Stamford Balloons Soar To New Heights, Kick Off Holiday Season

STAMFORD, Conn. — One of the country's largest helium parades steps off every year in Stamford on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season.

Kung Fu Panda kicks things off as he makes his debut in Stamford's UBS Parade Spectacular on Sunday afternoon.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The Stamford Parade makes its way down Atlantic Street on Sunday afternoon.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Tens of thousands line the streets of Stamford for Sunday's parade.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

MC Alan Kalter cheers a balloon in the parade, next to Mayor David R. Martin.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A group of Santa dancers performs for the judging stand at Sunday's parade.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

11/23/2015 5:30 a.m.

This year, a balloon of Kung Fu Panda made its debut, kicking off a new tradition in the event. This was the 22nd year the parade stepped off, with the giant balloons winding through the city's downtown.

The event is the largest all year in Fairfield County, with crowds estimated in the tens of thousands. Spectators love the chance to get up-close views along the streets.

Over 1,500 volunteers take part in the event, working as balloon handlers, clowns, crowd wranglers and more.

This year, it featured bands and floats as well as the 14 big balloons, including Shrek, Mr. Potato Head, Elmo and Clifford The Big Red Dog. Daniel Tiger of PBS Kids fame also made his debut this year.

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