2017 Call for Vendors
Des Moines European Heritage Association invites you to become a vendor at the 2nd Annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
In 2016, this cultural experience attracted 22,000 – 26,000 attendees.
In 2016 we set up at 125+ events around Iowa, and out of all of those events, Christkindlmarket Des Moines was our #1 event for gross sales.
Pickle Creek Herbs, 2016
In addition to food and gift/specialty item vendors, we seek vendors that can provide demonstrations.
- Over 62,000 website pageviews/year
- 1,517 Facebook Likes
- E-newsletters: 11 issues per year, 924 subscribers, 40% open rate
- Promotional flyers (Jul – Dec): 2,000
I had high hopes for this event, and in terms of both sales and marketing, this event exceeded all my expectations.
Pickle Creek Herbs, 2016
View all 2016 Vendor Testimonials
Read the 2017 Vendor Guide (Required)
Apply to be a 2017 Vendor
Application Deadline: February 15, 2017
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.
Opening Ceremony | Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016
Join us for the opening ceremony of the inaugural Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Hear the Christkind deliver her festive proclamation to open the Christkindlmarket and see the large tree sponsored by Drake University’s World Languages and Cultures Department lit. The opening ceremony will begin at 6pm on Friday, December 2.
Children Needed for Opening Ceremony Procession
Children are an integral component of any Christkindlmarket opening ceremony. Would your child (children) like to follow “Das Christkind” through Christkindlmarket Des Moines to the stage where they will watch the opening ceremony?
Contact Betsy Penisten at [email protected] with questions and interest. We would like at most 50 children to participate.
Children and parents are invited to gather in the East Entrance of Cap Square at 5:40pm on Friday, December 2, 2016, (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 the child does not wish to take it home.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. | Vendor Stall Sponsor
We are pleased to announce that Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. is a Vendor Stall Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016! Their generous donation will help fund wooden vendor stalls—a must-have for a traditional European-style Christmas market.
Exploring your live 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.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We’ve spent the last three years planning Christkindlmarket Des Moines and developing our non-profit, Des Moines European Heritage Association. We’d like to say a special thanks for the individuals and organizations who have made this event possible:
Community Supporters
- Patty & Jim Cownie Charitable Fund
- The Deb and Paul Hayes Charitable Fund
Community Partners
- Waukee High School Industrial Arts Program – Built wooden vendor huts
- Johnston High School Industrial Arts Program – Built Tannenbaum tables, wooden vendor plaques and wooden sponsor plaques
Fundraising Match Sponsor
- Modern Woodmen of America
Grants
- Iowa Arts Council Arts Project Grant
- Polk County Board of Supervisors Community Betterment Grant
Tree Sponsor
- The Department of World Languages and Cultures at Drake University
Hut Sponsors
- The Rasmussen Group, Inc.
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
- Familie Härtel
- Ankeny Auto Body 1
- Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
Graphic Design Sponsor
- Darcy Hines Designs
Photography Sponsor
- Gails Photography & Design
Platinum Sponsor
- museum of danish america
- Ingersoll Wine & Spirits – In-kind portion of Glühwein
- Centennial Warehouse – In-kind hut storage
- Action Electric – In-kind hut electrical parts and installation
Gold Sponsors
- Grand View University – In-kind meeting space
- Iowa Sister States
- Greater Iowa Credit Union
- Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau – In-kind Gold Partner
- Chocolaterie Stam – In-kind truck usage
Silver Sponsors
- Sons of Norway – Marsteinen Lodge
- The Travel Center LTD
- Kum & Go
- The Weitz Company
- Gilcrest/Jewett – In-kind donation of equipment and transport of huts
Bronze Sponsors
- Ace Body & Motor
- VOM FASS
- Iowa Sister Cities
Donation
- Mittera Group
- Reichardt Family Fund
Centennial Warehousing Corporation | In-Kind Sponsor
We have been working for the past year with Waukee High School Industrial Arts Students to build the traditional wooden vendor stalls you’ll see at Christkindlmarket Des Moines. But, where do these structures reside when not in use? Centennial Warehousing Corporation.
Centennial Warehousing Corporation has graciously donated storage space for our vendor stalls. After working with a member of the Des Moines Woodworkers Association, we were able to rework the design so when torn down, the stall fits on a double-wide pallet which can be easily moved around the warehouse with the help of a forklift.
As a non-profit, producing an inaugural event, 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.
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.
