Bands and balloons filled Summer Street in Stamford on Sunday for the annual UBS Parade Spectacular.

Thousands of spectators attended the event, which kicks off the holiday season in southwestern Connecticut. The Norwalk Marching Bears debuted their new uniforms during the parade, and many volunteers showcased their helium balloon handling by spinning and moving the balloons for the crowd.

The parade places seven floats, 20 dance troupes and 13 marching bands on display. One of the largest balloons this year is Curious George, who takes about 5,500 cubic feet of helium to fill.