Signature Beer to be Brewed for Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 organizers are pleased to announce their partnership with Confluence Brewing Company to brew a signature beer for #CDM2017.
Confluence brews 30 – 40 different beers each year. They often partner with area non-profits to help bring awareness to their cause through a unique and related recipe. Confluence cares about the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into making excellent beer, and knows that excellent beer can bring people together.
Through this partnership, you can look forward to:
- A signature beer release fundraiser at Confluence Brewing Company in November 2017.
- A Firkin tapping of our signature beer at #CDM2017.
- Our signature beer available at retail locations prior to #CDM2017 and during the holiday season.
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
Gail’s Photography & Designs | 2017 In-Kind Sponsor
As we continue to host fundraising events and get ready to produce Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017, we’re finding a lot of memorable moments along the way. We’re grateful to have Gail’s Photography and Designs to capture those for us as our 2017 Photography Sponsor.
Gail retired from Lifetouch Portrait Studios in June 2014. The next month, she opened her own photography business. Her subjects are usually children and families. She also designs word art that are offered in metal or in print. Her favorite part of her job is seeing families enjoying themselves and capturing moments for them to keep for generations.
Gail is looking forward to looking at the unique gifts that are offered. Her involvement with Christkindlmarket Des Moines was inspired by her Italian heritage and passion for learning about other cultures.
“I believe that learning about and understanding what other cultures have to offer is essential in our society,” Gail said.
She also encourages people interested in European heritage to get involved with Des Moines European Heritage Association and Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
“There’s great connections to be made and everyone brings something special to it that only they can give.”
Take a look at Gail’s Facebook Fan Page to see her great work. You’ll see Gail at all of our 2017 fundraising events as well!
Thank you, Gail, for your support!
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
Modern Woodmen of America | Fundraising Match Sponsor
Christkindlmarket Des Moines relies on donations to help bring our work to life. We appreciate all our sponsors and donations that come from individuals or are collected at fundraisers.
With that said, wouldn’t it be great if dollars could double themselves and have twice the impact? Definitely! That’s why we’re so excited to welcome Stoy Hall and Modern Woodmen of America back as our fundraising match sponsor for Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017.
Founded in 1833, Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal financial service organization. They offer life insurance, annuity and investments. In addition to their services, Modern Woodmen of America offers benefits to members through their fraternal programs. Chapters across the nation are able to host events and activities that help them invest in their communities. These include educational and social events, as well as volunteer opportunities. Matching fund programs, like the one supporting Christkindlmarket Des Moines, help the organization get involved in the communities where it operates.
Stoy has been with the organization for six years, including an internship. According to him, finding ways to participate in the community is an important part of being in a fraternal organization. Stoy and a few of his colleagues volunteered to help set up at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016.
“The ability to do something in the community near Christmas with cultural influences is a no brainer. I have done a lot of research on them and I believe Des Moines will be a great fit for the event, ” he said.
The first event in 2017 to be matched by Stoy and MWA will be “Alsatian Cuisine and Conversation” on May 22. Keep an eye on our Facebook Page and the blog to learn more.
Thank you for your support!
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
Alsatian Cuisine and Conversation, March 22, 2017
Say “oui” to a three-course French dinner at Le Jardin on Wednesday, March 22. Choose from several specialty dishes prepared by chef Tag Grandgeorge. Chef Tag will talk about his French experiences and how they influenced the food.
The cost is $35 per person. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Des Moines European Heritage Association and their production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Call Le Jardin at 515-255-5787 to reserve a table. Only 44 seats available. Bon appétit!
Seating Times: 5:30pm, 5:45pm and 6pm
Menu:
Mixed greens salad, basil vinaigrette, blackberries, mandarin oranges, peppered bacon, brie croustade
Entrées
Smoked pork shoulder, buttermilk polenta, horseradish-dill-citrus sauce
Stuffed cabbage rolls (beef and pork), roasted vegetables, garlic broth
Sausage and chicken spaetzle, tarragon cream, caramelized onions, roasted carrots
Desserts
Apple fritter, vanilla ice cream, caramel
Cherry clafoutis, blackberry syrup, whipped cream
Please note: The $35 fee includes a three-course meal. Beverages will be available for purchase. Tax and a 20 percent service gratuity will be applied to the final bill.
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
#CDM2016 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
In January, we held our volunteer appreciation dinner to thank those that helped produce the inaugural Christkindlmarket Des Moines. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Thank you to Barilla for supplying the pasta and sauce and to Graziano Bros. for supplying the sausage. And to Perry Wehrle for supplying the venue.
