Main Street Ottumwa

Main Street Ottumwa Main Street Ottumwa was designated as an Iowa Main Street Program in June of 2006.

As everyone in the community deserves a great downtown, this program is a revitalization effort focusing on the central business district in Ottumwa. The Mission of Main Street Ottumwa is to strengthen and revitalize Ottumwa's Central Business District using the comprehensive Main Street Four-Point Approach.

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved...
06/19/2026

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

While Juneteenth has its roots in Texas, celebrations of emancipation have a long history here in the proud, free state of Iowa. Black communities across the state observed Emancipation Day for decades, even before the Civil War. Iowans gathered for parades, speeches, music, picnics, athletic competitions and community celebrations.

The newspaper clipping shown here comes from the Iowa Bystander in 1901 and describes an Emancipation Day celebration in nearby Buxton, Iowa. Hundreds of people attended the event, which included a parade, brass band, speeches, baseball games and a community banquet.

As we observe Juneteenth, we remember the long struggle for freedom, honor the generations who fought for equality and recognize the contributions Black Americans have made to in our community.

The Main Street office will be closed today for the holiday.

Join us next Thursday for Downtown Lunch Club at Rack & Roll Billiards!🎱🍽Downtown Lunch Club is a casual monthly meet-up...
06/18/2026

Join us next Thursday for Downtown Lunch Club at Rack & Roll Billiards!🎱🍽

Downtown Lunch Club is a casual monthly meet-up where downtown supporters join for lunch and an opportunity to support a different local dining location each month. Rack & Roll has a great menu of quick bites and sandwiches for lunch and anyone taking the afternoon off to start a long weekend can grab a beer at a great price!

Your donation can go farther!πŸ’œπŸ’œWe're asking supporters to give $20 to celebrate Main Street Ottumwa's 20th anniversary. ...
06/18/2026

Your donation can go farther!πŸ’œπŸ’œ

We're asking supporters to give $20 to celebrate Main Street Ottumwa's 20th anniversary. Thanks to a generous donation, we're able to match the next $500 of donations! If you believe in our mission, there's never been a better opportunity to show your support.

Contribute at the link in the comments.

06/17/2026

Our Main Street Unlocked series continues!πŸ”‘πŸ’œ

Today, we're checking in with Alondra Najarro at Haven on Mane. She shares her story of opening a shop on Main Street, her mission for training and supporting more aestheticians in the community and why locating downtown is the best fit for her business.πŸ’β€β™€οΈβœ¨

Visiting Ottumwa for the Balloon Races? Take the opportunity to explore everything Ottumwa has to offer this weekend!We'...
06/17/2026

Visiting Ottumwa for the Balloon Races? Take the opportunity to explore everything Ottumwa has to offer this weekend!

We've prepared a simple guide for dining, shopping and more downtown!

Main Street is turning 20 years old!To celebrate this special anniversary, we're asking for $20 toward our mission. Ever...
06/16/2026

Main Street is turning 20 years old!

To celebrate this special anniversary, we're asking for $20 toward our mission. Everything we do, our events, the economic development and small business support, the beautification efforts, everything depends on investors like you. Please consider a $20 donation today.

Contribute using the link in the comments.

This is your last chance to register as a vendor for our Main Street Makers Market! Registration closes Thursday. We alr...
06/16/2026

This is your last chance to register as a vendor for our Main Street Makers Market! Registration closes Thursday. We already have 30+ incredible vendors and expect a great turnout. Your business would be a perfect fit!

No one should have to navigate dementia alone.Join others from across our community for Light The Way: Walking Through D...
06/15/2026

No one should have to navigate dementia alone.

Join others from across our community for Light The Way: Walking Through Dementia Together, a free educational town hall coming to Ottumwa on Wednesday at Bridge View Center.

This event will bring together caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals and community resources to provide practical information, support, and guidance for those affected by dementia.

πŸ“ Bridge View Center
πŸ•› Doors open at 11:45 a.m. | Program begins at Noon
πŸ’œ Refreshments provided

Knowledge, resources and support can make a meaningful difference. We encourage anyone touched by dementia to attend.

RSVP at the link in the comments.

In Downtown Ottumwa, the American flag flies proudly alongside our Hometown Heroes banners, reminding us of the local me...
06/14/2026

In Downtown Ottumwa, the American flag flies proudly alongside our Hometown Heroes banners, reminding us of the local men and women who answered the call to serve our nation.πŸ—½πŸ¦…

As you enjoy the day, take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we share and the sacrifices made to protect them. We are especially grateful for the veterans whose stories continue to line our downtown streets and inspire future generations.

Happy Flag Day from Main Street Ottumwa.β€οΈπŸ€πŸ’™

06/13/2026

Unfortunately, the Central Park Cinema: Ratatouille event will have to be postponed for weather. We’ll pick up with Remy and his friends on July 11th!

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334 E Main Street
Ottumwa, IA
52501

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