Calendar - Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce

217 E. Main St.
P.O. Box 308
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501
641.682.3465
info@ottumwaiowa.com

With concerts, conventions and festivals, Ottumwa offers a variety of year round activities for all ages. Search by keyword or view all listings below.

KEYWORD

Dennis Ferns Photographic Works
January 16 - March 15
Indian Hills Art Gallery

This Indian Hills alumnus resides in Gibson, Iowa. His travels have taken him to many amazing locations and his skill with a camera allows us to participate in his experience. Free admission. 7:30 AM-8:30 PM, Monday-Thursday; 4:30-9:00 PM, Sunday (except holiday and college breaks). Artist reception on 1/16, 7:00-8:30 PM. For more information, call (641) 683-5149 or go to www.IndianHills.edu.

Middle School Book Club
February 8
Ottumwa Public Library

Middle-school-age kids are invited to participate in this book club which meets the second Wednesday of each month. (The time and date coordinates with the Ottumwa School early-out Wednesday.) For more information, contact Sonja Ferrell at (641) 682-7563 x202, or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

Readers Ink Book Club
February 8
Ottumwa Public Library

The library's monthly book club reads a variety of works both fiction and non-fiction. The club gathers in the library meeting room the second Wednesday of each month from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For more information, contact Sonja Ferrell at (641) 682-7563 x202, or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

Celebrate Ottumwa - Partners in Progress Annual Banquet
February 9
Bridge View Center

Come celebrate the progress Ottumwa has made in the past year. "Celebrate Ottumwa" is the annual banquet of the community's economic development organizations: Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Ottumwa, Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation (OEDC), Ottumwa Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bridge View Center, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) - making them Partners in Progress. This year's featured speaker is Brad Little, President and CEO of the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation who will provide a report on the foundation's successes of 2011 and insights into 2012. The Gene Schultz Award recipient and other honorees will be recognized. The evening begins with "social hour" at 5:30 PM, followed by dinner at 6:00 PM and then the program at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $35 per person or $250 for a table of eight. RSVPs are due by Friday, January 27 via info@ottumwaiowa.com or 641.682.3465. For more information, contact Brenda Sieren at (641) 682-3465.

Chocolate Lovers Benefit
February 10
Hotel Ottumwa

American Home Finding invites the public to bring their valentine to "Chocolate Lover's Benefit" on Friday, February 10th, 7:00-11:00 PM, at the Hotel Ottumwa. Admission includes samples of chocolate appetizers from Van Veen Chocolates of Pella featured in their chocolate wonderland as well as a glass of pink champane. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Jeff Tharp and a special appearance from Elvis. Celebrity bartenders will also serve specialty drinks from a cash bar. The event incorporates a silent auction with the work of local artists. Tickets are $15 per person/$25 per couple in advance or $20 per person at the door. Proceeds go toward the children and families served by American Home Finding in southern Iowa. For more information, contact American Home Finding at (641) 682-3449, or go to www.ahfa.org.

Gun & Knife Show
February 10 - 12
Bridge View Center

Event hours: 5:00-9:00 PM on 2/10; 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on 2/11 and 9:00 AM-3:00 PM on 2/12. Contact event organizers for admission information. For more information, call (660) 341-1254 or go to www.OnTargetGunShows.com.

Ottumwa Community Childrens Playhouse Annual Valentine Dance
February 10
Bridge View Center

The Ottumwa Community Children's Playhouse will hold its annual Valentine's Dance on Friday, February 10, 6:00-8:00 PM at Bridge View Center. The dance is open to all students in grades K-6. Admission is $5 per child with parents being free. Prizes will be given away throughout the evening. Concessions will be available. Parents are asked to come in the building to pick-up their children at 8:00 PM. For more information, call (641) 226-1523.

Grant Woods Birthday Soup Smorgasbord
February 11
KD Center in Eldon

Join the American Gothic House Center as it celebrates the 121st anniversary of Grant Wood�s birthday (officially on February 13th) with home-cooked soup. Complete the meal and celebration with a slice of birthday cake or brownie and a mug of hot coffee. Free will donations welcome. The meal takes place 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. For more information, contact Holly Berg at (641) 652-3352, or go to www.AmericanGothicHouse.net.

Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert
February 12
St John Auditorium

The annual winter concerts starts at 3:00 PM featuring two SEISO Young Artists: Pianist Heather Gillis and clarinetist Surekha Mullangi. In addition, there will be rich performances of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 2 in C minor "Little Russian," Pohjola's Daughter by Sibelius and the mysterious Sorcerer's Apprentice by Dukas. Indian Hills students and staff admitted free, all others by single or season ticket. Adult tickets are $15 and student tickets are $10. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge. There is no reserved seating. For more information, contact Michael Philipsen at (641) 683-5224, or go to www.IndianHills.edu.

Blood Drive
February 15
Ottumwa YMCA

The Y will host a blood drive 2:00-7:00 PM on February 15 in the YMCA conference room. Donors who gave blood on or before December 21 are eligible, must be 16 years old or older, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Appointments are recommended. For more information, contact Garrett Ross at (641) 684-6571 x28, or go to www.OttumwaYMCA.com.

Blood Drive
February 16
Ottumwa Regional Health Center

The Ottumwa Regional Health Center will sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, February 16, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM in one of its conference rooms. Donors who last gave blood on December 22 or before are eligible. Appointments are recommended. For more information, call (800) 452-1097.

Those Crazy Ladies in the House on the Corner
February 17 - 19
Bridge View Center

This is the winter production of the Ottumwa Community Players with shows at 7:00 PM on 2/17-18 and 2:00 PM on 2/19. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000, or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

Lunch & Speaker
February 18
Pioneer Ridge Nature Center

This is the first in a series of lunch and speaker events sponsored by the Wapello County Conservation Board. Iowa Department of Natural Resources biologist Jennifer Kurth will discuss the variety of mussels found in the waters around Iowa. Learn how they live and what makes them such a good indicator of water health. Lunch begins at noon with the presentation at 1:00 PM. The cost is $15 which includes lunch and the presentation with registration required by February 10th. For more information, contact Wapello County Conservation Board at (641) 682-3091, or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

Indian Hills Winter Vocal Concert
February 19
St John Auditorium

The concert features the Indian Hills Concert Choir and Camerata Singers. It starts at 3:00 PM with free admission. For more information, contact Michael Philipsen at (641) 683-5224, or go to www.IndianHills.edu.

Blood Drive
February 20
Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon

The Living Hope Bible Church in Eldon will host a blood drive in its main hall, 3:00-7:00 PM, on Monday, February 20. Donors who gave blood on or before December 26 are eligible. Appointments are recommended. For more information, call (800) 452-1097.

Winter Vocal & Symphony Concert Featuring Students in Grades 9-12
February 21
Ottumwa High School Auditorium

The concert begins at 7:00 PM. For more information, call (641) 682-8764 x141 or go to www.ottumwa.k12.ia.us.

Bottom Line Duo
February 23
First United Methodist - Fourth & Market

This concert is presented by the Ottumwa Civic Music Association at 7:30 PM. It features a cello and bass duo that deliver a program with roots in chamber music and possess an amazing repertoire of modern and popular sounds. Admission by season ticket or at the door: $15 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, contact Judy Engle at (641) 682-1438, or go to www.orgsites.com.

Iowa KidsNet Open House
February 23
Ottumwa YMCA

Iowa KidsNet will be hosting an open house, 6:30-8:30 PM, Thursday, February 23 at the Ottumwa YMCA for people interested in learning more about becoming foster parents. This a free event, open to everyone. People who speak Spanish are encouraged to attend as Spanish-speaking foster families are a growing need in the community. There will be interpreters available. For more information, contact Jaime Claywell Herrera at (641) 224-2427.

Nonfiction Book Club
February 23
Ottumwa Public Library

This monthly book club focuses solely on nonfiction work. The club gathers in the library meeting room the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. For more information, contact Sonja Ferrell at (641) 682-7563 x202, or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

Movie Screening: Green Fire
February 24
Pioneer Ridge Nature Center

The public is invited to see a screening of the movie, "Green Fire." The film tells the story about Aldo Leopold, a true pioneer in the field of conservation who is probably best known for his book, "A Sand County Almanac." Popcorn will be served and chairs provided. Guests are welcome to bring a pillow and blanket and make themselves comfortable watching the movie. The screening starts at 6:00 PM. For more information, contact Wapello County Conservation Board at (641) 682-3091, or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

Opening Concert: Indian Hills JazzFEST 2012
February 24
St John Auditorium

Featuring the Indian Hills Jazz Band and guest artists at 7:30 PM with free admission. For more information, contact David Sharp at (641) 683-5223, or go to www.IndianHills.edu.

