Duke Rentals | 2023 Platinum Sponsor
We’re pleased to have Duke Rentals as a member of our team as a Platinum Sponsor.
Headquartered in Southwest Iowa, Duke Rentals is locally owned and operated, supplying the Midwest with an extensive fleet of over 9000 machines. Since modest beginnings in 2000, we continually strive to offer the best equipment, at the lowest cost, with the best customer service. Exceeding customer expectations is our goal by constantly improving quality and communications.
We provide industry-leading customer satisfaction through rentals and sales of scissor lifts, boom lifts, telehandlers, industrial forklifts, light and general dirt equipment, and most recently, the WolfLift. By offering a wide range of equipment through 14 convenient locations, we’re able to provide our services to customers in multiple industries, including construction, industrial, and entertainment to name a few. Whether you’re a contractor, a homeowner, or anything in between, we’ve got the equipment you need to get the job done quickly and safely.
2023 Call for Performers
Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) invites you to become a performer at the 8th annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place November 30 – December 3, 2023 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 2022 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, 2023
- REQUIRED: Send photographs and links to audio files/videos representing you or your group to [email protected]
- Receive feedback from CDM staff by March 15, 2023
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023 Performer Information Guide
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023 Performer Needs Assessment
Iowa European Cultural Connection receives Bravo Greater Des Moines Operating Grant
Bravo Greater Des Moines leverages community resources to maximize the impact of arts, culture and heritage to advance regional priorities. A primary way they do this is through their Community Investment programs. Bravo’s grant recipients draw tourists, increase resident satisfaction, help attract and retain talent and generally make Greater Des Moines a premier place to live, work, play and visit.
IECC is pleased to have received a grant for general operating support for the 2023 grant period (GC23) runs January 1 – December 31, 2023.
Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) Receives $7,500 Iowa Tourism Grant
December 26, 2022 (DES MOINES, IA) – The Iowa Tourism Office announced nearly $300,000 in Iowa Tourism Grants to 33 organizations around the state. The program funds tourism-related marketing initiatives, meetings and events that benefit both local economies and the state’s economy with awards ranging from $2,500-10,000 with a 25% cash match.
This project paid for in part by the Iowa Tourism Office
IECC received a $7,500 grant to fund Christkindlmarket Des Moines Marketing. “We’re pleased to receive funding that will support the creation of promotional videos for Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023,” says Suzanne Hull, Festival Director. “We love Iowa. We recognize that when people visit, they are more likely to stay. Our tourism-related project aligns with IEDA’s marketing campaign because we are showcasing downtown Des Moines and the state from a fresh perspective – that of a drone camera – and sets Iowa’s tourism efforts apart from others.”
“We’re pleased to invest in campaigns that work to change the perception of tourism in Iowa and encourage more people to visit our state,” said Amy Zeigler, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “These projects will help us continue the momentum and growth of our industry.”
Visitors spent more than $6.1 billion across Iowa’s economy in 2021, an expansion of 35% over 2020 spending and within 5% of a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels. This direct visitor spending impact generated a total economic impact of $9.4 billion in Iowa, sustained nearly 65,000 jobs and generated $1.0 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2021.
“Tourism is a vital component to Iowa’s economy,” Zeigler said. “The $6.1 billion in visitor spending means nearly $16.7 million was spent daily by our visitors.”
The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $1.8 billion in tax revenues in 2021, with more than $1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 65,000 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.
Bright Beginnings Preschool, Ankeny
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons.
“It’s a Marshmallow World” for Bright Beginnings Preschool as they enjoy a second year of CDM participation. Along with crafting items for their tree, the children will be gearing up for their annual tradition of singing for family members at a Christmas concert.
Bright Beginnings Preschool was opened in 1964 by a church member that saw a need for early childhood education in the Ankeny community. The preschool programs provide opportunities for a child to realize his or her own potential. Each program is specifically structured for the developmental age level of the child enrolled, which encompasses two– five-year-olds. Cooperative planning ensures that the programs complement each other.
