101 Things to Do... 2020-2021 | Page 14

Winter December through February 49 49. Around Town Downtown Holiday Homes Tour Select homes from the community are opened to visitors during the holiday season. The fundraising event, hosted by the Laureate Guild and Main Street Ottumwa, is meant to “showcase what Ottumwa has to offer: large homes, small homes, apartments and lofts, historic homes, new homes.” This year’s tour will feature three homes and two downtown apartments and runs 5-9 p.m. Dec. 4 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5. The tours are often followed by a reception. For more information, contact MSO. 50. Bullriders of America Finals 47. Top bull riders converge on Ottumwa to compete for more than $20,000 in cash and prizes. The two-night event features a family night and a celebrity night. The most intense eight seconds in sports has visited Ottumwa several years running at Bridge View Center. Visit the center’s website later in the year for 2021 dates and tickets. 25 Men Who Can Cook Dubbed the tastiest two hours in Ottumwa, 25 amateur and professional cooks vie for the best dishes in town as a fundraiser for the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra. Admission allows you to sample offerings and vote for your favorite. This event is held annually in January. For more information, visit www.ottumwasymphonyorchestra.net. 48. Albia Victorian Stroll Held the first weekend of December each year, the stroll is centered on Albia’s historic courthouse square. Dozens of store-front windows feature live Victorian vignettes in addition to caroling, theater, trains, horse-drawn carriage rides and live music. 14 | 101 Things To Do In Southeast Iowa 48