Workers set up the carnival in Ottumwa Park, just one feature of the annual Balloon Races festival.
/ KTVO's Kate Allt
OTTUMWA, IOWA -- A classic summertime festival kicks off Wednesday evening in Ottumwa.
The Pro Balloon Race is in its 35th year this year, and the event is still going strong. Several new events were added this year, including a wine tasting from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and a weather-themed concert by the Ottumwa Municipal Band at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The flights kick off on Friday and organizers are expecting a big crowd.
"We usually have thousands each year, so we can't wait to see everybody and it's a free event, you can come watch the balloons, go home and not spend a dime, so it's a free event for families and we hope they come out and enjoy it," said Holly Dommer, co-chair of the event. " We have six different states represented this year, we have 37 pilots coming from all different places."
The city of Ottumwa worked especially hard this year to get the park cleared of debris and tree limbs in time for all the visitors.
The festival runs Wednesday through Sunday evening. For more information on events and times, visit the Pro Balloon Races website.
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