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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-and-slide. 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.
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Halloweenapalooza
Iowa’ s only horror film festival returns Oct. 10-11 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.
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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.
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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
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101 Things To Do 2025 ceremony concludes with the lighting of the big tree on the amphitheater stage.
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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 a tree lighting ceremony and snowball drop are part of the evening. Visit the Living Windows – Knoxville, Iowa Facebook page for more information.
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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 2025 reunion runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1.
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Senior Expo
Get expert advice on all things senior living, whether you’ re retired, are approaching retirement, or are the caretaker of a senior citizen. It is held in conjunction with a special Ottumwa Courier / Oskaloosa Herald publication covering topics of interest to that age group. The event, held Sept. 26, 2025, at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, features multiple vendors across a wide range of services geared for those who are age 50 +.