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The giant helium balloon will be making its first appearance this year at the annual parade, which will step off Sunday, Nov. 23, said Sandy Goldstein, president of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District.
"We have 16 magnificent helium balloons that will be gracing our parade route,'' Goldstein said. "It's going to be a phenomenal, phenomenal day. Twelve bands and numerous dancing groups, just phenomenal."
The parade is celebrating its 20th year and its 16th year with large helium balloons.
"Last year we had 200,000 people come to the parade, this year, who knows?" she said.
If you don't know Abby Cadabby, she is a 3-year-old fairy-in-training who lives on "Sesame Street." The pink and purple wand-carrying muppet made her debut in 2006, and her name, obviously, is a play on the magic word Abracadabra.
Lori Feinsilver, head of community affairs for UBS, told the crowd gathered for the announcement that the company will be back next year as the major sponsor for the event. Rumors had swirled that UBS was looking to move from its downtown campus, but Gov. Dannel Malloy announced a deal last week to keep the bank in the city until at least 2021.
"This is an event we look forward to every single year," she said. "This is really about community."
The master of ceremonies for the event will be Alan Kalter, from the "Late Show With David Letterman." The Xpogo stunt team, an extreme pogo team, will also be participating, Goldstein said.
Mayor David Martin said the annual parade is a thrilling one for children and for the city.
"The energy and the love and excitement of those kids is equivalent to priceless," he said. "It is a terrific event for everybody all around and the City of Stamford is proud to have this event and it is something that really stands out in all of Fairfield County and in all of Connecticut."
Goldstein said the parade has become an event that binds the community together.
"This event touches the heart of so many people," she said.
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