Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The beloved event marked it’s 30th appearance this year better than ever. Thousands of people from all over Fairfield and Westchester counties lined the streets of downtown Stamford to marvel at 15 giant, 30' high balloons, listened to marching bands and enjoyed a variety of performing artists.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The parade is acknowledged to be one of the largest of it's kind in country. There were, as always several excellent marching bands, various entertainers including talented dance performers from area dance schools, the high energy clowns and of course The Grinch and Whoville and closing the parade were Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Westport was well represented by Westport volunteer EMS including Nancy Surace and crew chief Brian Crane who patrolled the parade route on bicycle, and even rendered aid to one youngster with a minor issue.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.