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1 st – 4 th . Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1 st at 5pm.
Bright Beginnings Preschool Upcoming Events:
- November: Little Caesars Pizza Fundraiser
- December: Community Drive to benefit a local organization
For more information on Bright Beginnings Preschool and upcoming events, please visit their website and Facebook Page.
Iowa Genealogical Society
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. We have a wonderful mix of returning cheer spreaders and new go-getters to bring all the charm market goers have come to expect from the CDM Silent Tree Auction in the Weihnachtswald.
Returning for a third year, the Iowa Genealogical Society will be “Dashing through the years of Iowa” with their tree. Expect a show-stopper representing everything Iowa including persons, places, and things from all eras of Iowa History.
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. Family and community is at the very heart of what the Genealogical Society promotes.
Creating a tree complete with theme, decorations, and creativity has become a fun tradition for all members of IGS. They have also celebrated the holidays as an organization by decorating wreaths and created holiday traditions within their specialized groups.
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm.
For more information the Iowa Genealogical Society and upcoming events, please visit
their website.
Iowa Genealogical Society Upcoming Events:
- November 5 th at 10:30am. The Final Salute by Cris Nagla and Dennis Allen
- November 10 th 6:30pm Mennonite Class by Renee Cue
- December 3 rd at 10:30 am IGS Welcomes Linda McCann
New Vendors at Christkindlmarket Des Moines in 2022
Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ volunteer crew is getting excited about this year’s market coming the first weekend of December. This year’s market will have many of the gift and specialty item vendor favorites from prior years, but we’ll also be seeing several new offerings. And a ton of new food options! With all the delicious new food vendors we recommend coming hungry and often throughout the four-day cultural experience to enjoy these menus offered only at Christkindlmarket Des Moines!
New 2022 Food Vendors:
- Big Mama’s Bistro – Big Mama’s will have traditional German food including Fasnacht, Kohl Und Hackfleisch over potatoes and Kartoffelsuppe!
- Culinary Nomad DSM – Culinary Nomad DSM features traditional Northern Italian food including porchetta sandwiches, Bolognese arancini, gianduja hot chocolate and ricotta zeppole.
- FIKA – FIKA, a Swedish word meaning to take a coffee and pastry break. FIKA will have authentic Swedish baked goods and will offer vegan and gluten friendly options. Don’t miss their delicious Swedish Christmas cakes.
- German Taste – German Taste will offer a traditional German icon, the “Currywurst”.
- Hot Off The Presses – Hot Off The Presses food truck will offer truffled raclette grilled cheese, Schweinebraten sandwich, Basic Grilled Cheese, Tomato Basil Bisque!
- Hotsy Totsy – Hotsy Toasty has the fastest, freshest & funnest food truck transformed intoBavarian creations with tots!
- Sticky Fingers – Sticky Fingers will have crepes of all kinds! Sweet, savory, Mediterranean!
- Sweet Treats – Sweet Treats will have roasted nuts. Pecans, Almonds, and Cashews glazedwith either Cinnamon or Maple!
New 2022 Craft Vendors:
- Erin Hill Art Studio – Erin Hill is a local artist that creates one-of-a-kind decorative and functional ceramics. The individually designed pieces are often detailed using the sgraffito process.
- Good Moon Pottery – Good Moon Pottery has handmade functional ceramic pottery and gifts that are unique to make everyday rituals special.
- Rebeline.co – Rebeline.co has custom leather goods including bags, purses, wallets, keychains, home goods, pillows and coasters.
For a full list of this year’s vendors check out the Christkindlmarket Des Moines web site. On the site you’ll
find a demonstration schedule for vendors that are showing how they make their goods at the market.
You’ll also find options to pre-order some custom-made gifts. And of course, you’ll find all the
information/events happening at the festival all weekend!
