Alabama Festivals: Jubilee CityFest, Helen Keller Festival and Lucky Ducky Derby

Founded in 1976, Jubilee CityFest is known as Montgomery Alabama's Family Weekend. A non-profit organization, Jubilee CityFest has donated thousands of dollars to the community.

This year, American Idol star Bo Bice will be performing on one of the same stages as the Beach Boys once performed. Jubilee CityFest has a rich history of musical acts, including George Jones, Hank Williams Jr, and the Doobie Brothers. Of course, no Alabama festival would be complete without the Alabama Boys. There will also be several more musical acts.

With 16 blocks of things to do, Jubilee CityFest even has a children's area set aside and children under 12 get in free with a paid adult.

There are more applications to be a food vendor at Central Alabama's largest musical festival than can be accepted. You can be sure to find all the finest food you would expect at any southern fair or festival: corn dogs, roasted corn, sausage, cotton candy, funnel cakes and more.

It seems Jubilee CityFest has planned for everything. All gateways are wheelchair accessible and emergency personnel will be on site. Deaf interpretive services are also being provided.

There will also be an 8K and a 2 mile run at Jubilee CityFest. You can sign up for the run online as well as see a map of both runs.

Daily passes are available at the gate for 25.00 but you can get an Advanced Weekend Pass for only 35.00. This includes all of the musical acts and activities. Jubilee CityFest will be held at the Riverfront in downtown Montgomery May 26 - May 28. For more information go to their website at www.jubileecityfest.org.

The Helen Keller Festival was founded in Tuscumbia, Alabama in 1979 as a tribute to Helen Keller. For the past 28 years, people have come from all over the world to celebrate the life of this amazing woman. This live music and art festival is held at Spring Park on June 21 - June 25.

There will also be a parade, car show and sporting events at this family festival. "Keller Kids" became a part of the festival in 1994. It is geared toward 5th graders and helps them to understand some of the challenges blind or deaf children face. Sixty children are accepted into this day long educational venue.

The 2nd annual Lucky Ducky Derby will be a part of the festivities again this year. Last year over 5,000 ducks were "adopted" and over 25,000 dollars was raised for charity. Ducks were sold for 5.00 each with a six-pack going for 25.00 and a free pizza to boot. The ducks were then released in the pond and the race was on! Last year they gave away fabulous prizes so I'm sure this year's derby will be just as exciting.

Of course, no Helen Keller Festival could be complete without a performance of William Gibson's "The Miracle Worker." The festival kicks off the beginning of the outdoor performances which run on weekends through mid-July. The play is performed on the grounds of Ivy Green estate, Helen Keller's birthplace. For more information about the Helen Keller Festival, go to www.helenkellerbirthplace.org.

1977 kicked off the first annual Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic. Now in its 29th year, the Decatur festival will be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 27 - May 29. With over 60 pilots from 20 states competing for 3 days, it's not hard to understand why the Alabama Legislature designated the city of Decatur as the ballooning capital of Alabama.

The balloon classic is held at Point Mallard Park, a municipal recreation center that has a water park, tennis courts, an indoor ice skating rink and many other amenities. In addition to the Hot Air Balloon races, the Jubilee offers carnival rides, live entertainment, a food court and more.

Admission to the Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic is free. Approximately 50,000 are expected to attend the festival. There are several local hotels offering special rates for this exciting weekend. For more information call (800) 524-6181 or (256) 350-2028 or go online to www.cvb.org.

Alabama has a lot to offer the family for leisure time activities either free or at very reasonable rates. Bring the kids and have a wonderful time!