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It's the 23rd year the parade and the 11th year that UBS has been the title sponsor. Mayor David Martin's Chief of Staff Michael Pollard said UBS's involvement has transformed and expanded the parade.
"They transform Stamford's holiday parade into something well beyond what anybody could have ever imagined," Pollard said of the parade's evolution into a massive event that draws tens of thousands of people to the area.
"They have balloons like (New York City's) Macy's holiday parade and then have the local flavor to it. You are now drawing in literally hundreds of thousands of people to the city and it has really bolstered our economy. They have done more to improve the city's economy on one day than any single group."
Lori Feinsilver, UBS head of community affairs for the Americas, said the company is proud to support the parade.
"It is a tremendous source of pride for us. This year over 800 employees, clients and friends are going to be participating in the parade," she said.
Sandy Goldstein, president of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District, said she's praying for good weather for the parade that draws the largest crowd of any one-day activity in the state.
"It is the single biggest day event in the state," she said. "It is a must-see on bus trips for groups that want something to do on the weekend. It is a must-do thing for kids in the region."
For this year's event, attendees are urged not to take backpacks and large bags as they may be searched by police.
The parade begins at noon with the starting point at the intersection of Summer and Hoyt Streets. The parade continues down Summer Street and makes a left on to Broad Street and then a right on to Atlantic Street where it ends at 400 Atlantic St.
Television personality Alan Kalter is the master of ceremonies.
The evening before the balloon inflation party will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Summer and Hoyt Streets.
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