It’s not the weather that has all eyes on the sky in one southern Iowa community this week. With a theme of ‘Hot Nights and Cool Flights,” the 28th annual Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races get into high gear this weekend. More than 35 balloonists from throughout the Midwest are registered for the 2 days of competitive flying set for Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning — weather permitting, of course. Tonight and Saturday night the balloonists will also take part in a “night glow,” filling the sky with colorful balloons. The winner of the two days of competition will take home a cool one-thousand dollars in cash. Sandwiched in between the competitions are events throught the day and evening, including the Dale Earnhardt look-a-like contest, with the winner getting four NASCAR tickets. The annual summertime event takes place in Ottumwa park at ther intersection of Highways 34 and 63.