High School Jazz Band Competition: Indian Hills JazzFEST 2012
February 25
Bridge View Center

More than 20 high school jazz bands in competition and clinics, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM with free admission. For more information, contact David Sharp at (641) 683-5223, or go to www.IndianHills.edu.

Nobodies of Comedy
February 25
Bridge View Center

Get ready for a night of incredible comedy starring the funniest comics you�ve never heard of. They�re not household names (yet), but they�re hip, young, and hilarious. Tickets are $20 closer to the stage and $15 further away. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the show starts at 7:30 PM. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000, or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

Tenco Family Fun Day
February 25
Bridge View Center

Enjoy a safari adventure ... "Wild Snake" show, kids games, 18-hole mini golf, free train rides, children's golf, Dizzy the Clown, Barnyard Billy, bounce house, face painting, Blank Park Zoo booth, jackpot bingo with cash prizes, and live entertainment. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children (9 years old & under). All proceeds benefit individuals with disabilities through the Tenco Foundation. For more information, contact Tenco Industries at (641) 682-8114, or go to www.Tenco.org.

Fly-Tying Club
February 27
Pioneer Ridge Nature Center

Join the fly-tying club every fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 PM to practice the art of fly-tying. Remember to bring your kit For more information, contact Wapello County Conservation Board at (641) 682-3091, or go to www.WapelloCounty.org.

Ottumwa High School Drama 30/60 Skits
February 28
Ottumwa High School Auditorium

The skits start at 7:30 PM. For more information, call (641) 682-8764 x141 or go to www.ottumwa.k12.ia.us.

Reminisce Society
February 28
Ottumwa Public Library

The society serves as a gathering time for people interested in local and family history with a different topic each month. February's program will be "On Becoming Radar O'Reilly," presented by Don Shaffer, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM in the library meeting room For more information, contact Sonja Ferrell at (641) 682-7563 x202, or go to www.OttumwaPublicLibrary.org.

2012 Home & Garden Expo
March 2 - 4
Bridge View Center

The Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce once again holds its popular Home Expo featuring businesses of all types and sizes with "Garden" now be an added focus thus making the event the "Home & Garden Expo" for the first time. Attendees come from throughout southeast Iowa and northern Missouri for this annual event. The hours are 3:00-8:00 PM on 3/2; 10:00 AM-8:00 PM on 3/3; and 12:00-4:00 PM on 3/4. The admission each day is $6 for adults and $4 for kids ages seven to 12. Kids six years old and younger are free.. For more information, contact Terry McNitt at (641) 682-3465, or go to www.OttumwaChamber.org.

Donzilla
March 3
Bridge View Center

Donzilla Don Tjernagel is a very original and edgy stand-up comic. If you like your stand-up comedy with a bite, think Jaws and you get Tjernagel. There is no topic this comic will not deal with and no joke too raunchy for this guy. The show is at 8:00 PM, and tickets are $8 per person. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000, or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

This Life is ...LOUD - Christian Music Concert
March 9
Bridge View Center

This Christian music concert features artists: Kutless, Chad Eastham, Harris III and KJ52 on Friday, March 9 with the show starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets range from $16 per person for groups of 10 or more to $27.50 per person for early entry. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000, or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

The Magic Cabaret of William the Conjurer
March 10
Bridge View Center

Do you believe in magic? See it in action when William the Conjurer makes you believe at 7:00 PM at Bridge View. Tickets are $13.50 per person. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000.

Middle School Book Club
March 14
Ottumwa Public Library

Readers Ink Book Club
March 14
Ottumwa Public Library

Craicmore
March 15
Bridge View Center

Contemporary tradional celtic music. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000, or go to www.craicmore.com.

Quad County Health Fair
March 17
IHCC - Rural Health Building

Bring the entire family for a whole host of activities and health screenings to promote healthy living in Wapello, Jefferson, Jefferson and Van Buren counties from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Blood draws will be done from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for 25 screenings for $22. Participants must pre-register with Wapello County Public Health at 641.682.5434 for those tests. The YMCA will hold a fun run/walk at 8:00 AM. Pre-register by contacting the Y at 641.684.6571 (cost to be determined). Free dental sreenings for kids in Kindergarten and ninth grade. Other tests include H.Pyloric, joint flexibility, derma scan, blood pressure, body mass index, osteoporosis, and more. Break-out session will be held on healthy mind/healthy body, zumba, yoga, nutrition and others. A number of booths will be disseminating information on health issues. Kids can look forward to seeing "Sparky" the fire prevention mascot from the Agency Fire Department. For more information, contact Lynelle Diers at (641) 682-5434.