2016 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Entertainment Schedule
2016 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Entertainment Schedule
Friday, December 2, 2016
11:30 – 2:00 pm Geneviève Salamone: The One Woman Symphony
2:00 – 3:00 pm Victoria & Albert: Dickens Era Royalty
5:00 – 5:45 pm Glastonbury Revelers
6:00 – 6:30 pm Opening Ceremony
6:30 – 7:00 pm East High School Advanced Handbell Ensemble
7:30 – 10:30 pm Malek’s Fishermen Band
Malek’s Fishermen BandSaturday, December 3, 2016
11:00 – 12:00 pm Central Iowa Wind Ensemble
12:00 – 12:30 pm Victoria & Albert: Dickens Era Royalty (strolling)
12:30 – 1:30 pm Inna Larsen
1:30 – 2:15 pm Central Iowa Wind Ensemble Chamber Groups
2:30 – 3:30 pm Heartland Youth Choir
4:00 – 5:00 pm Inna Larsen
5:15 – 5:45 pm Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance
7:00 – 10:00 pm Brian Brueggen & the Mississippi Valley Dutchmen
Brian Brueggen & the Mississippi Valley DutchmenSunday, December 4, 2016
11:00 – 12:00 pm Metro Brass Quartet
12:00 – 12:30 pm Victoria & Albert: Dickens Era Royalty (strolling)
12:30 – 1:30 pm French/International Dancing
2:00 – 3:00 pm Top Hat Carolers
3:00 – 3:30 pm Des Moines Chantant
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.
Meet Your Event Planning Committee Members | Tasha Jackson
Tell us about yourself.
Hi! I’m Tasha, and I’m related to at least half of the 46 accused witches of Salem. How do I know this? I’m a genealogist. Now that I’ve got your attention, here are some things you should know about me: I grew up in Clive and graduated from Valley High School, going on to study at Simpson College, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. I also studied German language and literature, and Theatre. I’m fascinated by languages and I love to help people find things–people, answers, solutions–you name it. I’m currently the 2nd Vice President and Cataloging Librarian for the Iowa Genealogical Society, where I’ve been a member for 11 years. I’m also working with Des Moines European Heritage Association‘s Saturday School (Samstagsschule) to help kids learn German. When I’m not working on one of those projects, I’m learning Czech and Norwegian to help assist with my family history research. All of these activities are in addition to my day job in the corporate world. I love loud music, the X-Men, ice hockey, Doctor Who, and spending time with my family: my husband and daughter, and our 2 pet chinchillas.
Why are you involved with Chri
I got involved with the Christkindlmarket after hearing about it at the Iowa Genealogical Society’s Fall Open House in September. I wasn’t able to study abroad in college, but I’ve continued to study German over the years, teaching some to my daughter as well. I’ve never been to a Christmas Market, but I’ve always wanted to go to one. My husband and I went to Basel, Switzerland and Munich, Germany on our honeymoon several years ago, and I was fluent enough in German to spend 10 days there without an interpreter. The culture and scenery were fantastic, and I want to be able to help bring some part of that experience to other people. I think more people should take the time to learn another language, and I think everyone can benefit from exposure to other cultures. Not everyone can go to Europe–but we can bring Europe to you!
Why should others become involved?
It’s an opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food and drinks, and learn about the culture and traditions that many of your ancestors may have been a part of, while experiencing sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season!
#CDM2016 Vendor Announcement
We’re pleased to showcase the following vendors during the inaugural Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016 Gift and Specialty Item Vendors
Worldly Goods
Worldly Goods is a Fair Trade nonprofit gift store located in Ames since 1987. Our unique Fair Trade gifts are handmade from over 50 developing countries. Volunteers share artisan stories.
Offering: Fair Trade items from around the world focusing on Christmas ornaments and decorations. Additional items that have a European heritage theme including Fair Trade stocking stuffers, coffee, tea, chocolate and other Fair Trade foods that are prepackaged.
TeaGeschwendner
Tea shop with natural and organic teas.
Offering: Premium loose leaf teas and tea accessories: Christmas teas: Black Christmas tea, Snowman greet teas, including Spices for Glühwein, herbal teas. Link to the teas:http://shop.tgtea.com/. Also tea accessories: Cast iron teapots, ceramic teapots, mugs and infusers.
The Red Door Press
The Red Door Press is a Des Moines based letterpress print shop that specializes in prints, cards, and letterpress ephemera. We use traditional print methods, antique printing presses, and up-cycled materials.
Offering: Letterpress prints, cards and other goods.
