It’s a good thing Jim Allen isn’t afraid of heights. During five seasons, he’s ridden in a helicopter and gyrocopter, rappelled down a 10-story building and jumped out of an airplane. Now, he soars above land in a hot air balloon during the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic in Decatur. For more than 40 years, the annual Memorial Day festival has brought thousands of tourists and aviation enthusiasts to the river city.

If you’re looking for a fun place for the family to spend the day, you’ll find it in the city of Boaz at Bama Bucks. See deer, bison, elk, black bears, an ostrich, a kangaroo, a camel and ring-tailed lemurs in the exotic animal park. Enjoy a stroll through the general store and antique barn, and finish off the visit with a spread of wild game at the Bama Bucks Restaurant. Jade Randolph explains how owner Terry Turk made his dream a reality in small town Alabama.

It’s finally time to meet the 2019 Outstanding Young Farm Family winner – Luke Smelley of Hale County. Kevin Worthington visits his 975-acre farm where he raises catfish and cattle. Along with his architect wife, Lana, they’re rearing five children on the farm. With the OYFF title, the Smelleys received more than $60,000 in prizes including a new truck and a tractor.

Backyard gardening can be a hobby or, if you have enough space and resources, a career. Sidney Phelps visits Extreme Green Farms in Lee County where they produce all kinds of herbs and vegetables using hydroponics.