Nonfiction Book Club
March 22
Ottumwa Public Library

The Oak Ridge Boys
March 24
Bridge View Center

The Oak Ridge Boys - who have sung for presidents and royalty - come to Ottumwa on March 24th to perform at 7:30 PM. Ticket prices range from $29.50 to $44.50 depending on seating preference and ticket availability. Don't miss these legendary country artists! For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000, or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

Middle School Book Club
April 11
Ottumwa Public Library

Readers Ink Book Club
April 11
Ottumwa Public Library

An Evening with Jim McDonough
April 19
Bridge View Center

Show at 7:30PM. Tickets $26 close to stage and $21 further away. More details coming your way. For more information, contact Bridge View Center at (641) 684-7000, or go to www.BridgeViewCenter.com.

Nonfiction Book Club
April 26
Ottumwa Public Library

Middle School Book Club
May 9
Ottumwa Public Library

Readers Ink Book Club
May 9
Ottumwa Public Library

Upstairs/Downtown Tour
May 19
Downtown Ottumwa

Check-out projects in the second-floor space of several buildings in downtown Ottumwa. It's a chance to see the "before," "during," and "after" snap-shots of the progress being made in the"upstairs" spaces downtown. Tickets are available at the Main Street Ottumwa office. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130, or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

Nonfiction Book Club
May 24
Ottumwa Public Library

Central Park Cinema
June 9
Central Park

Bring friends and family to enjoy a film shown in Central Park. Simply bring lawn chairs and/or blanket for seating. No admission charged. Refreshments available for purchase. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130, or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

34th Annual Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races
June 22 - 24
Greater Ottumwa Park

The race is on! More than 30 to 40 balloons are likely to compete. In addition to the competitive flights, expect balloon tethering, night glows and fun flights. Also enjoy food, live music, healthy family fest, and carnival rides. For more information, contact Holly Dommer at (641) 684-8999, or go to www.OttumwaProBalloons.com.

Lunch in the Park
June 22
Central Park

Enjoy lunch in Central Park on Fridays during the summer 11:30 AM-1:00 PM featuring a different food vendor each week and also offering entertainment. Lunch is $6 per person. Sponsored by Main Street Ottumwa. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130, or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

Lunch in the Park
June 29
Central Park

Central Park Cinema
June 30
Central Park

Lunch in the Park
July 6
Central Park

Lunch in the Park
July 13
Central Park

Central Park Cinema
July 14
Central Park

Lunch in the Park
July 20
Central Park

Lunch in the Park
July 27
Central Park

Lunch in the Park
August 3
Central Park

Lunch in the Park
August 10
Central Park

Central Park Cinema
August 11
Central Park

Walk on Art Street Patrons Party
August 31

The Patron's Party is a fundraiser benefiting the efforts of Main Street Ottumwa and Walk on Art Street with drinks, appetizers, art auction and music. Location and ticket prices to be announced. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130, or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

Walk on Art Street
September 1
Downtown Ottumwa

More than 60 artists from within and outside of Iowa exhibit at his juried art festival located on Third Street from Market to Washington Street adjacent to Central Park. In addition to the art displayed for sale, expect children activities, entertainment and food vendors. The fair runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130, or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

History Walk
October 6
Downtown Ottumwa

A tour of historic downtown Ottumwa with volunteers in period costume entertaining participants from landmark to landmark. More than 200 people took part in the first History Walk in 2011! Ticket prices and hours to be announced. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130, or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.

Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Boutique
November 29
Downtown Ottumwa

The Holiday Boutique is featured in the Hotel Ottumwa's ballroom with dozens of local artists and gift vendors from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony occurs at 6:00 PM when the city lights its tree in Central Park. Expect Christmas carol singing and a visit from Santa. This is a family-friendly event offering food, drink and holiday shopping. For more information, contact Main Street Office at (641) 684-5130, or go to www.MainStreetOttumwa.com.