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Klompen Classic 5K
The annual race is run through Pella, and the 2026 event occurred May 6. Proceeds from the race benefit Crossroads of Pella, an non-profit organization that offers assistance to those in need, whether it is counseling and support services ranging from hygiene kits to educational seminars regarding Medicare and other types of local, federal and state aid to residents. As part of the event, there also is a Kids Classic Fun Run in which children ages 10 and younger may participate. For more information, visit www. crossroadspella. org / klompen or event’ s Facebook and Instagram social media pages.
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Tulip Time
This annual three-day festival, hosted by the Pella Historical Society and Museums, has been around since 1935, features live entertainment, food and merchandise vendors and, of course, tulips. The event is held the first full weekend in May. The festival celebrates the Dutch heritage of the community with traditional Dutch attire, ethnic food and more than 300,000 tulips at several viewing spots. There are daily parades, historic cultural acts and a Tulip Time Queen and court. Tickets are required for grandstand seating for parades and historical tours, and tickets can be purchased through the historical society, which also offers an hour-by-hour schedule on its website, www. pellahistorical. org / tuliptime.
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Historic Hills Spring Shop About
The two-day event showcases local businesses, shops and restaurants along the Historic Hills Scenic Byway, which traverses Wapello, Van Buren and Davis counties. Two of the stops include the American Gothic House Center in Eldon and the Blakesburg Community Museum and Historic 1892 Abernathy House. The event is usually held in April, as the 2026 event was April 17-18. Businesses offer promotions and special events. For more information about future events, visit www. pathfinderscsd. org / historichills-spring-shop-about.
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IHCC Unique and United Conference
Formerly the Indian Hills Community College Diversity Conference, the one-day event on the college’ s main campus in Ottumwa has been going for over 20 years. Traditionally held in March, the conference celebrates individuality and explores unique backgrounds and experiences to create shared growth and understandings. There are several breakout sessions, panel conversations, networking opportunities and keynote speakers to open and close the conference. For more information visit www. ihcc. edu / uniqueunited.
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Lean In: Women In Leadership Conference
The event, created by Greater Ottumwa Partners In Progress, is held each March on International Women’ s Day at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. Lean In will be celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2027, and the event is centered on empowering women by passing strength and wisdom from current women in leadership roles. Several breakout sessions occur throughout the daylong event, and each year has a select guest speaker. For more information on the event, visit www. gopip. org / events / lean-in.
16 101 + Things To Do 2026