The Alabama Jubilee festival began two years before I was born, in 1977. By the 1985 Jubilee race we had moved to north Alabama from our gateway to the Rockies in Colorado. In a fairytale welcoming that a 6-year-old kid could not have dreamt, I watched a dozen brightly colored hot-air balloons land across the field from my family’s farm near Belle Mina on Memorial Day Weekend.

Fast-forward to current day and the Alabama Jubilee, held at Point Mallard park, now boasts more than sixty balloons from around the United States competing in two balloon races. This weekend the event – which earned Decatur the nickname ‘Ballooning Capital of Alabama’ – marks its 35th year honoring those who died in military service.

Race to the Finish

First up this Saturday morning at 6:30 am is the popular ‘Hare & Hound’ race. In this competition a leading hot-air balloon, termed the ‘hare,’ takes off first towards a destination unknown to other racers. The remaining hot-air balloons, called the ‘hounds,’ follow in pursuit of the hare.

Nearly sixty hot-air balloons chase the first racer out of Point Mallard park, and through the rural Alabama countryside, until they come upon an enormous target on the ground. Prior to the race, every balloon is outfitted with equal numbers of bean bags, which are now hurled at the ground target. From hundreds of feet in the air the winner is determined by tossing their bag closest to the center of the bull’s-eye. If that isn’t good, old-fashioned entertainment then I don’t know what is!

Grab It

The second premiere race begins early on Sunday morning around 6:30 am weather permitting. Titled the “Key Grab” race, it entails flight of the hot-air balloons back into Point Mallard park. There, they compete for a grand prize vehicle given by a local automotive dealer. The competition is a ‘key grab’ with a towering pole, where a ring attached to the tip of the pole stands between the balloon pilot and a new set of wheels.

A representative of the Decatur Convention & Visitors Bureau – who orchestrate the entire Jubilee event – commented that “the competition has not had a winner in several years. Hopefully this year will be the year.”

Ride the Balloons

The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is May 26 & 27, 2012 at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, Alabama. Admission and parking are free, and tethered balloons rides are available throughout the day for children over the age of three. You’ll also want to check out the Jubilee live music, an antique car and tractor show, arts & crafts, and myriad food vendors.

Interested in a balloon ride another time? Check out the Heart of Dixie Balloon Club for more information.

Must-See Jubilee Events

Here’s a selection of the many events going on this weekend at the Jubilee. For a complete list of events, click here.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

12:00pm – 2:45pm: WZYP North Alabama IDOL Competition
8:00pm – 8:45pm: Hot Air Balloon Glow at Jubilee Field

Sunday, May 27, 2012

4:15pm – 5:00pm: U.S. Army Materiel Command Four Star Jazz Orchestra
5:15-8:00pm: Tethered hot air balloon rides
9:30pm – 10:00pm: Alabama Jubilee Fireworks Spectacular

Event Details

Dates and Times:
Saturday, May 26th: 6am-11pm
Sunday, May 27th: 6am-11pm
Location: Point Mallard Park. Click here for directions and parking.
Cost: Free

All photos courtesy of the Alabama Jubilee.