Gumby balloon in the Parade Spectacular, November 21, 1999. Photo: Carmine Picarello, courtesy Stamford Downtown Special Services District

Parade Spectacular (Stamford)

Stamford's annual holiday balloon parade started six years ago as a small, hometown affair and has become the largest event of its kind in the country, with 30 giant helium balloons floating above the city.

The parade showcases the city and its rich cultural diversity. In 1999, it drew an estimated quarter million people to the downtown area, not only Stamford residents, but spectators from the surrounding region and nearby states.

Stamford has the only balloon parade in Connecticut, and only the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City draws a bigger crowd.

Originally submitted by: Christopher Shays, Representative (4th District).

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