39°
The annual event, second only in size to Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, kicks off the holiday season in Stamford and throughout southwestern Fairfield County.
Among the thousands in attendance was Ashley Telesco of Stamford, along with her godchildren, brothers Drevon, 9, and Matthew Kearney, 5.
Telesco said she regularly attends the parade and enjoys how the whole city turns out to enjoy the festivities.
"It's the community aspect of it I like and the fact people get together, and it's for the kids," she said.
Drevon and Matthew said they both enjoyed the parade, with Matthew whispering in his older brother's ear about his favorite balloons.
They had a lot to watch as giant balloons, such as Elmo, Clifford, the big red dog, and Big Bird towered over the spectators. Occasionally along the route, the floating balloons had to be lowered to avoid becoming entangled in power lines. When the balloons successfully did the limbo under a power line, bystanders would give a goodhearted cheer.
The parade grand marshal was former Stamford Mayor and current Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. He and his wife, Cathy, sat up in a convertible as they waved at paradegoers.
Marching bands from New York State joined local marching bands from Stamford High School and Westhill High School. And as always, Santa Claus brought up the end of the parade.
UBS announced earlier this month that it will sponsor the parade again next year.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.
