STAMFORD, CT – Stamford Downtown is proud to announce that Point72, a global asset management firm headquartered in Stamford, will be returning as sponsor of the Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party on November 18.
On the eve of the 30th annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, those wishing for a behind-the-scenes look at how the parade’s giant helium balloons come to life are invited to attend the Point72 Giant Balloon Inflation Party. This pre-parade event, hosted by Point72 and taking place on Saturday, November 18 from 3-6 p.m. at the intersection of Hoyt Street and Summer Street in Stamford Downtown, will allow spectators an up-close-and-personal look at the balloons as they take to the sky in preparation for their flights above the streets of Stamford.
“We’re so happy to continue our longstanding partnership with Point72 to be able to bring the inflation party to Stamford Downtown and the broader community,” said David Kooris, President of Stamford Downtown. “Being able to kick off the parade weekend with an evening event chock full of entertainment is such a phenomenal lead-in to the Parade Spectacular the following morning. Seeing children’s faces light up as the balloons fill up and take shape makes us all feel like kids again.”
The party will offer music, clowns and cartoon characters, and a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Spectators will be treated to a special performance by parade talent, who will provide thrilling tricks that they have planned for Sunday’s parade. In addition, Locust Performing Arts Center of Stamford will entertain the gathered crowd. The event is a perfect sampling of parade talent and is sure to delight spectators of all ages.
The parade, taking place on Sunday, November 19, is one of the largest of its kind in the country, with more than 100,000 spectators annually. The parade is produced by Stamford Downtown Special Services District.
Planned highlights of the parade include 15 giant balloons including favorites Abby Cadabby, Bob the Builder, Daniel Tiger, Elmo, Mr. Potato Head, Oscar the Grouch, Peppa Pig and more! In addition to the procession’s signature balloons, the streets will be filled with music from the Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corp., the NYPD Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band, high school marching bands from Stamford, Westhill, Trumbull, Uniondale, and Brentwood, and new to the parade this year Hartford’s Proud Drill Drum & Dance Corp. and the John F. Kennedy Marching Eagles from Waterbury. There will be fabulous floats and dance groups including Center Stage Dance Studio, City Center Dance Performing Company, Dance on the DL, Hoop Girls of Stamford, Ladies of Finesse Dance Company, Locust Performing Arts Center of Stamford and The Pulse Performing Arts Studio’s nova jazz. Colin Cosell, Public Address Announcer for the New York Mets and New York Riptide, will return as the parade’s Master of Ceremonies.
The parade is scheduled to begin at noon on November 19 at the intersection of Summer Street at Hoyt Street and conclude on Atlantic Street, just a few short blocks from the Stamford Metro-North Railroad Station.
