Alabama Jubilee
Danielle Gibson • March 25, 2022
Up, Up, and Away

Saturday
- Start your morning early with the help of a cup of hot coffee at the hotel.
- Arrive at Point Mallard Park at 6:30 a.m. to watch as the hot-air balloons take to the air for the Hound and Hare Race.
- Spend your morning listening to regional artists on the live entertainment stage and don’t forget to check out the antique tractors and automobiles.
- Sample tasty treats from the festival’s many food vendors.
- Spend the afternoon cooling off in the waves of America’s First Wave Pool at the nearby J. Gilmber Blackburn Aquatic Center.
- Taste some of the South’s finest barbecue at the famed Big Bob Gibson restaurant, located at 1715 6th Ave SE.
- Return to the hotel to get plenty of sleep for an early morning on Sunday.
Sunday
- Travel to Point Mallard Park and arrive at 6:30 a.m. for the Key Grab Race, as hot-air balloon pilots compete for a new car.
- Practice your golfing skills at Point Mallard’s Strike Zone Driving Range before playing a round of golf at the park’s championship golf course.
- For lunch, relax at the Mallard Grill, located on the golf course at Point Mallard Park. Fill your plate with Southern “comfort” food and keep your glass filled with sweet tea.
- Return to the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon and Music Festival to browse through the arts and craft fair and listen to live music.
- As the sun goes down, make sure you have your camera ready as the balloons light-up the evening sky during the Balloon Glow event.
- Find a great spot to view the Fireworks Extravaganza.
- Leave Decatur for home and make plans to visit again soon!

In the heart of Old Town Decatur, Alabama, First Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and history. Established in 1866 by 21 formerly enslaved individuals, the church has not only served as a spiritual home for its congregation but also as a significant symbol of African American perseverance and architectural heritage. The church's beginnings trace back to the home of Jane Young, where its founding members gathered under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Peters, the first pastor. Initially, services were held in a modest storefront along the Tennessee River, embodying the dedication and commitment of its members despite limited resources. In 1873, the congregation took a significant step forward by purchasing a building from a white Methodist congregation, establishing a more permanent place of worship.First Missionary Baptist Church's current home, constructed in 1921, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical Romanesque architecture, designed by the renowned Wallace Augustus Rayfield. Rayfield, a trailblazing African American architect, is best known for designing the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which became a tragic yet powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1963 bombing. His influence is evident in the thick brick walls, rounded arches, towering structures, and striking stained-glass windows of First Missionary Baptist Church, which shares design elements with its Birmingham counterpart. Throughout its history, First Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a pillar of the African American community in Decatur. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, the church became a hub of resistance and advocacy. Notably, during the infamous Scottsboro Boys trials of the 1930s, the church provided a safe space for meetings between defense attorneys and prospective jurors, demonstrating its commitment to justice and equality. While the church remains a cornerstone of Decatur's African American community, it has faced its share of struggles as years have gone by. Despite these challenges, the congregation remains steadfast in preserving this historic landmark. Efforts are underway to restore and maintain the building, with hopes of transforming it into a destination for Civil Rights education, historical tours, architectural enthusiasts and more. First Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a structure; it is a living testament to faith, endurance, and cultural heritage. Its story, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history in the South, deserves recognition and preservation for future generations. With ongoing community support, this historic church can continue to serve as an enduring symbol of resilience and progress.

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year in the River City, look no further! We’ve put together the ultimate New Year’s Eve itinerary to ensure you have an evening full of amazing food, drinks, and excitement. From a fantastic dinner to a lively pre-game cocktail hour, and an unforgettable casino night, the River City has it all.