Friday, September 25, 2009

ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S 100 BEST EVENTS FOR 2010--UBS PARADE SPECTACULAR


AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION NAMES UBS PARADE SPECTACULAR
ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S 100 BEST EVENTS FOR 2010
Event is a Ticket to Fun and to Critical Group Tourism Dollars


The American Bus Association (ABA) announced today that the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center to be held on November 21, 2010, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2010 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.

With the release of the American Bus Association's 2010 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 28 years of the Top 100 Events. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

"The attractiveness of the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center  as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Stamford, Connecticut," said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Stamford
an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to studies recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $13,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

"Simply put," said Pantuso, "motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer. That's why the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay."

"We are proud to the recipient of this award for the third time," said Sandy Goldstein, president of the Stamford Downtown Special Services, the organization responsible for producing this fabulous event.  "We hope everyone attends the event this year as well on November 22, 2009 and hope to attract even larger crowds in 2010 as a result of this award." The Parade Spectacular was also awarded this prestigious award in 2001 and 2007.

ABA's 2010 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the UBS Parade Spectacular presented by Stamford Town Center from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and convention and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org.

 
 

Note: This year's parade is Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009.

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Stamford Downtown 2009-10 -- SIGNATURE EVENTS*


 

Stamford Downtown Special Services District

2009-2010 Calendar of Signature Events


 

SAC Capital Advisors Giant Balloon Inflation Party

Saturday, November 21, 2009

3-6 pm, Summer & Hoyt Streets

Join us for this backstage look at the parade and watch the giant helium balloons come to life. Save the date in 2010: Nov. 20.


 

UBS Parade Spectacular

presented by Stamford Town Center

Sunday, November 22, 2009

12 noon step-off, Summer & Hoyt Streets

One of the largest helium balloon parades in the country, it features everyone's favorite giant balloon characters, award winning marching bands and fabulous floats. Fun for the whole family. Save the date in 2010: Nov. 21.


 

Heights & Lights

Rappelling Santa and Holiday Tree Lighting

Presented by First County Bank

and Reckson Associates, A Division of SL Green

Sunday, December 6, 2009 4:30 pm, Landmark Square

From 22 stories high above Stamford Downtown, watch and cheer for Santa Claus as he makes his daredevil descent, twisting and flying from the top of one of Stamford's tallest buildings, Landmark Square. Then follow Santa up Bedford Street to Latham Park for an evening of holiday fun with live music and join in the countdown of the annual lighting of Stamford's Holiday Tree. Save the date in 2010: Dec. 5.


 

Stamford Tables Winter Restaurant Weeks

Winter, 2010

Please visit www. stamford-downtown.com for dates and participating restaurants. Stamford Restaurant Weeks is a great way to explore Stamford Downtown restaurants with specially priced menus.


 

Art in Public Places

June-August, 2010

Each year Stamford Downtown hosts a distinguished outdoor sculpture exhibit designed to attract both local and regional audiences. Art in Public Places features sculptures lining the sidewalks and parks of the Downtown as well as the Stamford Town Center.


 


 

French Market (Farmers' Market)

June through November, 2010

Bedford Street at Forest - Saturdays

Visit our farmers' market with vendors offering the freshest fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods and more! Straight from the farm and right to your home.


 

Alive @ Five Outdoor Summer Concert Series

Thursday Evenings, Summer 2010 (Dates TBD)

5:00 pm, Columbus Park

Live music from national and regional headliners, which attracts after work crowds and families. Thursday nights in Columbus Park have become a ritual in Stamford Downtown with great music, great dancing and great times!


 

Pops in the Park

Wednesday Evenings, July, 2010 (Dates TBD)

Enjoy Pops concerts outdoors in July. This Wednesday night series has featured the Stamford Symphony Orchestra, The Stylistics, Bowzer's Rock 'n' Roll Party, Barbara Cook, Joe Piscopo and others.


 

Stamford Downtown Street Beat
Summer 2010 (Dates TBD)

6: 30pm throughout Stamford Downtown

This program features Pop, Classical or Jazz acoustic street musicians performing on street corners throughout Stamford Downtown.


 

Stamford Tables Summer Restaurant Weeks

August, 2010 (Dates TBD)

Please visit www. stamford-downtown.com for dates and participating restaurants. Stamford Restaurant Weeks is a great way to celebrate the summer of 2010 with specially priced menus.


 

A Grand Summer Night, Dine Around

August, 2010 (Date TBD)

Organized by the "Friends of Stamford Downtown" this annual fund-raiser salutes fine dining in Stamford Downtown. Call 203-348-5285 for an invitation.


 

Arts & Crafts on Bedford

September, 2010 (Date TBD)

Shop at over 80 craft and artisan boutiques on Bedford Street, which will be closed to traffic for the weekend.


 

*subject to change. Check stamford-downtown.com for details or call 348-5285.

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Monday, September 14, 2009

At summer's end...

Summer is close to over, and for me, it's been eventful. I'll start by mentioning the 7 amazing Alive at 5 concerts, and the sculpture in the streets, but just this past weekend, Tony Bennett performed at the Palace! A couple of friends of mine had went to see him and were blown away. Amazed at the talent and the stamina he displayed, but mostly his old style. Well, I wasn't lucky enough to see him croon, but I did however get the chance to visit the The Arts and Crafts on Bedford yesterday. It ran the whole weekend, but I waited till the sun came out on Sunday, to take the stroll. A large selection of vendors keep me bouncing around. What a terrific place to find an unique piece of jewelry, or a special gift. (I collected a few business cards since I know I will be looking for a special gift and will certainly search them on the web) Hubby and I had the best time just zig zagging about. Jewelry was my mission, so we seemed to stop for that more often. Found a quirky pair of earrings I bought from Sheryl Blais, who is my favorite booth this year. Love her jewelry.
If you like watercolor paintings, you couldn't go wrong at the Bob Callahan Design tent. The most fabulous "island" watercolors have the power to transport you to the bluest waters, and whitest sands. So, after meandering down Bedford Street, my husband and I stopped for a bite at Butterfield 8. We dined on their extended outdoor patio (I knew it was extended cause they email-blasted me so), and watched the other fair-goers shop around. Most memorable of the meal was a salt & pepper calamari. Served with specks of red and green peppers nestled inside a deep fried shell. It was just the right spicy and just the right crunchy. It was fun to casually linger at the fair. A nice end to an eventful summer...

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Thursday, September 3, 2009

Arts, Crafts on Bedford Street -- 9/12 & 9/13, Rain or Shine

Stamford Downtown Special Services District is presenting Arts & Crafts on Bedford, a weekend event featuring over 75 craft and artisan boutiques on Bedford Street in Stamford Downtown, which will be closed to traffic on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 & 13 from 11am – 6pm.“Sophisticated, chic and energetic set in a lovely urban environment. For those who appreciate fine arts and good food.” ACF News.Don’t miss the Imagination Station with “hands on” activities for kids presented by the Stamford Museum and Nature Center and the Bartlett Arboretum including farm animals, crafts and face painting.

Arts & Crafts on Bedford is presented by Stamford Downtown Special Services District and the City of Stamford and is sponsored by Heineken, Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, Agora Spa, Holiday Inn Stamford Downtown, The Advocate, Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Bartlett Arboretum, Crystal Rock, The Care of Trees, Prism Marketing, 95.9 The Fox, 96.7 The Coast, WSTC/WNLK radio stations, Fairfield County Weekly, Event Management Inc., Simply Signs and Happyhaha Studio Photography.For more information please visit www.stamford-downtown.com or email or call Annette Einhorn at 203-348-5285, annette@stamford-downtown.com.
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