Visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines at the Downtown Farmer’s Market!
One of the best parts of living in Des Moines during the summer months is the Downtown Farmer’s Market. Is there a better way to spend a Saturday morning than grabbing a breakfast sandwich or burrito and browsing the local produce offerings? Add some great weather and live music and it can’t be beat.
The great opportunities don’t stop there. Did you know you can learn more about what’s happening in Des Moines at the Downtown Farmer’s Market? Each week the market gives non-profit and charitable organizations the opportunity to connect with the community and create awareness for their causes.
On June 3, Des Moines European Heritage Association will be at the Downtown Farmer’s Market at the community corner to share our mission with market goers. Get a preview of what the market will look like and learn more about what it takes to make a Christmas market happen. You can also sign up for our e-newsletter while you’re there.
Need more of a reason to visit us? We’ll be making ornaments at our stall for people to take home. We’d love for your family to come make a memory with us downtown.
Our booth is located on the intersection of Third Street and Court Avenue, near Johnny’s Hall of Fame. Volunteers will be at the booth from 7 a.m. until noon. We hope to see you there!
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.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. | Christmas Tree Sponsor
We are pleased to announce that Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. is the Christmas Tree Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017! Their generous sponsorship will ensure that we all can enjoy a central focal point – A decorated Christmas Tree – a must-have for a traditional European-style Christmas market.
Exploring your life priorities is one of the ways Merrill Lynch understands your financial priorities; it’s not just about the market returns, it’s about your goals and priorities. In plain language, your advisor will make sure you understand the reasoning behind any financial suggestion, what your alternatives are, and all the risks and fees involved.
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 Permanent Collection Letterpress + Design Studio | #CDM2017 Vendor
Tell us about your business.
Letterpress printing is the first mechanized form of printing from 14th Century Europe. Printed pieces from The Permanent Collection Letterpress + Design Studio celebrates this historical tradition with a vintage nod and modern design. Each item is hand-printed on a vintage printing press on elegant paper, making each item an original and truly distinctive.
The Permanent Collection is owned and operated by Sarah McCoy and located in the vibrant downtown East Village in Des Moines, Iowa. Sarah’s studio is full of wood and metal type as well as, vintage presses- models including a Heidelberg Windmill Red Ball, two Chandler and Price models, a Vandercook SP-15, and two small proof presses. She designs and prints work for clients both big and small such as PaperSource, Madsen Cycles and several music festivals such as Hinterland and 80/35.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?
The historical aspect of printing originated with Johann Gutenberg in Germany and several designs celebrate the european heritage. My classic products fit well with the audience and overall feel of an outdoor holiday market.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?
I will be selling art prints, cards, and other letterpress printed products. There will be a wide variety of holiday cards and note cards. I received wonderful feedback on the classic designs that have a wide appeal to many customers.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m looking forward to the market and the small little wooden houses that we will be selling our products out of…
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.
Christkindlmarket DSM Mug Unveiling Party a Huge Success
Several people were the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2017 Glühwein mug design at Jasper Winery on Tuesday, April 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
They sipped the signature drink (warm mulled wine) while shopping a mini market featuring foods and handcrafted items from Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 vendors. The first 25 attendees to donate $25 (or more) to guarantee their 2017 mug received a goody bag.
Participating vendors included:
- Andy Klindt – Demonstrating forged metal winestoppers
- Worldly Goods
- Three Smooth Stones
- The Permanent Collection Letterpress
- Indianola Glass Creations – Demonstrating cutting wine bottles for making wine bottle tealights outdoors)
- Jett and Monkey’s
- Chocolaterie Stam
- Sugarplums (Lebkuchen!)
- Mucky Duck
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.
Maiwanderung: A Celebration of Spring – Wrap up!
What a great way to celebrate the amazing Spring weather. On May 6, several folks met at the Saylorville Cottonwood Recreation Area for make/take activities, a scavenger hunt, food from Curbin’ Cuisine and a good, old-fashioned bake sale! Scroll through the photos below!
