Every year the residents of Stamford and many others come together the weekend before Thanksgiving for the annual UBS Parade Spectacular. Families lined up along crosswalks throughout downtown Stamford to see the giant balloons, regardless of the windy weather that ended up delaying the parade by half an hour.

Several balloons were flown this year, including Shrek, Bob the Builder, Elmo, Fred Flintstone and many more.  In addition, several local marching bands lined up on Summer Street, including Stamford High, Westhill, and Brien McMahon High School’s bands.  Local dancers also participated in the Parade Spectacular, such as the Locust Performing Arts Center and Center Stage Dance Studio.

Mayor David Martin and Senator Richard Blumenthal also joined in the parade, interacting with the crowd as they walked the streets during this famous event with other special guests.