Fyffe’s Tribute to Flying Objects Set for August 23

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.