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.
European Amazing Race presented by Des Moines European Heritage Association
Celebrate European heritage and culture in the heart of downtown Des Moines!
During the Des Moines European Heritage Association’s European Amazing Race, follow clues (on foot and by driving yourselves in either teams of two or four) that will lead you to several downtown Des Moines locations while participating in challenges and activities that will help you learn about European heritage and culture.
Adults and children 12 and over are ticketed, children 11 and under are free. Bring your smartphone to take pictures and wear comfortable shoes!
A prize will be awarded to the winning team. The winning team will be determined based on race completion time and if the challenges were successfully executed.
Click here to Register!
Registration closes May 31, 2017 at midnight. You may not register on site.
DATE: June 3, 2017
TIME: 1pm – 4pm
START/END LOCATION: Cowles Commons (221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309)
FEES: $50 for a team of two / $100 for a team of four
Click here to Register!
Curbin’ Cuisine | #CDM2017 Vendor
Tell us about your business
Curbin’ Cuisine is owned and operated by Jarrod & Misty Fontanini of Granger Iowa. Jarrod & Misty both are down to earth, fun, energetic individuals. Their food truly shows their dedication & creativity. Curbin’ Cuisine emerged in May 2013 as a Food Cart and through great reviews of their food, a multitude of event requests to be a food vendor, they branched out and January 2016 their fully equipped, state of the art Food Truck hit the streets. Curbin’ Cuisine offers Globally Inspired Foods to Feed your Body & Soul.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?
This event is an event that is uniquely diversified culturally allowing Curbin’ Cuisine so showcase their talent and dabble in German inspired cuisines.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?
Schwabische Kasepatzle (German Mac n Cheese), Warm German Potato Salad, The Hog Father Sandwich (Kielbasa stuffed w/ Pulled Pork & topped w/ BBQ Bacon Kraut, German Chocolate Brownies
Anything else you’d like to share?
Curbin’ Cuisine does catering. We can do a full buffet style catering or even Food Truck Style Catering. Our catering services are offered for: Wedding Rehearsal & Receptions, Anniversary Parties, Birthday Parties, Tailgate Parties, Graduation Parties, Block Parties, Corporate Events, Holiday Parties, City Festivals, We also offer Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan Options upon request. Check out our website at www.curbincuisine.com for a unique look at our business.
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.
Dakota Tinworks | #CDM2017 Vendor
Tell us about your business
I trained as an historical tinsmith with Loren Miller at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island, Nebraska, and with master tinsmith William McMillen at Historic Eastfield Village in rural East Nassau, New York.
My tin shop, located in the basement of our 1901 historical home, is equipped with primarily 19th century tools and pre-1870 hand-powered tinner’s machines that I’ve restored myself. I use primarily 19th century techniques and methods while making my tinware. My goal is to make authentic tinware reproductions whenever possible. The one exception is that I do not use any lead solder in my shop — all of the solder I use is pure tin.
When I’m not working in the tin shop, I participate in living history events in my region as a US Civil War-era tinsmith, educating the public through demonstrations and short talks about the work and craft of the 19th century American tinsmith.
I sell primarily to individuals, either online through Etsy or in person, but some of my work can be found in the gift shops of historical sites run by the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the South Dakota Art Museum. I also do custom work for historical sites. My most recent work was a set of period tin candle lanterns made for the Colvin Run Mill Historical Site in northern Virginia, which was built ca. 1811.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?
In the 1970s, I lived in what was then West Germany as a boy and attended German public schools in Frankfurt am Main. I went to many German Christkindlmarkets while I lived there, including some in other cities, like Heidelberg. I found so much about them to be magical, so when I got the chance to be a vendor at the Christkindlmarket Des Moines, I jumped at the opportunity.
What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?