Children Invited to Participate in Opening Ceremony Procession
Children are an integral component of any Christkindlmarket opening ceremony. Would your child (children) like to follow “Saint Nicholas” through Christkindlmarket Des Moines to participate in the opening ceremony?
Contact Dave Cox at [email protected] with questions and interest. We would like at most 25 children to participate.
Children and parents are invited to gather in the Entrance of the venue at 5:40pm on Friday, December 2, (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 your child does not wish to take it home.
Prairie Meadows Donates $20,000 to the Iowa European Cultural Connection
Betterment Grant will help fund Christkindlmarket Des Moines – an annual holiday tradition
Prairie Meadows recently awarded the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) a Betterment Grant totaling $20,000. The grant will help fund Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM). Prairie Meadows is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lessening the burden of government by promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa.
“We’re pleased to welcome Prairie Meadows as our Presenting Sponsor and hope to continue this community partnership for many years to come”, Suzanne Hull, the Director of Christkindlmarket Des Moines, explains. “For the last seven years, CDM has brought so much joy to the attendees, the surrounding communities and volunteers and we’re pleased to have become an annual family tradition”.
The Betterment Grant will improve the lives of people in central Iowa by enabling the Iowa European Cultural Connection to produce Christkindlmarket Des Moines again this year. The $20,000 grant will allow IECC to offset the costs of electrical distribution and electrical equipment rental to illuminate Principal Park during the festival on December 1 – 4.
“As a nonprofit organization, Prairie Meadows fulfills its purpose by giving back to organizations that support arts and culture, education, economic development, and human services. We are excited to see the impact [insert name of project] will have on our central Iowa community,” said Julie Stewart, Prairie Meadows Vice President of Community Relations.
Visit prairiemeadows.com/community and christkindlmarketdsm.com to learn more about these organizations and the causes they support.
About Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989, with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given $2.1 billion to the state of Iowa. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.
About the Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC)
IECC’s mission is to connect Iowans with European traditions, language learning and cultural experiences. IECC’s signature event is Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place December 1 – 4, 2022 at Principal Park. Over the past six years, this unique cultural experience has grown to become the second largest festival of its kind in the U.S. based on average daily attendance.
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Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 Sponsors:
Due to the generous support of the Deb and Paul Hayes charitable fund, along with numerous donors and sponsors, we’re able to offer Christkindlmarket Des Moines free to our community.
Sponsors include:
Prairie Meadows, MidAmerican Energy Company, Bravo Greater Des Moines, The City of Pleasant Hill, EXIT Realty Capital City, Siegwerk USA Inc., Centennial Warehousing Corporation, Choice Creative Solutions, Duke Rentals, Polk County Board of Supervisors, Chicago Teahouse, EMC Insurance Foundation, Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C., Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Co., Hessen Haus, Iowa State Bank, NB Golf Cars, TwoTone Creative, The Arlyn & Alice Hesse Family, Blake and Abby Kessler, Edward Jones – Ryan Kent, CFP®, Eisenlauer Real Estate, Greater Iowa Credit Union, Green State Credit Union, Lincoln Savings Bank, The Rasmussen Group, The Härtel Family, M&M Family, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
Pinicon Farm Crafts | #CDM2022 Vendor
Tell us about your business
Pinicon Farm Crafts is a family business that was started by Jeff and Marlys Sowers to combine Jeff’s love for woodworking with Marlys’ love for basket weaving. For over 40 years they taught classes, attended events, and shared their craftsmanship across the country. Marlys continues to weave Nantucket-style baskets and Nathan Sowers has taken over the woodworking including shaker boxes, topography maps, and dovetail boxes.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022?
We are great friends with Barry and Larry of Quilted Gardens Nursery who encouraged us to participate last year.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 and why did you choose them?
Shaker boxes, Nantucket baskets, willow baskets, sweet grass baskets, dovetail boxes, and other handcrafted items. Nantucket baskets and shaker boxes have been the staple of the business since the beginning but our inventory has expanded with new interests throughout the family.