2022 Call for Performers
Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) invites you to become a performer at the 7th annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place December 1 – 4, 2022 at Principal Park.
If you have applied in the past, but were not accepted, we encourage you to complete an application each year. The programming committee takes several factors into consideration when choosing the slate of performers each year.
Performances typically seen at Christkindlmarkets include (but are not limited to): European folk music players, European folk music singers, yodeling, guitarist, accordionist, clogging, folk dancers, Scottish pipes & drums, high school choirs, children’s choirs, violinists, bell choirs, church choirs, storytellers, brass bands, alpine horn blowers, marionette/puppeteers, Schuhplattler Verein, vocal performances in European languages, harpists, etc.
Yuletide Hall is a four-sided, forced-air heated tent at a location to be determined by the CDM event planning committee at Principal Park’s Main Lot. A lighted stage within the tent will be provided. The size of the stage in 2021 was 16x32x32″ tall.
Our performer guide will give you an overview of the needs assessment process and requirements. As soon as you fill out the needs assessment, it will be reviewed internally.
What is the timeline for the process?
- Fill out the online needs assessment below by March 1, 2022
- Send photographs and links to audio files/videos representing you or your group to [email protected] (REQUIRED; your application is not complete until we receive this)
- Receive feedback from CDM staff by March 15, 2022
CDM 2022 Performer Information Guide
CDM 2022 Performer Needs Assessment
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Danish Brotherhood Des Moines
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Adding some Danish flare for a second year, the Danish Brotherhood Des Moines will be displaying their “Julehygee” tree. Translated as “Christmas fun,” this tree spreads joy and contentment.
The Danish Brotherhood was chartered November 26, 1884 with a mission to encourage Danish tradition, support members, and other community nonprofits. The money raised through this Silent Auction tree will be used for awarding scholarships.
If you would like to bid on the “Julehygee” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information on Danish Brotherhood Des Moines, please visit their Facebook page.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Alliance Française of Central Iowa
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Returning for a second year, Alliance Française of Central Iowa will nourish your mind and satisfy your sweet tooth with a “Madeline et des madeleines” tree. You will find this tree by its blue, yellow and gold color scheme and assortment of miniature Eiffel Towers. It celebrates the beloved children’s book “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans, of which includes a copy. In addition, it comes decorated with the popular French mini cakes called “madeleines.
Alliance Française of Central Iowa was established in 1994, and is part of the Alliance Française global network that dates from 1883, when the Alliance de Paris was created. Today, there are over 1200 Alliance chapters established in 112 countries. The Alliance is an all-volunteer, non-profit, educational, and cultural organization whose mission is to help foster friendship and collaboration between the people of Central Iowa and the French speaking world. They work to develop knowledge and appreciation of the French culture and the French language.
If you would like to bid on the “Madeline et des madeleines” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information on Alliance Française of Central Iowa, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: A Home for EveryBunny
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
A Home for EveryBunny is joining us for a third year with a “Rabbit Royalty” tree. Decorated is silver and gold, this tree will be fit for the Kings and Queens looking to support Iowa’s only rabbit rescue.
Celebrating their fifth anniversary, A Home for EveryBunny has grown exponentially from their humble beginnings helping over 360 rabbits find their forever homes. By relying on the tireless efforts of almost fifty volunteers, they provide the specialized care that rabbits need for their health and success through their network of foster homes. With rabbits being the third most common animal to end up in a shelter or rescue, there is a constant need for more help and resources. They also provide personalized attention to each adopter, so that they can find the pet that will best fit their home for years to come.
A Home for EveryBunny will use proceeds for ongoing operations and the specialized veterinary care that rabbits need. In addition, they are raising money for a much-needed van for the rescue, which would be invaluable for supply runs and rescues throughout the state.
If you would like to bid on the “Rabbit Royalty” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information on A Home for EveryBunny, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Veterans in Agriculture
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Joining us for a fifth year with a “Farmhouse Christmas” is Veterans in Agriculture (VIA). Featuring farm and farmhouse themed ornaments primarily in red and white with hints of blue representing veterans’ transitioning into agriculture. The colors are also a nod to the military service organizations utilizing VIA’s services.
Veterans in Agriculture received nonprofit status in 2014 and have used their work to empower veterans to thrive in agriculture. Forty-six percent of the Nation’s military is from rural America, which translates to a tremendous amount of knowledge in that field.
VIA has gained approval from the US Department of Labor for two registered apprenticeships. The Silent Auction proceeds will be used to support this programming as they work to train the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders.