I make a wide range of handmade tin items for sale, including Christmas ornaments and tree tinsel, Christmas tree toppers, cookie cutters, biscuit cutters, candle holders, candle lanterns, candle sconces, and cups. I chose to sell these items at the market because they are popular with my customers and make great Christmas gifts!
Anything else you’d like to share?
My family and I are excited to be a part of the Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017. We’re always eager to meet new people and share our tinware with others. It’s an historical craft that fits in well with a traditional market like this.
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 Weitz Company | In-Kind Sponsor
We’re pleased to announce that The Weitz Company is a Bronze Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines!
Founded in Des Moines, Iowa in 1855, The Weitz Company is a full-service general contractor, design-builder and construction manager with office locations throughout the United States. Weitz is one of the oldest commercial general contractors in the United States and consistently ranks in the top tier in the Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine’s list of Top 400 Contractors.
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.
CDM2017 Hotels
This year, we are pleased to work with the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel as our preferred hotel provider. Located one half block northwest of Cowles Commons, this property is perfect for guests visiting Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (King or 2 Double Beds: $99)
401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 244-2151
Book your group rate for Christkindl Market Des Moines – If calling, mention “Christkindlmarket Des Moines”.
Cutoff Date: Thursday November 9, 2017
Amenities:
- Complimentary high-speed wireless internet
- Self-Parking & Valet Parking options available
- Complimentary airport shuttle service. Shuttle will also transport to immediate downtown area locations based upon availability.
- Full-service restaurant and lounge featuring breakfast/lunch/dinner and in-rooming dining as well as periodic Renaissance R-Life Live events.
- Connected to Des Moines downtown skywalk system, offering connection to over 3 miles of businesses and attractions.
- 24-hour fitness facility
- Featuring newly renovated rooms and public spaces in 2017
Des Moines Marriott Downtown (King or 2 Double Beds: $95)
700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, (800-514-4681)
Book your group rate for 2017 Christkindlmarket – If calling, mention “Christkindlmarket Des Moines”.
Cutoff Date: Thursday November 9, 2017
Amenities:
- Valet parking at a rate of $24 overnight.
- City garages within walking distance for self-parking at a lower rate.
- Coffee shop adjacent to front desk
- Restaurant and bar in lobby, Restaurant on second floor
- Fitness center, pool and room service
- Connected through the Des Moines Skywalk
- Complimentary Shuttle Service to and from Des Moines International Airport, 6:00am-11:00pm
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout public spaces
Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown (King w/ sofa sleeper pullout: $85, Double Queen: $109)
418 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 (800-634-3839)
HOW TO MAKE RESERVATIONS:
- Go to the home page
- Select the appropriate dates of when you’ll be staying at the property * 11/30 -12/04*
- Click the plus sign (+) next to “Special Rates” and a drop-down will appear
- Select the bullet point: “Corporate or Group Code”
- Enter our Group’s code G-CHRT
- Select “Check Availability”
- Our group’s rate should appear, select, and you can continue with the reservation
- Once all contact info and CC are finalized, you will receive a confirmation number to finalize the dates, rate, and block.
OR
You can call in your reservation at 1-800-634-3839 and request for the Christkindlmarket 2017 Block
Cutoff Date: Monday, October 30, 2017 at 5pm CST
Amenities:
- Connected through the Des Moines Skywalk
- Complimentary Shuttle Service to and from Des Moines International Airport and the Downtown Area, 6:00am-11:00pm
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Complimentary Hot American & Continental Breakfast
- 24/7 Guest Kitchen Serving made-to-order entrees, snacks, and hot breakfast
- 24/7 Bakery Café offering Starbucks Specialty coffees, freshly baked pastries, premium beer, wine, and cocktails
- Grab ‘n Go case featuring snacks, salads, sandwiches and bottled beverages
- Complimentary 24-hour StayFit Hyatt Fitness Center
- Valet Parking $18/day
- Complimentary Indoor Pool
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.