Our History
The land where the city of Altoona is located was surveyed
in 1847 and was offered for sale by the United States government
in 1848. The present day area known as Olde Town Altoona is
located at the site of the original plat.
A surveyor named Julian B. Bausman is credited with giving
Altoona its name. Bausman discovered that the crest of the
hill near the present Old Town Altoona was the highest point
(966 feet) on the Des Moines Valley Railroad between Keokuk
and Des Moines. “Altoona” was derived from the
Latin word “Altus” meaning high or altitude.
Olde Town Altoona Christmas 2007
The Olde Town Altoona Business Association invites you and
your family to be part of the magic of
Christmas in beautifully decorated Olde Town Altoona on Friday
and Saturday, November 23 and 24, 2007.
Festivities are kicked off on Friday evening with a lighted
Christmas Parade through the streets of Altoona
ending in the Olde Town Altoona Business District. A team
of high stepping Clydesdales will deliver Santa
to Olde Town so that he can participate in the annual Christmas
tree lighting.
Saturday’s festivities will feature a Christmas market
where merchants and crafters throughout the area
will join us in Olde Town to spread their wares in a series
of decorated tents or booths. People can visit the
quaint specialty booths in Olde Town for special gifts, savings
and treats. Children young and old, will delight in taking
a ride in the Clydesdales drawn wagon through the Olde Town
neighborhood. Then visit Santa and his Elves in his house
where he will lend an ear to children’s holiday wishes.
Children will also want to make a special trip to Angel Hall
to do their holiday shopping ($1.00 per gift) and Santa’s
helpers will wrap their gifts to assure Christmas morning
surprises.
The entire family will enjoy entertainment to include holiday
music, storytelling, pet show, and our annual Chili Cook-off!
Also, don’t miss the opportunity to bid on decorated
holiday wreaths, decorated by area students, for that special
place in your home or a great gift. The day will be filled
with numerous holiday activities, so gather your friends and
family for a holiday treat by visiting Olde Town Christmas
Celebration 2007!
For more information on events or how to become a sponsor,
please contact
us.
Parade Route
Click
here to see the parade route
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