Author Archive Suzanne Hull

BySuzanne Hull

Iowa State Bank | 2023 Bronze Sponsor

We’re excited to announce Iowa State Bank’s support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023.

Iowa State Bank is proud to have called Des Moines home for over 80 years. They have five metro banking locations, along with Investment and Trust Departments providing strong wealth management services. Iowa State Bank has been committed to this community since opening their doors in 1941. Helping to support local organizations and giving their customers the best possible banking experience will always be their priority.

BySuzanne Hull

The Kringle Man | #CDM2023 Vendor

Tell us about your business:

Located in Elk Horn,Iowa we have been in business since 2015, but have only started Kringle and Danish baking since 2018. I am a retired schoolteacher that was looking to fill some time and it has turned into a full time business with the unique Danish Baking products that I have been marketing. I enjoy the time in the bakery, but really we do this to meet new people and attend events such as the Christkindlmarket Des Moines. We do around 70 events a year, with our traveling show, and have attended shows in 8 different states. The recipes are a combination of Danish Grandmothers sharing with me and searching old cookbooks and the internet to create the product that I market. 

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023?

We have been involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines in 2019 and it exceeded our wildest expectations.  Iowa has always been a strong market for us, but this was amazing.  It was as the Dane’s say a Hygge time: (pronounced hoo·guh). Hygge is about preserving happiness everyday. It is about slowing down, being humble, expressing gratitude, feeling safe and connecting with loved ones. Who wouldn’t want to spend a weekend with friends at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023 and why did you choose them?

The Danish Pastry made with the puff pastry dough for that light and flaky experience while enjoying a generous serving of fruit sprinkled with baker’s sugar and drizzled with a sweet white and glossy icing.


Hot out of the oven the Danish Letter.  A generous serving of Almond Paste wrapped in the puff pastry dough, topped with baker’s sugar and baked to perfection.  A perfect companion to a great cup of coffee. 


Ready for packaging.  The Cream Horn is filled with my own creation of sweetness to drive any connoisseur of the puff pastry covered in baker’s sugar and baked to a golden color crazy.


The Apple Kringle shows all the lite and flaky layers of goodness surrounded by air pockets of joy.  The generous serving of Almond Paste blended with the fruit and covered with Almond Slivers and baker’s sugar is a treat anytime of the day.


The Kringle comes in two different sizes: Family size of 5 inches by 15 inches or the couple size of 3 3/4 inches by 10 inches. Don’t be afraid to get the bigger size as all my products freeze amazingly so you can enjoy some now and some later with coffee and family or friends.


We also have a topping of cream cheese icing that is out of this world good.

BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2023 Yuletide Hall Performers Announced

Thursday, November 30, 2023

5:30pm – 9pm: Jim Kucera Band: known throughout the Midwest as Nebraska’s Oktoberfest Band.

Friday, December 1, 2023

11am – 2pm: Barry Boyce Band: German Style Polka & Waltz with English Vocals, including Christmas music in Polka Tempo

2:30pm – 5:30pm: Stu Ryan O’Brien is fun music and entertainment based in greater Des Moines and central Iowa. Stuart Walker as Stu Ryan O’Brien sings Irish traditional and pub songs along with irresistible classic rock and pop tunes. There’s always a wee bit of clappin’, sing along and lots of laughs too!

6:30pm – 9pm: Malek’s Fishermen Band is one of the finest polka bands in the Midwest; and continue the great tradition of dance music excellence started by Syl Malek in the 1930’s with Malek Bros. Accordion Band. They will be performing European dance music: polka, waltz, etc. and German, Czech, Polish, Irish and Norwegian holiday standards.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

11:30am – 12pm: Heartland Youth Choir provides a performance-based program for youth that emphasizes musical literacy and character development. Heartland Youth Choir provides a unique opportunity for children of diverse backgrounds with a particular aptitude in vocal music to explore that interest beyond their school setting.

1:30pm – 2pm: Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums of Iowa Bagpipes and drums

3:30pm – 4pm: Foy School of Irish Dance Celebrate Irish culture with the Foy School of Irish Dance. The revelry includes delightful traditional dances and contemporary choreographed numbers that both enchant and entertain!

6pm – 9pm: Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen is a polka/variety band based out of Mt Vernon, IA. She has been inducted in the Polka Hall of Fame and the Midwest All Music Association Hall of Fame. The band had the honor of playing on the National Mall in Washington DC for the Smithsonian Folklife Fest in 1996. Get ready to dance and sing along to a variety of music including polkas, waltzes, country, two steps, big band, Latin, and party favorites!

