Celebrate Memorial Day and honor the nation’s veterans at weekend events across the state. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon ride in Decatur, see a Civil War battle at Tannehill State Park or enjoy down home cuisine at a low country boil in Mentone.
The Alabama Tourism Department has compiled the following 10 family-friendly events to kick off the 2009 summer season:
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival, May 23-24, Decatur
One of the largest free balloon festivals in the Southeast, featuring balloon races, kite flying, car show, arts, musical entertainment, food and a children’s area. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Event is free. For more information: 800.524.6181, www.decaturcvb.org.
Tannehill Civil War Reenactment, May 23-24, McCalla
Tannehill and the Alabama State Militia Artillery host the 11th annual Civil War Battle and Living History Reenactment with more than 500 reenactors. Admission charged. Camps open at 9 a.m.; battles 2 p.m. For more information 205.477.5711, www.tannehill.org.
Lake Fest, May 23, Fort Rucker
Enjoy free use of canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, swimming, pontoon, ski-boat rides, volleyball tournament, sack race, frozen t-shirt contest, sand castle building contest and live entertainment at Lake Tholocco’s West Beach. 334.255.9810, www.ftruckermwr.com.
Memorial Day Service and Weekend Concert, May 24, Alexander City
Join the mayor and city leaders at Veterans Memorial Park to honor all war veterans. 2 p.m. For more information: 256.329.6736, www.alexandercityonline.com. After the service enjoy a lakefront concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheatre featuring the Marshall Tucker Band, Georgia Satellites and Atlanta Rhythm Section. Gates open at 5 p.m. – show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Low Country Boil, May 24, Mentone
A Memorial Day weekend tradition atop Lookout Mountain offers an array of fresh shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, corn soufflé and homemade desserts. Seating at 6 p.m., with live entertainment. Contact: 256.634.4040.
Red, White, Blue Tournament, May 25, Anniston
A Memorial Day golf tournament with blind draw at the Pine Hills Country Club.
For more information: 256.237.2633, www.pinehillscc.net.
Memorial Day Service and Celebration, May 25, Dothan
Honor and remember those who served at the Sunset Memorial Park. 2:30-4 p.m. For more information: 334.699.1475, www.maineventweb.com.
Fort Morgan Memorial Day Tribute, May 25, Gulf Shores
Uniformed living history interpreters honor the nation’s military with artillery salutes throughout the day. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Admission charged. For more information: 251.540.7127.
Memorial Day Celebration, May 25, Huntsville
Celebrate at Burritt on the Mountain in the Trillium Room and on the Green of Huntsville’s Living History Museum. 9 a.m. until. For more information: 256.536.2882
Memorial Day Ceremony, May 25, Tuscumbia
This free ceremony honors all veterans and takes place at the Colbert County Courthouse. 11 a.m. For more information: 256.383.0783
April 28, 2009