If you would like to bid on the “Farmhouse Christmas” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information on Veterans In Agriculture, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: The Daughters of Norway- Eva Nansen
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Daughters of Norway- Eva Nansen Lodge is joining us for a fifth year and giving a tree “Full of Hearts.” There are many things to love about Norway and the other Scandinavian Countries, and it shows through the time and attention given to every ornament on this tree made by lodge sisters. Don’t forget about those gnomes roaming Scandinavian homes (and trees) spreading a little bit of luck along the way.
The Daughters of Norway put their hearts into searching and learning all things about their heritage through speakers, programs, crafts, music, food, traditions and more. 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.
If you would like to bid on the “Full of Hearts” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information on The Daughters of Norway, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Decorating for their fourth year, SoN will treat us to a “Red, White, and Blue” tree representing the countries of Norway, United Sates, and Canada, where lodges are located. The decorations are mostly handmade and will include natural materials, wooden ornaments, Rosemaled ornaments, garden materials and treated paper ornaments.
Sons of Norway has been in existence for 126 years and the Marsteinen Lodge, located in Des Moines, has been around for 37 of those. They are dedicated to keeping the Norwegian culture alive and membership consists of those with Norwegian ancestry and anyone who has an interest in the culture. Christmas is the highlight of Norwegian winters. Before December 25th many towns have a Christmas market, special parties and concerts. These activities unify the communities and families with a strong tradition of special foods, music, dances, decorations, even the animals are included. The Marsteinen Lodge usually has a potluck dinner at the December meeting followed by singing and dancing around the Christmas tree. The children attending are treated to a visit from the Nisse bringing small gifts.
Silent Auction funds will be used to aid other nonprofit organizations in the community.
If you would like to bid on the “Red, White, and Blue” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information Sons of Norway, Martsteinen Lodge, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Serving Hands, Inc.
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Decorating for their first time, Serving Hands, Inc. would like to encourage everyone to open your hearts to the world with “Loving Kindness.” Ornaments with inspirational messages remind everyone how important it is to show loving kindness in a divisive world. The tree ornaments symbolize nature with pine cones and wooden ornaments reflect the serenity that nature provides.
Since its inception in December 2018, Serving Hands, Inc. has provided 1077 meals, donated 837 hygiene items, and provided financial assistance to individuals, families, and organizations in need. As a volunteer led nonprofit, people from all walks of life serve others by providing food, personal hygiene, and financial assistance to those in need.
The holidays mean hope, love, kindness, and giving. Serving Hands, Inc hopes to impact and enrich people’s lives during this season and beyond by using the funds from the Silent Auction to further their work in the community.
If you would like to bid on the “Loving Kindness” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information the Serving Hands, Inc., please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Iowa Genealogical Society
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Returning for a second year, Iowa Genealogical Society wants to celebrate an anniversary with CDM! “Blast from the Past” will be a 1950’s theme marking 2022 as the 72nd anniversary of the 1950 US Federal Census. This is an important occasion to genealogists because it means the population tables from the 1950 census will be released for use by genealogists and the general public.
The Iowa Genealogical Society was founded in 1965 with a mission to foster an interest in genealogy and aid others in researching their family history. The holidays are important and facilitate many occasions for families to gather and share their roots.
If you would like to bid on the “Blast from the Past” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information the Iowa Genealogical Society, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Danish Sisterhood
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
The Danish Sisterhood in America Lodge 102 has returned for their second turn at decorating a tree, and it won’t disappoint! “Handmade Heritage” will evoke a feeling of Denmark when you gaze upon this tree filled with Danish woven baskets, cones, and sneaky little Nisse who like to hide in peoples’ homes and cause mischief. Through a lot of skill, the members of the Danish Sisterhood have also created a showstopping star to top off the tree.
The Danish Sisterhood national organization was started in Michigan in 1883. Many Danish people were immigrating to America and found themselves in need of help. The Sisterhood was built as a support to those Danes that needed a helping hand both financially and emotionally. Lodge 102 was a “rebirth” of a lodge that disbanded then restarted in the early 1900’s.
The mission of the Danish Sisterhood is to preserve and strengthen the Danish culture in the community. In addition, they adhere to the principals of support by helping sisters in need.
The money raised in the Silent Auction will be used in service to other organizations including the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa. The museum is archiving and cataloging artifacts reaching back the late 1800’s from Danish Sisterhoods across the United States. The Sisterhood also supports The Ronald McDonald House, Dorothy’s House, and the Food Bank of Iowa.
If you would like to bid on the “Homemade Heritage” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information the The Danish Sisterhood of America, please visit their website.