The Alabama Jubilee started in 1977 as an auto expo with the hot air balloons being added the following year. The Decatur Art Guild (DAG), a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity and community arts organization in Decatur, Alabama, was asked to join in about 1980. For the next 44 years, the Arts & Crafts Show called the outdoor ice rink area home. In 2024, the show moved to the soccer field. Through past leadership, the Jubilee became DAG’s main fundraiser from which proceeds are given to each art teacher in the Morgan County School system so they can buy supplies.
In 2026, DAG was presented with the opportunity to move to the grass area near the former location AND indoors as the first organization to host an event in the new Point Mallard Event Center! Moving allowed for an expansion of both artisan participation and creative opportunities for the public. DAG has had an increase in membership which resulted in an eager group who was willing to do all they could to help this new chapter in DAG’s long history with the Jubilee be a success—and that they did! While some had experience organizing smaller events, it was all new territory with being inside AND outside. At times it was quite chaotic, but to the general public and our artisans, it went swimmingly thanks to all their efforts! We had a record number of artisans as well as record attendance! People came out despite the bad weather and mud! Even with the few hiccups that came along with being the first event inside the not-quite-finished building, we cannot say enough good things about Decatur Parks & Recreation Director Hunter Allen, Park Manager Stephanie McLain, and Mayor Kent Lawrence who all went above and beyond the call of duty to make it all happen!
In addition to those art experiences, we had artisans who demonstrated their craft. People could throw pottery, assist in ‘forging’ their own piece of iron work, or have their portrait sketched. In 2027, our outdoor artisans will be moving to the parking lot (No more mud!), and we have plans to add more outdoor demonstrations and ways to participate in creating art.
We also hosted a “Flat Spannley” scavenger hunt to celebrate James Spann’s first appearance at the Jubilee, and it was a rousing success! Several attendees thanked us for offering both the scavenger hunt and indoor children’s activities, which kept the kids entertained and gave parents a little extra time to browse and shop at their own pace. We will continue the scavenger hunt in 2027.
While the Jubilee is the biggest event we do, it’s only one part of DAG. Exciting things are happening with the Decatur Art Guild! Currently, we meet on the first Tuesday of each month on the third floor of the Morgan Archives at 624 Bank Street. Business meetings are scheduled at 11:30 am, and program meeting are scheduled at 12:00 pm. Meeting places do change depending on programs/activities that may be too large for our room. Notifications are sent via the Decatur Art Guild and the craft show page, both on Facebook. Check for announcements of the upcoming website, IG & other social media outlets. You do NOT have to be an artist or even a crafter – a love & support for the arts is the only requirement!
