SHARE

Fans Big And Small Step Out For Balloon Parade In Stamford

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Thousands of people thrilled to giant helium balloons and marching bands at the annual UBS Parade Spectacular that marched through downtown Stamford on a cloudy Sunday afternoon.

Finley Kappler, center, watches his first UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday, along with his parents Libby and Christopher.

Finley Kappler, center, watches his first UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday, along with his parents Libby and Christopher.

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern
The Very Hungry Caterpillar ballon takes part in the UBS Parade Spectacular.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar ballon takes part in the UBS Parade Spectacular.

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern
Big Bird looms over the crowd at the UBS Parade Spectacular Sunday in Stamford.

Big Bird looms over the crowd at the UBS Parade Spectacular Sunday in Stamford.

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern

Among the attendees was Finley Kappler, who was watching his very first parade. It's understandable that it's his first: He's only a-year-and-a-half-old, and he went with his parents, Libby and Christopher.

"It's been great," Libby Kappler said of the outing. "It's kind of crowded, but it's not bad."

It's fun to get an up-close view of the giant, colorful balloons that most will see only on television at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade later this week.

This year’s parade in Stamford featured returning favorites among the balloons, such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Big Bird, Elmo, Mr. Potato Head, Paddington Bear, Scooby-Doo, Shrek and Super Grover, along with this year's debut of Kung Fu Panda.

The New York Police Department's Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band was one of the crowd favorites, along with high school groups from Stamford, Westhill, Trumbull, Brentwood and Harrison.

The parade, in its 22nd year, has become an institution in Stamford and Fairfield County, with huge crowds turning out. This year was no different, as crowds were 10 deep and more along the parade route winding through downtown Stamford.

to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE