50
Duck Races
This event , long-affiliated with the Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress , is now under First Resources Corp . leadership . Thousands of rubber ducks are dumped from a truck down a slip-andslide . The event is scheduled for Sept . 21 and will be held at the Jimmy Jones Shelter at Greater Ottumwa Park . Ducks are available for adoption for $ 5 with proceeds typically benefitting a predetermined nonprofit . For more information , visit duckrace . com / ottumwa .
51
Halloweenapalooza
Iowa ’ s only horror film festival returns Oct . 11-12 at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa . The festival is created by horror filmmakers and horror fans . In addition to the film festival , the event traditionally includes a zombie walk , costume contest , vendors and a celebrity appearance . More information on the event can be found at halloweenapalooza . com .
52
Halloween Hikes
Join Pioneer Ridge Nature Center for a fun and educational outdoor experience around Halloween . The hikes feature volunteers dressed in costumes to educate children about the natural world around them . There is a different theme each year . A lighted path leads hikers from actor to actor at the nature center south of Ottumwa . Hot chocolate , snacks and games are traditionally hosted indoors after the hike . For more information or instructions on how to make reservations , visit conservation . wapellocounty . org .
53
Holiday Tree Lighting / Lights of Love
This moving ceremony is traditionally held at dusk the Friday after Thanksgiving at Ottumwa ’ s Central Park . Dozens of trees , often sponsored in memory of lost loved ones , in the Lights of Love
Display are lit one by one as dedications are read . Other trees are sponsored by businesses and other donors to offer support to the Main Street Ottumwa program . The ceremony concludes with the lighting of the big tree on the amphitheater stage .
54
Knoxville Living Windows
A Knoxville tradition , Living Windows brings local storefronts to life during the holiday season in November . Local businesses around the square donate window space to fill with decorations and open their doors after hours to provide goodies , music , activities and more . Santa also makes an appearance , and tree lighting ceremony and snowball drop are part of the evening . Visit the Living Windows – Knoxville , Iowa Facebook page for more information .
55
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion
Though located in Mount Pleasant and out of the traditional coverage range of our publications , the annual event brings in attendees from across the Midwest . Steam-train and trolley rides , and exhibits of steam-powered equipment dominate the event , which starts the Wednesday before Labor Day and ends on the holiday . Vendors and multiple food choices and country music entertainment on the property ’ s grandstand also dominate the event . The 2024 reunion runs from Aug . 29 to Sept . 2 .
56
Moulton Jamboree
The small Appanoose County community and surrounding area celebrated the 100th anniversary of this event last year and will be back in early September . The event features a talent show , car show , antiques , kiddie pull , carnival and live entertainment . Wristbands and tickets for entertainment can be purchased onsite .
16 | 101 Things To Do In Southeast Iowa