Thanksgiving Balloon Parade Canceled In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — The 2020 Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular scheduled for November has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns, event officials announced Thursday.

According to the Stamford Downtown Special Services District, the decision to cancel the event was made in accordance with the guidance of public health officials and Gov. Ned Lamont.

The DSSD also noted the "health and welfare of the community" is of primary concern. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"We know the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular is a time-honored community tradition that many look forward to each year," DSSD president David Kooris said in a statement, "and we thank our sponsors, participants, volunteers and residents for their patience and understanding."

Kooris noted this year's event would have been the 27th annual parade, and 2020 marks the first year it has had to be canceled.

"We are talking with our sponsors and partners and thinking of creative experiences that can drive people to Stamford Downtown this fall/winter," Kooris said, "and we look forward to presenting the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular next year."

The popular event, which features giant helium balloons, is typically held just before Thanksgiving and draws large crowds to the city's downtown area. The event was initially scheduled to take place Nov. 22.

Kooris said next year's parade is currently scheduled to take place Nov. 21, 2021.