Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen | #CDM2024 Performer
Tell us about your group
We are a polka/variety band from Mt Vernon, IA. For 36 years we’ve been traveling around the country playing polkas, waltzes, country, big band, latin, line dances and party favorites!
What are you most looking forward to at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
We enjoy playing Christkindlmarket Des Moines because it’s family friendly and the people are ready to have a good time with us. It’s fun to see people dancing and singing along. I’m sure a little Gluhwein helps too!!
Daughters of Norway – CDM 2024 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant
Daughters of Norway Returning For 8th Consecutive Year!
We are thrilled to have the Daughters of Norway returning to decorate a Silent Auction tree for a record 8th consecutive year! This cultural organization has been a staple in the Christkindlmarket Des Moines Weihnachtswald since our inaugural year in 2016.
Eva Nansen Lodge 46 became the first Iowa lodge to bear the name Daughters of Norway on November 5, 2006 with forty-six charter members representing Norway, Denmark, and Sweden ancestries. Membership is available not only to Norwegians, but women with Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic connections. The Lodge Sisters pride themselves in offering educational and festive events, cultural programs and activities, and social gatherings. Lifelong Nordic friendships have developed while sharing common interests.
In addition to bidding on their always extraordinary tree, here are a few additional events to help you enjoy the holidays and support the Daughters of Norway:
- Scandinavian Fiddle Music Concert: November 12, 2024
- St. Lucia Day Presentation: December 3, 2024
If you are excited to see what Daughter of Norway have in store for us this year, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 5th – December 8th, 2024!
Community Hand Up – CDM 2024 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant
Community Hand Up, First Year Participant!
We are excited to welcome a new local non-profit to the #CDM2024 Weihnachtswald Silent Auction, Community Hand Up!
Community Hand Up was created to empower the future financial security of people whose income is above the poverty line and below middle-class financial security by providing financial education, mentoring, and emergency services. This organization strives for everyone to be completely self-sufficient.
The big picture for Community Hand Up consists of: creating a corporate headquarters to house a food pantry, seasonal clothing closet, board meeting space and classrooms; an affordable housing program which includes building and managing a 5,000-unit housing complex based on combination Section 8 and Section 42 housing programs with units renters can convert to home ownership; and Transitional Housing program designed to help foster kids’ transition to adulthood through complete support of housing, employment and education.
Look for Community Hand Up and their festive tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 5th – December 8th, 2024!
Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa – CDM 2024 Non-Profit Silent Auction Tree Participant
Hope Animal Rescue Decorates, Again!
It wouldn’t be a #CDM2024 Weihnachtswald without Hope Animal Rescue and their furr-estive tree! Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa will be decorating a tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024 for a fourth year.
Providing “Hope” is the main goal of this animal rescue which was founded in June 2014. They are a no-kill rescue who strives to protect and provide hope as they search for loving homes for stray and neglected animals.
Without a brick-and-mortar location, Hope Animal Rescue utilizes community and cultural events like Christkindlmarket Des Moines to get their organization in front of more Iowans. As a 100% foster/volunteer-based rescue, without local, state or federal support, Hope relies solely on the generosity of others through donations.
In addition to bidding on their always extraordinary tree, here are a few additional events to help you enjoy the holidays and support Hope Animal Rescue:
- Puppy Yoga at Smash park Des Moines: November 16, 2024
- Pup Up Meet & Greet at Just Paws Gourmet: November 9, 2024
- Paw Print Ornament at Just Paws Gourmet: November 10, 2024
To check out the pet friendly tree of Hope Animal Rescue, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 5th – December 8th, 2024!
Basic Stitch | #CDM2024 Vendor
Tell us about your business
Basic Stitch is a small, one-woman operation, born in the heart of Iowa, and specializes in handmade knitwear with a primary focus on cozy hats and winter essentials. As the owner and sole operator, I personally handcraft each piece with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring warmth and style in every stitch. Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, my creations offer unique designs, reflecting my passion for quality and creativity as a millennial entrepreneur.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024?
I was inspired to become a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024 after attending the market as a customer in the past. Seeing the vibrant community of vendors and the unique handmade crafts they offered left a lasting impression on me. I felt compelled to join them, bringing my own passion for handmade knitwear and unique designs to the market. It’s an exciting opportunity to share my craft with others and contribute to the festive atmosphere of such a well-loved event in our community.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024 and why did you choose them?
At Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024, I will be offering a range of handmade knitwear with a primary focus on cozy hats and winter wear. I will also have charming crocheted amigurumi stuffed animals. I chose these products because they showcase my dedication to craftsmanship and creativity. Each item is meticulously crafted with care, ensuring both quality and comfort. The hats and scarves are essential winter wearables that blend warmth with style, while the amigurumi animals add a whimsical touch, appealing to both children and the young at heart. I’m excited to share these unique creations with visitors, contributing to the festive spirit of the market.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Every part of the hats I sell are meticulously crafted by hand, including the faux fur pom poms which I sew personally. I devote extensive time to studying color theory, trends in fashion, and current color palettes. This commitment ensures that my designs blend traditional styles with a contemporary and fashionable flair.
Meet the Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2024 Christkind
We would like to introduce Karlie Latterell as the Christkind for this year’s Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Karlie is a junior at Norwalk High School.
The Christkind is the namesake of Christkindlmarkets. The Christkind is often described as a fairy-like being dressed in gold and white robes with a crown upon their golden locks. Christkind folklore dates back to the 1500s and stems from traditional customs: parades during the holiday season were guided by one “grand” angel, the Christkind. They are the bearer of gifts to most children in German-speaking countries, much like Santa Claus is in the United States.
Our Christkind will be making appearances at the festival during our opening ceremony December 6, 2024 from 6pm – 7pm. She will also make appearances on December 7th and 8th from 2pm-4pm.
Metro Brass Quintet | #CDM2024 Performer
Tell us about your group
The Metro Brass Quintet has been performing in the Des Moines Metro and surrounding area for the last 10 years. Our membership has remained largely the same and we have a great library of tunes across the spectrum and original works written for the group.
What are you most looking forward to at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
This is one of our favorite performances with the great atmosphere, food, drinks, and a receptive crowd! Our members are split between the Gluwein, nuts, and beer as favorite treats.
What’s your favorite thing about performing at events like this?
We love playing for a good crowd and connecting with people and their favorite seasonal songs. You can see people remembering or making memories each year and it’s a delight.
Anything else you’d like to share?
We’re so thankful to be a part of the tradition from the start (minus 2020) and are excited for 2024’s Christkindlmarket!
New to #CDM2024 | Afterhours in Yuletide Hall
On Friday and Saturday night, patrons are invited to join us in Yuletide Hall from 9pm – 10pm to continue the fun. Malek’s Fishermen Band out of Garner, Iowa, will be performing a mix of European music, holiday favorites and novelty tunes. Sing along in English, Czech and German! There will be plenty of room to dance in our 50% larger, heated tent.
