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37 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 2018 2018 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 37 "Minerva" by Reuben Nakian in Kiwanis Park, Stamford. of them are free. One example is the Summer in the City events. With funding from UTC, we are making sure that the fireworks are coming back, the Puerto Rican Day Parade is coming back, as well as the jazz festival and the Dragon Boat & Asian Festival," she said. "There's a lot going on, and we're always battling to get the word out. It's a matter of trying to get people interested, energized and excited about what they can do after work or on the weekend. Our mission is to inspire everyone to participate in the arts." In Stamford, a fading away of active arts and culture organizations prompted the city last year to establish the Stamford Arts & Culture Commission under the umbrella of economic development. Thomas Madden is director of economic development for the commission. He said while the organization is still "laying the groundwork" to some degree, "we've attacked quite a few of the things that we initially set out to do. One was getting a listing together of all culture and arts organizations in Stamford, including nonprofits and galleries that we can work with in developing our arts and culture plan." Another goal was to create an innovation district, as well as to organize a lot of different fun events. "We have all age groups in Stamford – millennials, Gen Y, Gen X, and baby boomers," said Madden. "We're creating a calendar of all kinds of different events and putting on an assortment that reaches everybody." He said Stamford is really "a day tourism destination." Some of the city's concerts draw 5,000 to 10,000 people. Stamford also hosts a big balloon parade near Thanksgiving. "We're the largest balloon parade outside of New York City, with 150,0000 to 200,000 people coming in. And then, of course, you have the spinoff effect from that." Other events include 5K runs, HarborFest, a food truck festival, art shows, an annual ARTWALK, and a classic car show at Harbor Point. Upcoming activities include outdoor murals, street artists, the installation of a giant Marilyn Monroe statue, and a digital projection and mapping event. Madden said the commission is in engaged in cross-promotion by working on a city "pass" that will include train fare and entrance into a variety of local attractions. He said the reaction to the organization's efforts has been very positive. "A lot of people are very happy that we're finally able to recognize the arts in a way that will put [arts] on the forefront." ENTERTAINMENT & DIGITAL MEDIA "Mommy's Shoes" by Prince Monyo Mihailescu-Nasturel, in Latham Park, Stamford.