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The 36th Annual Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races is the longest running weekend balloon rally in the state of Iowa. Each year the committee strives to bring in nearly 40 balloons to the community and unleash their colorful potential across the skies of Ottumwa.
The event started back in 1977 when 3 prominent Ottumwa business men were having a cup of coffee. They envisioned bringing balloonists to Ottumwa for an annual competition in the Sycamore Park; the park where the Beach Ottumwa now stands. It was moved to Greater Ottumwa Park in later years and it is still there to this day.
Over the years the entertainers and carnivals have changed, even the balloons have changed color and shape from time to time. But one thing remains the same, for 36 years the Ottumwa Pro Balloon Race has stood the test of time as one of the best family oriented events in the state of Iowa.
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