Editor ’ s NOTE
The most wonderful time of year
Southeast Iowa
OLIDAY HOLIDAY
CREDITS
Southeast Iowa Holiday is a publication of the Ottumwa Courier and Oskaloosa Herald
Publisher : Ron Gutierrez
Editor : Tracy Goldizen
Writer : Emily Hawk
2020
Advertising Sales : Ashley Coyne Jodi German Tyler Goodell Barb Knox Liz Techel
Graphic Design : Stephen Peters Shanelle Yahn
213 E . Second St . Ottumwa , Iowa 52501 641-684-4611 tgoldizen @ ottumwacourier . com @ CourierTracy on Twitter
Cover photo by Evonne Fitzgerald
Southeast Iowa Holiday 2020
In this issue
FEATURES
Living Windows
Living windows showcase Knoxville pride . Page 4
Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas celebrates Dutch christmas traditions . Page 10
Nights ‘ N Lights
nights ’ n Lights lights up ottumwa for the season . Page 14
DEPARTMENTS
Calendar
a roundup of holiday events around southeast iowa . Page 8
Gift Drives
organizations work to provide happy holidays for those who might otherwise go without . Page 18
From the Archives
Photos from the courier film archives of the 1937 Pre-christmas Parade . Page 22
The holiday season upon us , with Thanksgiving only a couple weeks away and Christmas and New Year ’ s right around the corner .
This year , for our holiday magazine , the Ottumwa Courier and Oskaloosa Herald have joined together to bring you a guide to traditions in the southeast Iowa region . Our feature stories explore the history of some of the popular events in the area , including Holiday Nights ’ N Lights in Ottumwa , Sinterklaas events in Pella and the Living Windows in Knoxville .
We ’ ve also gathered a calendar of events centered on the holiday season . Many people — between the colder weather and the pandemic — are itching to get out and active in their communities . Some events are even offering a live stream for those that wish to enjoy them from the comfort of home . And one event , the Lighted Christmas Parade in Oskaloosa , is doing a “ reverse parade ” to keep people safe .
In addition , we ’ ve rounded up details on various toy and gift drives in our communities . Many people are in need , and it hits especially hard this time of year . These listings offer details on both how to get registered and how to donate . 2020 has been particularly rough , so let ’ s help ensure everybody has a merry season .
Despite the challenges of 2020 , let ’ s work to see the good in this season of joy !
TRACY GOLIDZEN
Editor , Southeast Iowa Holiday
Senior Resource Guide 2020
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