Sunday, December 3, 2023

12:30pm – 1:15pm & 2:30pm – 3:15pm: Metro Brass Quintet was founded in the Spring of 2014 and has performed high quality brass music for numerous events in the Des Moines metro and brings a festive spirit to all of its performances.

4pm – 4:40pm: Greater Des Moines Adult Flute Choir is an adult community choir promoting the collegial enjoyment of flute music and performing entertaining and challenging works for our audiences. Directed by Erika Leake McKnight, the choir is in its second year of performing together and features piccolo, C, alto, and bass flutes.

BySuzanne Hull

Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Co | 2023 Bronze Sponsor

Ever wonder how those cute wooden vendor huts arrive at Principal Park? Special thanks to the team at Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company‘s Waukee location for transporting our huts to the venue and returning them to storage year after year.

Founded in 1856, Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company is dedicated to providing its customers with quality, consistency, value, innovation and style.

For over 150 years, their MISSION has been to succeed through unwavering focus on the success of their customers in central and eastern Iowa. They accomplish their mission by supplying customers with top-quality, high-value building products and unparalleled service. They strive to apply the highest standards of integrity to their daily business and to provide a positive, ethical working environment for their employees. Succeeding in this quest for excellence requires every employee to help create a safe, enjoyable and productive work environment.

BySuzanne Hull

Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. | 2023 Silver Sponsor

Many thanks to the Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. law firm in Ankeny for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023. 

LGL values being a part of their community and welcomes the opportunity to support their office family in their interests. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is an event that their employee Erin Baldwin is actively involved in and passionate about and they are happy to be a part of the event.

Their firm has been serving the law needs of businesses and individuals in Ankeny and throughout Iowa for over 20 years. Whether you are starting a business, changing custody agreements or getting your affairs in order, an attorney at Ankeny Law will be at your service.

BySuzanne Hull

Eisenlauer Team, Re/Max Revolution | 2023 Hut Sponsor

Many thanks to Eisenlauer Team, Re/Max Revolution for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023. 

They understand that finding a home can be hard. That’s why it’s important to have some of the best Realtors in Des Moines on your side.

When it comes to buying or selling a property, Eisenlauer Team is the name you can trust. They strive to be the best Realtors in Des Moines, delivering unmatched excellence and customer satisfaction.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer, seasoned seller, or somewhere in the middle – they gear their services to your specific needs. When buying or selling real estate, you deserve the best service for the best price. They know that moving can be both exciting and unnerving at the same time. Being leading Realtors in Des Moines, they are determined to make the process as fun and as smooth as possible.

While the average person buys or sells once every 8-10 years, they do it on a daily basis. So allow their experienced Des Moines area Realtors to assist you through the process from beginning to end. There are over 25 different contacts to coordinate during the transaction process, (more or less depending on the property). They’ll make those contacts and keep you informed along the way.

BySuzanne Hull

Lincoln Savings Bank | Bronze Sponsor

We’re pleased to welcome Lincoln Savings Bank as a Bronze Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023.

Lincoln Savings Bank is owned and managed by Iowans and they’re committed to the Iowa communities they serve.

Lincoln Savings Bank (LSB) opened for business in 1902. These days, they’re a full-service bank offering deposit accounts, loans and other traditional services. They’re a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., have 17 branches and their assets total about $1.5 billion.

They operate a subsidiary, LSB Financial Services. This offshoot expands their services to include insurance, investments, trust and estate management, and more. Together, Lincoln Savings Bank and LSB Financial Services operate seamlessly to be your complete financial provider.

They also have a national footprint. LSBX provides a wide range of services to the rapidly growing financial technology industry. Clients include industry-leading firms such as Square Cash App, Qapital, M1 and Acorns.

In their century-plus transformation from a one-location agricultural bank to a diversified financial institution, LSB has enjoyed sustained growth while staying rooted in Iowa values. Today, they have banking and financial services offices throughout our home state.

