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The mission of the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa is to promote, preserve and provide education about all aspects of the rich Italian-American culture to the Des Moines metropolitan area and the State of Iowa.

In addition to our educational museum, the Center offers a variety of opportunities for individuals as well as groups to take part in programs and events at the Center. Classes in language, cooking and folk dancing are offered on a regular basis. Italian travel and cooking videos are shown as well as Italian movies. Group tours are given to students as well as adults. The Center also offers self-planned tours of Italy as well as trips to various Italian festivals around the country.

Consider supporting the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa by bidding on their tree at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction December 1^st-3^rd in Cowles Commons.

For more information, please visit the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa website.

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.

The primary goal of Des Moines Swim Federation (DMSF) is to provide the opportunity for each and every swimmer participating in the DMSF swimming programs to progress to the highest competitive level he or she is capable of achieving.

To achieve this goal, they use two essential focuses. One focus is to attract and retain talented swimmers with the desire and dedication to improve their physical conditioning and technical swimming skills with a view to competing at a high level. The other focus is to offer entry level, easy entry-easy exit, swimming programs for those young swimmers who are capable of performing the four basic strokes with some degree of proficiency and who wish to develop, improve and refine their basic stroke and racing technique, as well as experience a low pressure, competitive team environment that offers an opportunity for basic conditioning and competitive reward. In between these two focuses, DMSF offers transition from one level of competition to the next higher level.

Consider supporting the Des Mones Swimming Federation by bidding on their tree at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction December 1^st-3^rd in Cowles Commons.

For more information, please visit the DMSF website.

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.

The Des Moines Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization with the goal of opening the first children’s museum in the Des Moines metro.

“We will provide a fun, safe, and educational environment for young children and their families to explore the arts, nature, and the world around them. We will provide hands-on exhibitions and programs to encourage a love of learning, and be a positive resource for parents, children, and the surrounding community,” states the website.

The Des Moines Children’s Museum has already moved beyond a “museum without walls” to a temporary winter space at Valley West Mall.

If you are interested in seeing this temporary museum become a permanent reality, come bid on their “Little Prince” themed Christmas Tree December 1^st-3^rd at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction in Cowles Commons

For more information, please visit the Des Moines Children’s Museum website.

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.

Scandinavians began immigrating to Iowa as early as the 1830s and 1840s where they settled mostly in central and northern Iowa. 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.

“Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 is proud to continue the legacy of Nordic heritage throughout Iowa with cultural arts, history, and traditions that our ancestors brought to America to share among today’s children and women of all ages,” explained representative, Sandy Hansen. “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.”

The Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46 will be using “The Fun Side of Harvest” theme to decorate their tree this year. The tree will be adorned with wheat weaving Christmas décor, pine cones, etc. representing Scandinavian culture.

Please visit Des Moines Christkindlmarket December 1^st-3^rd to bid on the tree and support this organization.

For more information on the Daughters of Norway’s Eva Nansen Lodge 46, visit their website.

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.

Mutter Chaos is the only flyball team based out of Des Moines and gives dogs an outlet for their abundant energy while having fun.

“We strive for each handler and dog to perform at the best of their ability. We do not limit membership to those dogs who have the greatest potential but prefer to provide an outlet to dogs of all breeds and skill levels. The goal is to build a stronger relationship between handler and dog,” expressed Carol Freeman, Mutter Chaos member.

But, what is flyball?

“It is essentially a relay race for dogs. The dogs run in teams of four. Each dog, in order, jumps over four low hurdles while running to the flyball box. When the dog reaches the end he or she jumps on the box, much in the way a swimmer turns against the wall during a swim meet. As the dog jumps on the box, a spring-loaded ball is released. The dog catches the ball and runs back over the four hurdles to their handler, passing the next dog on the team near the start/finish line on the way back.” Explained Freeman

As a returning organization to the Silent Tree Auction, they have changed their theme slightly from last year, but kept it in the canine family.

“We love our dogs and we love playing flyball with our dogs. Thus, we could not resist creating a dog themed tree! Our tree includes many dog themed ornaments and decorations hand made by the human members of the Mutter Chaos team.” Freeman jokes, “Our dogs tried to help but as you can tell from our name, that generated some interesting results!”

Mutter Chaos and 13 other trees will be available to bid on and take home December 1^st-3^rd at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction.

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.