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Chocolate Lovers Benefit
This annual gala is held before Valentine ’ s Day at Hotel Ottumwa and raises funds for the American Home Finding Association . Enjoy live music , hors d ’ oeuvres , a silent auction and , of course , chocolate .
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Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference and KIIC Farm Show
This conference , now merged with the farm show , has provided an opportunity for producers , researchers and more than 100 industry representatives to come together to explore current topics and issues . The event is traditionally held in January at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa .
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Eagle Watching
Every winter , bald eagles flock to Ottumwa along the Des Moines River . The best places for viewing Eagles are the Market Street Bridge , Bridge View Center , Des Moines River Footbridge and River View Road . For a map of the trail , contact Meet Ottumwa at meetottumwa . org . Another popular spot for wintering bald eagles is Lake Red Rock in Marion County .
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Holiday Nights ‘ N Lights
Travel through Ottumwa Park and take in a mile of lighted holiday decorations . Hosted annually by Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress and various sponsors , this holiday extravaganza is a favorite , drawing visitors from several counties . Volunteers man the ticket booth , and organizations they represent are rewarded with a portion of the proceeds . The lights come on mid-November and stay lit through Christmas . Visitors also have the chance to visit with Santa Claus on select nights . Check with GOPIP later this year for 2024 dates and hours .
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It ’ s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Santa arrives at the Santa House on the Centerville Square the day after Thanksgiving during the annual lighting , which typically includes breakfast with Santa . There ’ s also a unique adventure through the Holiday Sampler , in which treats can be sampled at area merchants and their treasured recipes collected .
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Kerstmarkt
Pella ’ s annual Dutch Christmas Market is held in early December in conjunction with the Tour of Homes . Inspired by outdoor markets in the Netherlands , this cozy market will fill you with holiday cheer . Local vendors sell tasty treats and handmade items that make for unique holiday gifts .
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Lighted Christmas Parade / Painting with Lights
Oskaloosa is lit up with each holiday season when buildings surrounding the square are strung with thousands of lights for Painting with Lights . The illuminated buildings are a perfect backdrop for the town ’ s famous Lighted Christmas Parade in early December . The parade has dozens of entries , each twinkling with lights .
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Pella Tour of Homes
Pella ’ s annual Tour of Homes invites visitors inside lavishly decorated homes filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas in early December . The annual event features some various homes in Pella and is perfect for those who love architecture , decorating and getting in the Christmas spirit . More details about the event can be found on the Pella Tour of Homes Facebook page closer to December .
101 Things To Do In Southeast Iowa | 5