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Color the Earth Day
This partnership between the Centerville Young Professionals , Rathbun Area Solid Waste Commission and Appanoose County Conservation , features a 5k run , a kids ’ color fun run , cornhole tournament and tree planting . The event is held in April in Lelah Bradley Park . Tickets can be purchased ahead of the event .
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Divas Who Dish
This annual event is sponsored by the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra and will be held April 6 at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa . The event features “ divas ” who will be judged in pre-entree , dining and dessert categories . Attendees will also vote for their favorite diva for the People ’ s Choice Award . There also will be a silent and live auction and a cash bar . There is typically advanced ticket sales through the Bridge View Center ticket office , but visit www . bridgeviewcenter . org closer to the event date .
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Diversity Conference
The 19th annual event is scheduled for March 22 on the Indian Hills Community College campus in Ottumwa . The purpose of the conference is to celebrate , advocate , and educate about the world ’ s wide range of cultures , ethnicities , values and beliefs . It ’ s a platform to recognize and honor what makes each individual unique . Come and explore these differences to promote positivity , enlightenment , and a safe environment . For more information , visit www . indianhills . edu / news / events / diversity / index . php
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Easter Egg Roll
Held prior to Easter each year , the Easter Egg Roll at the American Gothic House and Visitors Center includes egg rolling races on the lawn , springthemed crafts , an activity passport and more . The Easter Bunny is a frequent visitor , and you can get pictures with him in front of the famous backdrop .
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Family Fest
On March 2 , Bridge View Center will host a free Family Fest as a fun-filled day of family activities . The goal of the event is to give back to the families of Ottumwa and southeast Iowa . The event typically includes bounce houses , science exhibits , entertainment acts , health tips , exhibitors and Safety City , a chance for kids to tour an ambulance , firetruck , patrol car and / or other law enforcement vehicles .
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Indian Hills Jazz Band Dance
Dance the night away on the Indian Hills Community College dance floor . Enjoy an evening of dance lessons , followed by live music and a free dance at the IHCC ’ s Hills Diner . Twirl away to jazz , ballroom , swing and pop-rock tunes performed by the Indian Hills Jazz Band , under the direction of David Sharp . Lessons run from 3:30-5 p . m . Live music and dancing goes from 7:30-9 p . m .
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King of the Corn BBQ contest
The King of the Corn Contest is a continuation of the successful Ottumwa Smoketoberfest contest that quickly became the most anticipated KCBS contest in Iowa . Under Francis Dunnton ’ s lead , King of the Corn will be one of the most hospitable BBQ contests in the Midwest . The two-day event is scheduled for May 17-18 in the Warehouse BBQ parking lot , located at 2818 N . Court St .
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101 Things To Do In Southeast Iowa | 7