Entertainment
Holiday Parade returns to Stamford Downtown
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Nov 5, 2009 - 11:29 AM

The holiday season will officially kick-off in Stamford Downtown on November 22 with the 16th annual UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center and The Advocate. Hosted by Stamford Downtown Special Services District and featuring 17 giant helium balloons, the annual parade is one of the largest of its kind in the country and the biggest single day event in Connecticut. Parade step-off will be at 12 noon on Summer and Hoyt Streets and conclude on Atlantic Street, just a few short blocks from the Stamford Metro-North Railroad Station providing frequent service from points north and south.

Every year about 200,000 spectators from around the region line the streets of Stamford Downtown for an up close view of the family-friendly festivities. This year the parade will feature a plethora of famous faces, new balloons, accomplished marching bands, fabulous floats and hundreds of volunteers.

To commemorate his television show’s recent move to Stamford, Maury Povich, host of the NBC Universal’s nationally syndicated talk show, “Maury,” will lead the parade as the grand marshal along with his wife, broadcaster, Connie Chung. “We are so proud to be the grand marshals for the parade! We feel a part of the Stamford community now and are honored. Plus, Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday. We give thanks to Stamford for welcoming us and making us feel at home,” commented Connie Chung and Maury Povich.

“ Late Show with David Letterman” personality Alan Kalter will return for the sixth year as the parade’s master of ceremonies at the grand stand. The Pixie’s Six, from last season’s “America’s Got Talent,” will also be on-hand to perform their show stopping dance and contortionist routine.

However, the real stars of the UBS Parade Spectacular are the giant helium balloons, some standing more than 50 feet above the ground. Stamford Downtown is excited to welcome the newly built Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Leonardo, flying in his inaugural parade. Spectators will also be enchanted by an oversized Cookie Monster and Super Grover as they make their Stamford debut this year. Returning favorites include: Bob the Builder; Clifford the Big Red Dog; Curious George; Elmo; Miss Piggy; Mr. Potato Head; Odie; Oscar the Grouch and Kermit. Comic strip fans will delight in the sight of giant Beetle Bailey being led through the streets of Stamford by his creator, Mort Walker.

Award winning marching bands from around Connecticut and New York will fill the day with music, including ensembles from: Uniondale High School, 200 members strong; Westhill High School; Stamford High School; Norwalk High School; Harrison High School; Greenwich High School; as well as the NYPD Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band.

The fun begins well before parade day when eager volunteers are trained to become clowns or balloon handlers. Training takes place on November 12 and more information is available at www.stamford-downtown.com. Almost 1,000 handlers are needed to guide the balloons through the parade route. The volunteers will be trained on maneuvers that require them to raise and lower the balloons, simulating the negotiation of obstacles the handlers will find along the parade route. They are also shown how to “spin” the balloon, a favorite technique used during the parade to show off their handling skills.

Parade fans won’t want to miss the Balloon Inflation Party sponsored by SAC Capital Advisors, LP on Saturday, November 21 from 3 – 6 p.m. on Hoyt Street at Summer. Live music, parade talent and cartoon characters will entertain spectators as they get a backstage look at the balloons coming to life.

For photographs and more information call 203-348-5285 or to see what’s happening in Stamford Downtown please visit www.stamford-downtown.com.

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