Are you interested in getting involved to help plan this year’s event? Complete our volunteer interest form indicating your committee interests.
Are you interested in volunteering at the event this December? Opt in to our e-newsletter to be notified when opportunities are available. The Glühwein serving shifts go fast!
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
2017 Call for Performers
The quality of a traditional Christmas market depends on maintaining a high standard of programming. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is dedicated to immersing visitors in a world of folklore and craftsmanship as well as enticing them with traditional, seasonal gastronomic specialties to provide an experience filled with European elegance and charm. See Google Images of Christmas markets around the world.
We will provide a four-sided, forced-air heated tent at a location to be determined by Christkindlmarket Des Moines event planning committee on Cowles Commons. A lighted stage within the tent will be provided.
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 and all information stored in our database.
What is the timeline for the process?
Fill out the online needs assessment no later than March 1, 2017
Send photographs representing you or your group to – [email protected]
Receive feedback from Christkindlmarket Des Moines staff by April 1, 2017
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 Performer Information Guide
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 Performer Needs Assessment
Chocolaterie Stam | 2017 In-Kind Sponsor
A huge thank you to Chocolaterie Stam who continues as our 2017 in-kind vendor stall logistics partner. Not many people understand the logistics behind this process, so let me explain.
Materials are purchased from Lowes and Gilcrest/Jewett and delivered to either Waukee High School or Johnston High School.
After each stall is built, it is torn down, palletized and transported from WHS or JHS to Centennial Warehousing Corporation for storage until Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Chocolaterie Stam is donating the use of their dock-height delivery truck so we can transport each individual stall to Centennial Warehousing Corporation! Prior to this partnership, we were renting UHaul trucks. Thank you so much for your continued support!
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
2017 Call for Vendors
Des Moines European Heritage Association invites you to become a vendor at the 2nd Annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
In 2016, this cultural experience attracted 22,000 – 26,000 attendees.
In 2016 we set up at 125+ events around Iowa, and out of all of those events, Christkindlmarket Des Moines was our #1 event for gross sales.
Pickle Creek Herbs, 2016
In addition to food and gift/specialty item vendors, we seek vendors that can provide demonstrations.
- Over 62,000 website pageviews/year
- 1,517 Facebook Likes
- E-newsletters: 11 issues per year, 924 subscribers, 40% open rate
- Promotional flyers (Jul – Dec): 2,000
I had high hopes for this event, and in terms of both sales and marketing, this event exceeded all my expectations.
Pickle Creek Herbs, 2016
View all 2016 Vendor Testimonials
Read the 2017 Vendor Guide (Required)
Apply to be a 2017 Vendor
Application Deadline: February 15, 2017
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
Centennial Warehousing Corporation | 2017 In-Kind Sponsor
Centennial Warehousing Corporation has graciously agreed to not only continue to donate storage space for our existing wooden vendor stalls, but have offered to store additional stalls that will be built in 2017.
After working with a member of the Des Moines Woodworkers Association, we were able to rework the design so when torn down, the stall fits on a double-wide pallet which can be easily moved around the warehouse with the help of a forklift.
We will continue to work with Waukee High School Industrial Arts Students to build the traditional wooden vendor stalls used at Christkindlmarket Des Moines. We will also be bringing Johnston High School on board to supplement the building process.
As a non-profit, producing an inaugural event, community partners are extremely important. Many thanks to Centennial Warehousing Corporation!
Centennial Warehousing is a full service logistics company. Services range from a full service warehouse, over the road trucking, regional distribution, and freight brokerage. We have our own fleet of semi-trucks and 53 ft. air ride trailers driven by our own professional drivers.
Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.
Opening Ceremony | Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016
Join us for the opening ceremony of the inaugural Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Hear the Christkind deliver her festive proclamation to open the Christkindlmarket and see the large tree sponsored by Drake University’s World Languages and Cultures Department lit. The opening ceremony will begin at 6pm on Friday, December 2.
Children Needed for Opening Ceremony Procession
Children are an integral component of any Christkindlmarket opening ceremony. Would your child (children) like to follow “Das Christkind” through Christkindlmarket Des Moines to the stage where they will watch the opening ceremony?
Contact Betsy Penisten at [email protected] with questions and interest. We would like at most 50 children to participate.
Children and parents are invited to gather in the East Entrance of Cap Square at 5:40pm on Friday, December 2, 2016, (please be on time) to receive a luminary and battery-operated candle. Please return the luminaries to a volunteer at the end of the opening ceremony if the child does not wish to take it home.