DECATUR, Ala. — The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is underway in Decatur!
Every year, hundreds of families head out to Point Mallard to see the balloons and enjoy music and food. After putting the event on pause last year due to the pandemic, pilots are ready to fly their balloons once again, weather permitting.
What happens at the Alabama Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend?
Event organizers spent Friday setting up the stage, tents, and food booths, but the real action will happen Saturday and Sunday when the pilots start inflating the hot air balloons.
Event organizers say there will be over fifty hot air balloons this year and that the community can expect to see some unique ones.
Alabama Jubilee Balloon Pilot Ken Garner said, "I hear there's a big moose coming to see us. I was talking to one of the guys that had inflated the moose in his front yard, and he said oh my gosh. He said this thing is almost three times as big as your typical balloon because of the antlers."
The Alabama Jubilee started over forty years ago after pilots first introduced the city to hot air balloons. Garner has been a balloon pilot with Alabama Jubilee since 1986. Out of his years, he expects this year to be the biggest.
"This year because of everything that we have had happen over the last year, I am looking for the largest crowds that we've ever had," said Garner.
Pilots planned to set up and inflate the hot air balloons Saturday at 6:00 a.m., but weather forced this to be canceled.
Throughout the day, pilots will offer tethered balloon rides weather permitting. Then as the sun sets, the balloons will all light up.
"The glow is probably the most spectacular thing that we do if it is done right and it's done right after dark," said Garner. "If you can imagine a sixty foot tall balloon lit up like a Christmas tree ornament. That's what we try and do."
What activities are there at Alabama Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend?
While the balloons draw in the crowds, there is much more to the event.
Garner said, "We've got an arts and crafts show. We've got a tractor show. We've got an antique car show. We've got the midway."
There is no fee to get in or to park at the event.
The Alabama Jubilee will end Sunday with a fireworks spectacular show at 9:45 pm.
For more information and time of events, click here.