Each winter, tens of thousands of sandhill cranes and the occasional endangered whooping crane descend on Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, transforming North Alabama into one of the Southeast’s most inspiring wildlife spectacles. To spotlight and celebrate this migration, we invite you to support the 2026 Festival of the Cranes, taking place Jan. 9-11 in downtown Decatur and at the Refuge Visitors Center.

Now in its 15th year and serving as the largest wildlife celebration in North Alabama, the Festival brings together local and visiting families, educators, photographers, birders, and the nature-curious for guided refuge tours, expert talks, live raptor programs, hands-on children’s activities, photography workshops, live music, and local student arts. Each year, the Festival draws 5,000-10,000 visitors from across the southeast to downtown and the Refuge during the weekend – generating a post-holiday economic impact for our local business community.

With your support, 2026 will reach even more people with conservation education and memorable community experiences.

If you wish to become a sponsor, please fill out the form below and one of our board members will reach out to you directly about sponsorship opportunities.