SPECTACULAR PARADE

Stamford, Conn. helium balloon parade lifts spirits

STAMFORD, CONN. » Nearly 60foot tall versions of Barney, Shrek, Fred Flintstone and Oscar the Grouch were among the many helium-filled balloons that floated over the streets of Stamford, Conn. on Sunday for the city’s 24th UBS Parade Spectacular.

More than 200,000 spectators turned out for the celebration, which lasted over two hours and also featured bands, entertainers and colorful floats.

Similar in scope to the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, this event is one of the largest parades in the country.

Best of all, guests don’t have to forego Thanksgiving dinner at home to see it, and travel to and from Stamford is much easier to negotiate than the Big Apple.

So this would be a good time to circle next year’s parade date — Sunday, Nov. 18 — on the 2018 calendar because it’s one that shouldn’t be missed for anyone wanting to get in the holiday spirit.

Other bigger-than-life balloon favorites included likenesses of Po from “Kung Fu Panda,” Mr. Potato Head, Bob the Builder, Paddington Bear and a giant Chinese dragon.

There were a dozen balloons in total. It takes 62,260 cubic feet of helium to fill them all. More than 1,500 volunteers walked the mile-long parade route, many of them working hard to keep balloons under control under a sunny, blustery afternoon.

At some locations, balloon tenders stopped and spun balloons around by running in circles, drawing cheers from kids and adults alike.

Spectators were amazed at

stunts performed by comedic daredevil Bello Nock, who has been included on TIME Magazine’s list of “America’s Best Artists & Entertainers.” He gets a bird’s-eye view of the parade by sitting atop a 30foot high pole that swings back and forth like a pendulum. Instead of clinging on for dear life, his antics keep onlookers spellbound.

Stamford’s Christmas time celebration continues at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 with a rappelling Santa and tree lighting event starring guest rappeller Brian Cashman, general manager of the New York Yankees.

Cashman, Santa Claus, Rudolph and Grinch will make a daredevil descent, twisting and flying from the top of one of Stamford’s tallest buildings, 22-story high Landmark Square.

Then Santa and friends will go to Latham Park for an evening of holiday music and a countdown for the lighting of Stamford’s Christmas tree.

For more information, go to http://stamforddowntown.com/ what-todo/events/.

PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM A colorful Mr. Potato Head balloon kept people entertained during the UBS Parade Spectacular in Stamford, Conn.

PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and characters from “The Nutcracker” rode one of many parade floats.

PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM Bert, the “Sesame Street” character, was a hit with kids during the parade.

PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM Shrek brought smiles to people’s faces all along the parade route.

PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM Fred Flintstone came to life during the parade. Yabba Dabba Doo!

PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM Elmo was a crowd-pleaser during the parade.