Chocolaterie Stam
Chocolaterie Stam, Fine European Chocolates since 1913
The Museum of Danish America
Offering: Danish / Scandinavian gift items: jams, jewelry, note cards, hand towels, Christmas die-cuts, papirklip
Andy Klindt – Chainsaw Carvings
Andy Klindt Chainsaw Carver
Offering: Chainsaw Carvings
Pickle Creek Herbs
At Pickle Creek Herbs, we use organic herbs we grow ourselves on our Iowa farm to handcraft artisanal herbal products, including infused olive oils and vinegars, jams, teas, soaps, salves, salts, and balms.
Offering: Herb-infused olive oils and vinegars, herbal fruit jams, dried herbs and herbal teas, herbal soaps, salves, salts, and balms
Paisley USA
French Needle Work from recycled Marino wool
Offering: Fiber art pieces and tea cozies
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016 Food & Beverage Vendors
Glühwein
Glühwein (roughly, “glow-wine”, from the hot irons once used for mulling) is popular in German speaking countries. Glühwein is prepared from red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star aniseed, citrus, sugar and at times vanilla pods.
Iowa Beer Bus/Paulaner/Exile
Stella Cidre, Exile Ruthie, Exile Hannah, Exile Gigi, Kölsch, Paulaner Hefeweizen, Paulaner Münchener Lager, Lion Bridge Brewing Company Workman’s Compensation, Turner Alley Czech Village Pilsner, Breckenridge Christmas Ale, Budweiser, Bud Light
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile will be selling Scotch Eggs and Cornish Pasties (both traditional dishes of the U.K).
Offering: Scotch eggs and Cornish pasty
Mucky Duck Pub
The Mucky Duck Pub is a full service, British-style public house (pub) located in Ames. At the Mucky Duck we are pleased to welcome people of all ages and from all walks of life – we believe that drinking, eating and having fun together is a very important part of life! We have a great selection of beer from the UK, the USA and Iowa. We also serve some classic British dishes such as fish and chips and bangers and mash but we are also well know for our burgers and tenderloins. At the market we are pleased to be serving some British Christmas classics such as mince pies and Christmas pudding, along with some of the staples from our restaurant.
Offering: Mince pies, English Christmas pudding, fish and chips, bangers and mash, hot tea (chai, regular black and green), Christmas crackers (retail items), Turkish Delight (retail item), Tubs of assorted chocolates (Roses or Quality Street) (retail item)
Salt & Pretzel
Salt and Pretzel Co. is family-owned and operated in Ames, Iowa. They started the business in 2015 with the idea of bringing unique, soft pretzels to the community. Each pretzel is carefully crafted with the best ingredients and produced with state of the art equipment to create exceptional pretzels. All of their are made in their FDA-inspected bakery that meets all food safety and GMP requirements.
Offering: Traditional German Sausages. German pretzels with mustards and sauces. Rye breads and other baked products, including Gingerbread Cookies.
Top of the Hill Nuts
Offering: Cinnamon and maple flavored roasted almonds, cashews, and pecans.
Hessen Haus
Willkommen! Iowa’s favorite German Bier Hall, with the largest German Bier selection in the world!
Mars Cafe
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.
7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines…
What: Christkindlmarket Des Moines (A German-Inspired Outdoor Christmas Market)
When: Dec. 2 to 4 (11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat.; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun.)
Where: Cowles Commons in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa
- Experience the sights and sounds of a real German Christmas-themed market, Christkindlmarket Des Moines, without even having to “cross the pond.”
- Witness the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. as the Christkind (the Christmas Angel) who officially opens the market with her proclamation and is helped by the Kinder (children) on a procession with luminaria.
- See the quaint village-like huts, built by Waukee High School industrial arts students that will offer wares such as handmade stationery, Christmas ornaments, baked goods, teas, hand-knitted items, chainsaw carvings, and much more.
- Hear the local, state and regional music ensembles from high school choirs to professional entertainers entertain Christkindlmarket guests with holiday music.
- Gather around the “Tannenbaum Tables” made by Johnston High School industrial arts students and taste the delicious holiday treats from chocolate and toasted nuts to savory wursts and potatoes.
- Toast your friends and warm your spirits with authentic German Glühwein (gloo-vine) just like they do in Deutschland in December.
- Take home a piece of real European art with the market’s inaugural collectible Glühwein mug that features original artwork by a German artist.
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.
Did you hear Suzanne Hull on Insight on Business the News Hour?
Did you miss Suzanne Hull on Insight on Business “the News Hour with Michael Libbie” on Tuesday, October 27th?? Click the link below to listen to the podcast during which they talked about Christkindlmarket Des Moines and Des Moines European Heritage Association.
Read about the show and download the podcast if you missed it here
Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines. Connect with them on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more, here is their Facebook Page.
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.