Event Information

General

The Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic has been a premier festival for 34 years!

Admission to the Alabama Jubilee is free!
Parking for the Jubilee is Free; though there is a small fee to ride the shuttle busses.

Hot-Air Balloons

The Alabama Jubilee features sixty balloons from around the US.

Saturday morning is the 'hare & hound' race in which balloons try to follow a 'hare' that will land and set out a target they will drop been-bags on.

Sunday balloons fly-into the field in the Lynn Layton Key Grab and attempt to grab a ring from the top off a tall pole.

Saturday evening the balloons light up the night with a balloon glow.

Sunday evening many balloons also offer free tethered rides, while some choose to fly.

To get the most out of the Alabama Jubilee keep these items in mind:

Balloons fly early in the morning and late afternoon. Morning flights begin at 6:00a.m.; Afternoon 6 ~ 7:30p.m.
Tethered rides require a signed a waiver of lability; children 19 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Many pilots will not tether children three and under. The loud burner noise can damage their ears.
Paid flights are not sold during the Jubilee. If you would like to purchase a ride for another time there are many pilots that sell them; go to www.heartofdixieballoonclub.com for more info.
Dress appropriately and wear sunscreen.
There is no smoking on the launch field. Balloons use liquid propane as fuel, which is highly flammable.
Dogs and pets are welcome but must be leashed and bagged after.

Crewing

It takes five or six people to launch and recover a balloon, and some pilots will depend on local people to help crew. If you would like to help we have a free crew school that will meet at Point Mallard Park; please check back for the date and time.

Crewing involves a little heavy lifting and knowledge of the local area. Crew help the pilot assemble, inflate & launch the balloon; then chase to the landing spot and help pack up. If you are interested in helping crew, come to the crew school and / or please contact us.

Live Music & Stage Acts

The Alabama Jubilee features many live acts and shows on our central stage. Many local and regional bands have played some of their first shows on our stage. Veterans are honored during an onstage ceremony; and live radio acts ham it up!

This year our musical acts include:

Coming Soon!

Congratulations to the WZYP North Alabama Idol winner:Danielle Scott from Huntsville

Tractor Show

Each year the Southland Flywheelers host a Tractor Show by the T.C. Almon Recreation Center. The show features the best restored and maintained tractors in the southeast. Come and see the tractors on display and the roaring power the demonstrations!

Arts & Crafts Show

The Decatur Arts Guild sponsors the Arts and Crafts show at the open air pavilion opposite T.C. Almon.

Exhibitors feature some of the most unique products found at any festival in the southeast: Pottery, Hand-Caned Baskets, Scroll Art, and even Iron Work can be found among the unique collections.

Antique Car Show

Come and see the classic cars at the Alabama Jubilee Auto Expo. Marvel over custom restorations, original vintage autos, kit cars and more.

If you own a classic car you too can participate by joining us Saturday morning and registering. You can win door prizes, and show off your ride!

Activities for Kids!

Kids, here are some fun actives for that you can ask your parents to print for you!

Find out how hot-air balloons fly.

Color your own balloon!

Do a word-find about hot-air balloons.

Find out more about hot-air ballooning in Alabama

Schedule

Please Note: All hot-air balloon events are weather permitting. Schedule is subject to change.

Legend:

Hot Air Balloon Events
Decatur Art Guild Arts & Crafts Show Events
Alabama Jubilee Auto Show Events
Southland Flywheeler Tractor Show Events
Entertainment / Bands at Main Jubilee Stage

Saturday - May 28, 2011

6:00am - 6:30amPilot Briefing for Hare & Hound Race
6:30am - 8:00amHare & Hound Balloon Race
7:00amArts & Crafts Show Opens (old ice rink)
8:00amSouthland Flywheelers Antique Tractor Show opens
8:30amSpecial event to raise money for American Red Cross and Salvation Army tornado relief efforts
8:30amAlabama Jubilee Auto Expo (behind Ice Complex) opens
10:00am - 11:00amSouthland Flywheelers Parade of Power (Parade around the Jubilee Field)
11:00amSouthland Flywheelers Tractor Games
11:00am - 1:00pmSouthland Flywheelers Pedal Tractor Park (6 years old and under)
11:00am - 12:00amTexaco Country Winner
12:00am - 1:00pmSouthern Splendor Barber Shop Quartet
1:00pm - 4:00pmWZYP's IDOL Competition Starts (signup www.wzyp.com)
3:00pmAlabama Jubilee Auto Expo closes
4:00pm - 5:00pmWalking the Ashes
5:00pm - 5:15pmPilots Briefing
5:15pm - DuskHot Air Balloon Flight
5:15pm - 6:00pmKaran Debracy - Nashville
6:00pm - 7:00pmSouthern Comfort
7:00pmArts & Crafts Shows Closes (old ice rink)
7:15pm - 8:20pmThe Shakes
8:20pm – 9:00pmHot Air Balloon Glow (Jubilee Field)
9:00pm - 9:30pmThe Shakes
9:30pm - 10:30pmChocolate Kracker

Sunday - May 29, 2011

6:00am – 6:30amPilot Briefing for Key Grab Race
6:30am - 8:00amLynn Layton Chevrolet Hot Air Balloon Key Grab Race
7:00amBalloons Begin Arriving on Field
8:00amArts & Crafts Shows Opens (old ice rink)
10:30am - 11:00amWorship Service, Central Baptist Student Ministry
1:00pm - 2:00pmMemorial Day Honor Ceremony & Military Tribute
2:00pm - 3:00pmArmy Materiel Command Four Star 21 Piece Band
3:00pm - 4:00pmHomeland Band
4:00pm - 5:00pmRodeo Truckers
5:00pm – 5:15pmHot Air Balloon Pilot Briefing
5:15pm – 8:00Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides
5:15pm - 6:30pmCrossfire
6:00pmArts & Crafts Shows Closes (old ice rink)
6:30pm - 6:45pmTexas Country Showdown Winner Performs
6:45pm - 7:45Black Dog Saint
7:45pm - 8:00pmWZYP IDOL Competition Winner Performs
8:00pm - 9:30pmGuy Penrod (former lead with Bill Gaither Vocal Band)
9:30pm – 10:00pmAlabama Jubilee Fireworks Spectacular; provided by Pyro Shows
10:00pm - 11:00pmBlack Dog Saint

Directions & Parking

Location:

Point Mallard Park

2901 Point Mallard Drive
Decatur, Alabama

Parking:

Parking areas are shown on the map below ('P' symbol); regular event parking at all Point Mallard Park parking lots and marked remote lots is free.

Handicap parking at all main Point Mallard park lots is open to all tagged vehicles and and drop-off in the parking area adjacent to the launch field is allowed. All parking is first-come-first-served.

Parking at Wolverine Park on Point Mallard Parkway also has a park-and-ride service via MCATS shuttles from the parking lot to the Alabama Jubilee field and back from 3 to 10 p.m. Parking is free. Shuttle rides are $1.00 per person, per way.

View Alabama Jubilee in a larger map