BySuzanne Hull

Edward Jones – Ryan Kent, CFP® | 2023 Hut Sponsor

Many thanks to Edward Jones – Ryan Kent, CFP®for his support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023. Learn more about Ryan:

I believe in treating our clients with honesty and empathy, which means being transparent about the costs and risks involved with investing. We are honored to partner with you, to explore your possibilities and to create financial strategies that can have a positive impact on your life. Working closely with your CPA, attorney and other professionals, I can help determine the most appropriate long-term financial strategy that is best for you and your family. I am registered in over 30 states and can serve clients nationwide.

I joined Edward Jones in 2011 and became a financial advisor in 2015. Fort Dodge is where I was born and raised. I am incredibly proud to build my business in my hometown. I partnered with my father for the first five years until his retirement. The knowledge and care he provided had a significant impact on my work ethic and client relationships.

Lifelong learning is very important to me. I received my MBA at Iowa State. I’m proud to have earned my CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, AAMS™ and ABFP™ certifications to broaden my education and better serve those who partner with me. In 2022, I was named to the Next-Gen Best-In-State Wealth Advisors by Forbes and SHOOK Research, ranking at #5 in Iowa (Source: Forbes.com, 8/3/2022; SHOOK Research data as of 3/31/22). It has been an honor for my branch team to be recognized for our dedication to service.

My branch office administrators, Terri VanNostrand and Angela Barton, serve our clients with the utmost respect and integrity. I have been blessed with an excellent team. As a team, we strive to provide our clients with the highest level of service possible and help our clients to have every opportunity to achieve your financial goals.

My spouse, Sara, is a psychologist in private practice. She’s a fantastic chef, and we enjoy traveling and cooking together.

Please reach out to me if you would like to partner together. My team and I would be honored to serve you and your family.

BySuzanne Hull

EMC Insurance Companies | 2023 Silver Sponsor

We’re excited to announce EMC Insurance Companies’ support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023.

EMC Insurance Companies is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the communities they serve. The EMC Insurance Foundation supports numerous organizations in central Iowa and around the country. Through their philanthropic efforts and team member volunteers, they’re helping create brighter, stronger futures for the communities in which we live and work.

BySuzanne Hull

Christkindlmarket Des Moines Nonprofit Partnership Program (NPP)

Daughters of Penelope Zeus #38 | Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa | Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024
Des Moines Children’s Museum | Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024


Are you looking for a fundraiser for your non-profit? Join us as one of our nonprofit partners at Christkindlmarket Des Moines this year!

Partnership Opportunities

Beverages (4 Points of Sale Available): Sell Glühwein and Kinderpunsch


PRE‐FESTIVAL

  1. Create all volunteer schedules and shifts including at least fifteen (15) minutes before the shift begins. Shifts can be as long or as short as you like.
  2. Fully staff all hours selected with 4 individuals.
  3. Provide overall main contact and all shift leaders cell numbers to CDM Leadership.

DURING FESTIVAL

  1. Sell product. Nonprofit may sell only products provided by the Festival.
  2. General clean-up of space, unboxing product, preparing product to be sold.
  3. Removal of trash and debris to appropriate areas.
  4. Cash management and the taking of electronic payments via POS system (provided).

CDM Management will:

  1. Set up tables and Point of Sale.
  2. Manage stock levels.
  3. Organize product for the next day.
  4. Manage cash and provide change.

 THE PARTNERSHIP

Nonprofit partners can choose the following partnership levels and receive the associated donation from the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC), the non-profit that produce CDM:

Thursday, December 5 and Friday, December 6, 2024 | $500 donation
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024 | $500 donation
Thursday, December 5 – Sunday, December 8, 2024 | $1000 donation

Nonprofit partners will be provided with:

  • A hyperlinked listing on our website as a nonprofit partner with the date, times and location of your volunteering
  • Social media promotion of our partnership
  • Individual blog post announcing/publicizing our partnership

While volunteering the nonprofit may place their tip jar next to the CDM tip jar for cash tips/donations. The nonprofit’s tip jar must be clearly labeled with the name of their nonprofit. 100% of the cash tips in the nonprofit’s tip jar revert back to the nonprofit. Talking about your nonprofit is acceptable; the solicitation of tips is not. The use of a digital/cashless tip jar is acceptable.

Anyone handling alcohol will need to complete online I-PACT (Iowa – Program for Alcohol Compliance) Training. After successfully passing the final test, you will receive a printable certificate of completion. The test takes 45 – 60 minutes to complete and can be completed online at https://abd.iowa.gov/education/i-pact.

Please direct questions and interest in our nonprofit partnership program to Suzanne Hull, [email protected] or 515-250-6366