Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Dave Cox
Tell us about yourself: I am a local boy, father, husband, technician with a rich history of travel and residence in Europe, particularly Germany and the UK.
When why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I met the founder in another group and kept in touch about our fond memories of Christkindl Markets in Germany. When she started, I was there to help make something in Des Moines that I really enjoyed in Germany.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Seeing others enjoy the experience and culture that would otherwise be unavailable to Iowans.
Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? The event will not run without local volunteers making it happen. Its fun and a positive community experience.
Why is it important to volunteer (in general)? Engagement in the community. After this past year we should all see the value of community.
Join Des Moines European Heritage Association Today!
Silver – $100 (annual membership)
2 guaranteed Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) commemorative mugs
Limited edition commemorative poster OR pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Free CDM reusable bag
5% off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA Event or one language school class per membership year
Recognition on our website as a “Silver” member
Gold – $250 (annual membership)
Silver Rewards plus:
Limited edition commemorative poster – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Limited edition commemorative pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Membership bracelet
Access to “express lane” for Glühwein, Beer and the DMEHA Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt (Must show membership bracelet)
10% total off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA event or one language school class per calendar or membership year
5% off purchases at “An Der Weinachtsecke” store
Recognition as “Gold” level member at CDM
Specifics:
- Membership is good for one year upon purchase of your membership.
- Memberships must be purchased by November 2, 2021 to be included on printed materials. An “abbreviated” membership will be available for purchase at CDM 2021.
Complete this form and click here to make payment at the bottom of the page
Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Missy Mootz
Tell us about yourself: I was born and raised in western Iowa and attended The University of Iowa where I met my husband. In our 12 years of marriage we have lived in Minneapolis, Zürich, Switzerland, Des Moines, and now, currently reside in Ankeny. We have 3 children ages 6, 4 and 1, whom I entertain, chauffeur, and feed…all day long!
When and why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines: I became involved with CDM in April of 2016. We had just moved back from Switzerland in 2015, and I saw this as an opportunity to stay connected to many of the things I loved about my time in Europe.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I love getting together with the other volunteers. We have so much fun together and our European connections are always topics of conversation, which helps keep my Swiss experiences alive.
Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Volunteering with CDM never feels like a responsibility. It’s another reason to get together with a group of friends and have shared fun. There is truly something for everyone!
Why is it important to volunteer? Volunteering is one of the best ways to be and get connected! If you are new to the area or find yourself without much socializing opportunities, volunteering is a great way to meet people, explore your community, and have fun!
Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Margaret Townsend
I’m Margaret Townsend. I’m a retired school teacher, grandmother, gardener and community volunteer. I became involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines during the initial planning time. Suzanne Hull (Festival Director) was contacting local organizations and since I belonged to both the Sons of Norway and the Danish Brotherhood one call was to me.
I met with her and a small group of other interested people to see if there was community interest.
I enjoy working with this dedicated group of young adults. This group is innovative, energetic, and welcoming. You will get a feeling of fulfillment if you join this group. You may even make some new friends.
There is a job that is just made for your set of skills whether you are into carpentry, bar tending, retail sales, scheduling, bookkeeping, music, languages……well you get the idea. (I just thought of a few more: storytelling, dancing, cooking, decorating and dish-washing.)
Watch out this could become addictive!
Centennial Warehousing Corporation | In-Kind Sponsor for 2021
Centennial Warehousing Corporation has graciously agreed to continue to donate storage space for our wooden vendor stalls.
As a non-profit, 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.
Green State Credit Union | Annual Hut Sponsor
We’re pleased to welcome GreenState Credit Union as an Annual Hut Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021.
Organized in 1938, GreenState has grown to be Iowa’s largest credit union and one of the top financial institutions in the United States for returning profits to members in the form of better rates and lower fees. GreenState Credit Union serves over 255,000 members with 24 office locations.
CDM Online Popup Store
ALL FOOD MUST GO! 50% OFF ALL FOOD!
The CDM Online Popup Store will be open Jan. 1 – Jan. 6 at midnight.
If you weren’t able to pick up from Principal Park, we didn’t want you to miss out! Maybe you’ve run out of your sweet treats and Glühwein already. Support a local non-profit while shopping safely from the comfort of your own home. Get co-workers and/or friends/family to place an order with you and receive free delivery to one location with orders over $50!
The CDM Online Popup Store will include:
All products will be available for purchase
50% off European food (prices listed include the 50% discount)
Delivery: For orders over $50, FREE delivery to Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Saylorville, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights. Choose from Jan. 4, 6, 8.
Pickup: For orders less than $50, pick up from Pleasant Hill, Jan 2 – 8.
- Click on the “Shop Now” button. Once in the CDM Online Popup Store, first time users can submit their information to create an account.
