DMEHA at the Iowa State Fair
Look for the Des Moines European Heritage Association at Global Citizenship Day at the Iowa State Fair on Friday, August 12 (today) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Global Citizenship Day recognizes multicultural organizations in Iowa—and brings educational demonstrations, performances, activities and more to the Iowa State Fair. You can find us in the 4-H Exhibits Building. We’ll be ready to help the children craft paper ornaments (adults are more than welcome too) and to chat about our upcoming signature event—Christkindlmarket Des Moines! It’s Des Moines’ first European-style Christmas market, complete with traditional wooden vendor stalls, German foods, warm mulled wine, and handcrafted gifts to buy.
We hope to see you at the fair!
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.
Greater Iowa Credit Union: Gold Sponsor
We’re pleased to announce that the Greater Iowa Credit Union is a Gold Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines!
Greater Iowa Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving some 30,000 members throughout a 33-county area in central and western Iowa. Begun in 1932 by employees of Iowa State College, Greater Iowa has had a long relationship with the university, and until 2002 was named the ISU Community Credit Union.
Thank you for your support!
The Weitz Company | Silver Sponsor
We’re pleased to announce that The Weitz Company is a Silver 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.
DMEHA at Global Citizenship Day at the Iowa State Fair
Look for the Des Moines European Heritage Association at Global Citizenship Day at the Iowa State Fair on Friday, August 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Global Citizenship Day recognizes multicultural organizations in Iowa—and brings educational demonstrations, performances, activities and more to the Iowa State Fair. Find us in the 4-H Exhibits Building. We’ll be ready to help kiddos (and adults) craft paper ornaments and to chat about our upcoming signature event—Christkindlmarket Des Moines! It’s Des Moines’ first European-style Christmas market, complete with traditional wooden vendor stalls, German foods, warm mulled wine, and handcrafted gifts to buy.
We hope to see you at the fair!
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.
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino | Vendor Stall Sponsor
We are pleased to announce that Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino 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.
Prairie Meadows is Iowa’s premier spot to watch horse racing and play a round of blackjack. Make a night of it and stay for free live music (see their event calendar) and good eats. Choose from fine dining establishments and low-key cafes. There’s something for everyone. The hardest part is deciding which horse to bet on.
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.
DMEHA Receives Iowa Arts Council Art Project Grant
Des Moines European Heritage Association is pleased to announce that it has received an Art Project Grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a
division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Grant funds will support the programming stage at Christkindlmarket Des Moines, December 2 – 4, 2016.
The Art Project Grant supports the creation and presentation of new artwork, development of an arts experience or formation of an arts education program. Project grants provide support to positively impact the vitality of the arts in Iowa by creating arts opportunities that are accessible to all Iowans. The Arts Project Grant will be used to support a variety of performances on the programming stage.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and its three divisions – the Iowa Arts Council, Produce Iowa-State Office of Media Production and the State Historical Society of Iowa – empower Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. The department’s work enables Iowa to be recognized as a state that fosters creativity and serves as a catalyst for innovation where the stories of Iowa are preserved and communicated to connect past, present and future generations.
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.
Christmas in July Moonlight Ride!
Des Moines European Heritage Association planned the perfect night out to get your Christmas fix! We held our inaugural Christmas in July Moonlight Ride on July 16 with all funds raised going to support Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016.
Before cruising through Clive and West Des Moines along a 17-mile route, participants enjoyed live music at 515 Brewing Company. After the ride, participants re-hydrated with a 515 Brewing Company craft beer.
Gift certificates and water bottles were given as prizes for best individual costume, best-decorated bike or helmet and best team theme. Check out all of the pictures on Facebook and from Gail’s Photography and Designs, one of our sponsors.
AT&T was also on hand to discuss their products as well as to give away a FitBit HR and UE Boom 2 Waterproof Speaker as door prizes for registered riders.
We hope to see you all again next year!
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.
Iowa Sister States | Gold Sponsor
Thank you to Iowa Sister States for becoming a Gold Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016!
Iowa Sister States is a non-profit organization with a mission we love: to grow Iowa’s relationships with our nine sister cities and regions around the world. The group, made up of mostly volunteers, organizes exchange programs and scholarships for Iowans to visit or study in our sister states, such as Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan and Veneto Region, Italy. Locals from those regions can experience life (and college) here, too. The organization also offers programs to educate Iowans about international farming, business, culture, and more.
Want to get involved? Volunteer to host foreign exchange students, translate, or transport visitors.
“People-to-people exchanges change the world by changing one person at a time.” – iowasisterstates.org
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.
A Successful Trip to 80/35!
The 2016 80/35 Music Festival, took place July 8 and 9, and offered local organizations the opportunity to participate in the Community Village. The Community Village is a unique opportunity for area nonprofits and music organizations to connect with like-minded 80/35 festival goers through engaging activities and interactive exhibits.
We built our wooden vendor stall at the intersection of 13th Street and Grand Avenue where both children and adults could make a holiday ornament. Check out some of our pictures!
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.
DMEHA at Valley Junction Farmers Market
Come check us out at the Valley Junction Farmers Market and Music in the Junction on July 21 from 4 – 8pm
This weekly Farmers Market and Music in the Junction concert series is home to over 100 weekly vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, plants and flowers, arts and crafts and prepared foods.
Music in the Junction is held from 5:30 – 8:30 pm, with music starting at 6:00 pm.
This week’s band is: ABBY NORMAL
This week’s 300 Block activity is: Vintage Tractor Night
ALL events are free to attend, with food and beverage available throughout the district.
Click HERE to view this week’s vendor map
See you there!