Thanksgiving Celebration Returns: Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

Nov 23

A cherished tradition the Sunday before Thanksgiving has returned for the 29th time after a two year absence due to COVID, tens of thousands of people from all over Fairfield and Westchester counties lined the streets of downtown Stamford to marvel at the 15 giant 30' high balloons, listened to marching bands and enjoyed a variety of performing artists. The parade is acknowledged to be one of the largest of it's kind in country. Stamford and Westhill's bands were joined by Trumbull High and New York's Uniondale and Brentwood bands.
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Fan favorite balloons including Bob The Builder, Shrek, Scooby Doo, Peppa Pig, Daniel Tiger and many other popular characters required much attention from their handlers as brisk winds posed a challenge for those trying to maneuver their charges through city streets as they carefully threaded past overhead street signs and traffic lights. As usual, the crowd chanting spin, spin, spin added to the handler's difficult task.

What seemed like a small army of clowns walked the entire parade route, delighting children and stopping to give high fives and posing for selfies.
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Dance performances were provided by Locust Performing Arts Center, Center Stage Dance Studio, City Center Dance and The Pulse nova jazz groups. Hoop girls also showed their skills to the cord along the route.
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Entertainers including new to the parade this year were the beautifully costumed acrobats of New York City based Cirque-tacular Productions and also the cast of the play Something Rotten opening soon at Stamford's Westhill High School who treated viewer to a sneak-peek of their production.
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Parade organizers this year invited Stamford native Colin Cosell, announcer for the NY Mets to fill the role of Master of Ceremonies from his position at the reviewing stand as he introduces the many performers and marchers. Among those in attendance were Stamford mayor Caroline Simmons and Ct Attorney General William Tong.