Fort Payne, Ala. – In 1989,
numerous sightings of unidentified flying objects throughout Fyffe led the
small community to be known as the UFO Capital of the World, and later to be recognized
by the state as the UFO Capital of Alabama. As a tribute, the community comes
together to host the Fyffe UFO Day Festival. Now in its tenth year, the Fyffe
UFO Day Festival is an unforgettable family outing celebration where the
only flying objects spotted over Sand Mountain are colorful hot-air balloons.
Set for August 23, 2014, the UFO
Day Festival offers plenty of colorful, giant balloons, arts and crafts, games
for children, a 5k run, an antique car and tractor show, an assortment of food
vendors, and live music throughout the day. Slated to perform are The Sharp’s
Quartet, The Southern Mountain Band, Still Kickin’, Jacob Stiefel and the
Truth, B-Sharp Band, Smokin’ Guns, The Big Band and others. Gates open at 9
a.m. but festivalgoers are encouraged to arrive around 6 a.m. to watch hot air
balloons launch and float away.
New for this year is the Fyffe UFO
Day 5K. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the race getting underway at 8 a.m.
Registration is available online at racesonline.com. Cost is $25 in advance or
$30 day of race. Proceeds will go toward a practice facility for the Fyffe
cheerleaders.
Hot-air balloon rides across the
Sand Mountain area are available, weather permitting, by advance reservation
only. For more information, visit www.ballooningal.com or call 256.461.8612 or send an email
to rides@ballooningal.com.
Hours
are 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Fyffe Town Park on Graves Street. All
activities are held at the Fyffe Town Park on Graves Street unless noted
otherwise. Parking and admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring
lawn chairs and picnic blankets.
For
more information on UFO Day Festival, call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740 or
visit www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com.
About DeKalb Tourism
DeKalb Tourism is a not-for-profit
organization promoting tourism and economic growth in DeKalb County. Our
mission includes to provide outstanding customer service to all guests; to
provide complete and detailed information about DeKalb County, its history and
attractions; to leave visitors with a positive experience; to develop strong
positive long term relationships with the people and businesses of our
communities; and to be a leader in the education and promotion of our county,
locally, nationwide and internationally.
