The annual Parade Spectacular in downtown Stamford for Thanksgiving has been canceled for the first time in 27 years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials made the announcement today, and say managing the crowds was just one of the challenges that lead to the decision.

Stamford Downtown President David Kooris says it was a difficult decision to make.

"Not only would managing crowds in a prudent manner be challenging, but high school bands aren't practicing, not all dance troops are practicing, the balloons come from out of state, which is fluctuating on the quarantine list. So while we may have been able to thread the needle and come up with something that just worked, based on today's guidelines, who knows how they would change between now and the end of November," Kooris says.

The Parade Spectacular is an alternative to the Macy's Day Parade in New York City, and typical draws in 100,000 people from across the tri-state area.

It's held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

For those still looking for some holiday fun, Kooris says they're working on some smaller events.

The annual repel at Landmark Square featuring Santa and Yankees GM Brian Cashman will be broadcast on the YES Network.