Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic returns

DECATUR – After last May, when most staple north Alabama events canceled due to the coronavirus, a flurry of festivals will bring hot-air balloons, concerts, rodeos and more back to the Tennessee Valley to kick off summer. Included in that list is the highly anticipated Alabama Jubilee at Point Mallard Park in Decatur.

Splashes of reds, pinks, blues, greens and purples will color the north Alabama sky as more than 50 hot-air balloons take flight during the annual Alabama Jubilee. Highlights of the two-day festival include the Hare and Hound Race on May 29 at 6:15 a.m., the balloon glow on May 29 at 8:15 p.m., and the key grab on May 30 at 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Along with high-flying fun, the festival will feature a car expo, antique tractor show, tractor parade at 10 a.m. and tractor games for children 6 and younger at 11 a.m., on May 29, and an arts and craft show, live music and evening tethered balloon rides on May 29 and May 30.

The festival will culminate with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. on May 30.