- Returning users can sign in with their username and password.
- After signing in, browse the CDM Online Popup Store products. For items you would like to purchase, add them to your shopping cart.
- ***Pro Tip: Use the “Search for products” search box under “Products” to search by keyword if you know what you’re looking for.
- Click on the Checkout button once you are ready to purchase your items.
- When on the Checkout page, you can view pickup and delivery options.
- You’ll then be asked to submit payment.
- Enjoy!
Christmas Cracker: #CDMCurbside FREE KinderKorner Craft Kits sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Company
Christmas crackers are a traditional favorite in the United Kingdom. Tom Smith, a London sweet maker, came up with the idea after visiting Paris and seeing the French ‘bon bon’ sweets (almonds wrapped in pretty paper). He tried selling sweets like that in England and included a small motto or riddle with the sweet, but they didn’t sell very well.
Legend says that, one night, while Tom was sitting in front of his log fire, he became very interested in the sparks and cracks coming from the fire. Suddenly, he thought what a fun idea it would be, if his sweets and toys could be opened with a crack when their fancy wrappers were pulled apart. In 1861, Tom Smith launched his new line of what he called ‘Bangs of Expectation’!
The Christmas Crackers that are used today are short, cardboard tubes wrapped in colorful paper. There is normally a Cracker next to each plate on the Christmas dinner table. When the crackers are pulled – with a bang! – a colorful party hat, a toy or gift and a festive joke falls out! The party hats look like crowns and it is thought that they symbolize the crowns that might have been worn by the Wise Men.
If you want to get in on this long-standing tradition and many others, visit the CDM Curbside presented by Christkindlmarket Des Moines online marketplace now through Nov. 22nd to place your order and pick up your kits at Principal Park Dec. 3rd – 6th. Due to the generous support of MidAmerican Energy Company, the Kinderkorner will have a variety of FREE children’s craft kits for ages 1 – 12 available to add on to your shopping cart while supplies last.
MidAmerican Energy Company not only provided the means, but they also supplied volunteers to assemble the kits. MidAmerican Energy Company hopes you enjoy the KinderKorner Craft Kits!
MidAmerican Energy Company is an energy company based in Des Moines, Iowa. Its service area includes almost two-thirds of Iowa, as well as portions of Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska. In addition to traditional power plants, MidAmerican Energy began investing in green energy generation in 2004.
St. Nicholas Mitre (hat): #CDMCurbside FREE KinderKorner Craft Kits sponsored by MidAmerican Energy Company
The gift giver that travels the world to the delight of boys and girls everywhere is known by many names, and Germany calls him St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was an actual person born in present-day Turkey. He lost his parents at a young age and used his inheritance to help the sick and the poor with a special focus on children. As a devout Christian, he later served as the bishop of Myra.
He is believed to have passed away on December 6th, which is celebrated in many parts of the world as St. Nicholas Day. Children leave a pair of shoes outside their door on December 5th and awake the next morning to treats left inside.
If you want to get in on this long-standing tradition and many others, visit the CDM Curbside presented by Christkindlmarket Des Moines online marketplace now through Nov. 22nd to place your order and pick up your kits at Principal Park Dec. 3rd – 6th. Due to the generous support of MidAmerican Energy Company, the Kinderkorner will have a variety of FREE children’s craft kits for ages 1 – 12 available to add on to your shopping cart while supplies last.
MidAmerican Energy Company not only provided the means, but they also supplied volunteers to assemble the kits. MidAmerican Energy Company hopes you enjoy the KinderKorner Craft Kits!
MidAmerican Energy Company is an energy company based in Des Moines, Iowa. Its service area includes almost two-thirds of Iowa, as well as portions of Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska. In addition to traditional power plants, MidAmerican Energy began investing in green energy generation in 2004.
Lithia VW of Des Moines: Exclusive and Official Printing Partner of the Limited Edition, Commemorative “Weihnachtszeit Magazin”
The idea of a keepsake holiday magazine from Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) has been around for a couple of years.
To create a more complete holiday experience in 2020, we have created and published CDM’s very first Weihnachtszeit Magazin (Christmastime magazine). This English-language magazine includes the history of European Christmas markets, Des Moines’ fascination with CDM, recipes, first-hand stories of visits to European Christkindlmarkets along with market culture and etiquette.
Thanks to the generous support of Lithia VW of Des Moines, we are offering this print publication FREE to the first 2000 customers of the CDM Curbside online marketplace. Place an order with any of our vendors and you will receive this historic, keepsake issue.
Through this collaboration, Lithia VW of Des Moines continues its commitment to strengthen and grow Des Moines’ cultural offerings and add to the quality of life that makes Iowa so special.