here. For general information on the parade and the inflation party, visit the website for the Stamford Downtown Special Services District. 

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