Hot air balloons – The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic will celebrate the "Centennial of Flight" with an award presentation to Brigadier General Charles "Chuck" Yeager during the Memorial Day weekend festival in Decatur.
Published 7:49 pm Wednesday, April 30, 2003
By Staff
Yeager, known as the fastest man alive, was the first person to break the sound barrier. He did so Oct. 14, 1947, while he was a U.S. military test pilot. He will be presented with the Montgolfier Aeronautical Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is named in honor of Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier, who became the first hot air balloon pilots when their craft lifted off from a small French town on June 4, 1783.
Events at the three-day festival center around the race of up to 65 hot air balloonists. Other activities include the Decatur Art Guild Arts and Crafts show, the Tennessee Valley Antique Tractor and Engine show, KidStuff Children's Area, Classic Car Show, the River City Riders Harley Davidson Hangout, live entertainment, a fire works display, a petting zoo, pony rides, art contest and 5K run.
Admission to the festival is free.
