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Parade day starts with Pac-Man gameParade photos on Page 16By BOB BERG Courier staff writerThe St. Patrick’s Day parade drew the crowds, but the hoopla really began earlier Saturday morning with the governor, the mayor and Pac-Man at Twin Galaxies.It was a day that other American cities might envy. Ottumwa, Iowa, was officialy being named the video game capital of the world.As lasers blasted away and thunderous explosions from video games drowned out greetings, Iowa Gov Terry Branstad made his way to the rear of the downtown video arcade about an hour before the parade kicked off.When the ceremonies were ready to start, they yelled for Ottumwa Mayor Jerry Parker to come and join the governor. Twin Galaxies owner Walter Day shouted for everyone to stop zapp ing the enemy so the machines would calm downFirst, there was Don Osborne.marketing vice president of Atari Inc., passing on a commendation to the city declaring Ottumwa the video game capital. Presented next was a trophy, topped with the Atari symbol, to the mayor and Day.Inscribed was the message that Atari Inc “commends Ottumwa Mayor Jerry Parker and Walter Day of Twin Galaxies for their key roles in providing a forum for the youth of Iowa to experience a play oriented introduction to the computer age.”Parker, in the glare of bright lights and cameras (from the local television crews and visiting documentary film crews), said it’s important Ottumwa is getting some positive publicity As for parents concerned about their children playing video games, he said they should drop by Twin Galaxies to see the family-type entertainment at the arcade.Branstad presented a certificate of merit to the city, saying he's interestedPARADEfPlaaso turn to Pago 2)
Newspaper Details
Ottumwa Courier
Ottumwa, Iowa, US
Mon, Mar 21, 1983
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
David R.
USA 19 Mar 2023
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Ottumwa Daily Review
Ottumwa Courier
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Baptismal Register Sacred Heart
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