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.
Bronze Sponsor | Ace Body & Motor
We’re pleased to have the support of Ace Body & Motor as a Bronze Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016! Their team of ASE Certified technicians have been serving this community for 33 years. Their family owned and operated repair facility is known for its cleanliness, convenience, and its coffee! Relax while they perform quality auto services for your vehicle. They’ll have you in and out in no time, making your auto service experience as quick and affordable as possible.
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.
#CDM2016 Glühwein Mugs!
For Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016, German designer Sabine Voigt, has crafted a Christmas-themed design for our Glühwein mug. Voigt studied in Dusseldorf, Germany and San Diego, CA, graduating as a graphic designer. Previously she has worked for companies such as Rolling Stone Magazine, Cologne Cathedral Christmas market, Kölner Bank, and many others, as well as designing a variety of mugs for Christmas markets around the world. Voigt has been awarded 1st place in the Charlie Hebdo Cart Competition, awards in the International Cartoon contest, the European Cartoon contest, and a variety of other awards and decorations. Her work has been presented in Portugal, Germany, America, Spain, and other countries world wide for its colorful and youthful appearance.
DMEHA is excited to have had the opportunity to further display her work by using her design featured below on our 2016 Glühwein mug. Guarantee your Glühwein mug this year by making a donation of $25 or more to Des Moines European Heritage Association.
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 | Betsy Penisten
Tell us about yourself.
Betsy grew up on the north side of Des Moines and attended Saydel High School. Upon graduating, she attended the University of Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in English Literature and political science. Betsy currently resides in Des Moines, and is a program planner for the Iowa Department of Human Rights Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning. Betsy enjoys gardening, painting, and playing the Ukulele.
Why are you involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
Betsy learned about Christkindlmarket Des Moines while walking past a booth at the Des Moines Art Festival and questioning why, in the summertime, there would be a booth decorated for Christmas. She soon found out about the Christkindlmarket and immediately wanted to get involved for the diversity the organization offers— there are so many volunteer opportunities available based on where your interest lies.
Why should others become involved?
Betsy believes others should get involved because it gives you the opportunity to give back to the community while also learning about different cultures and customs.
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 | Mike Mendenhall
Tell us about yourself.
Mike grew up on the east side of Des Moines and attended East High School. Upon graduating, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communications, with a minor in music performance from the University of Iowa. Mike currently resides in Des Moines, and is the editor of two weekly newspapers in the state: Jasper County Tribune and Prairie City News. Mike enjoys Star Wars lore, indie classical and jazz music, and listening to Iowa Public Radio.
Why are you involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
Mike learned about Christkindlmarket Des Moines while taking in the sights and sounds of the Des Moines Arts Festival this summer. Mike is volunteering to help a worthwhile culturally-minded non-profit become established in the Greater Des Moines Area.
Why should others become involved?
Mike believes others should get involved because it is an opportunity to learn about ancestry and the
commonalities of European traditions.
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.
Suzanne Hull Presents at Des Moines Area Retired School Personnel Association
Suzanne Hull, Board President of Des Moines European Heritage Association presented to the Des Moines Area Retired School Personnel Association on September 22, 2016
The group enjoyed hearing about DMEHA and what they have planned for Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place at Cowles Commons December 2 – 4, 2016.
If you’d like Suzanne to make a presentation to your networking group or community organization, please contact her at [email protected].
About DMARSPA
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.
Volunteer at Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Des Moines European Heritage Association (DMEHA) invites you to be a part of something great: The inaugural Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Volunteers are integral to a successful community event. We need your help and we have several volunteer opportunities to choose from whether you’re looking for just yourself or a group. Be sure to include family members, friends and others who could join you to make it more fun!
No-shows can cause great difficulties for the planning and production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines. We ask that you report on time and remain on task for the duration of your shift(s). All volunteers must be at least 16 years old when they report for their volunteer shift. Those dealing with alcohol must be at least 21 years old when they report for their volunteer shift.
Volunteer shifts range of 2-3 hours and an estimated 400+ volunteers will be needed to make #CDM2016 possible.
Sign up now with VolunteerLocal!
Christkindlmarket Des Moines Setup
Install Christmas trees, assemble signage, hang stringed lights, decorate wooden vendor stalls, etc. **Some lifting may be required**
Vendor Stall Setup
Construct pre-fabricated wooden vendor stalls. **Heavy lifting definitely required**
Vendor Assistant
Help vendors unload their merchandise as well as with vendor set up and tear down.
Vendor Relations
Watch vendor’s booths should they need to take a break.
Waste Removal Elves
Empty the waste receptacles into a large roll-off bin as needed.
DMEHA KinderKorner Booth
Provide a European-centric activity for children. All supplies provided.
DMEHA Information Area
Answer attendee’s questions, provide information on DMEHA, hand out site maps, entertainment schedules, etc.
Programming Stage Volunteer
Assist the Programming site leaders to ensure that performers have arrived, are prepared to take the stage and have what they need to perform.
Arts Project Grant Survey Deployment
Circulate throughout the programming area during performances to deploy a survey to capture attendee demographic information.
ID Checkers
Check the IDs of attendees who would like to drink alcoholic beverages.
Beer Pourers
Work with the Iowa Beer Bus team to serve beer to attendees.
Glühwein Sales
Serve warm, mulled wine from a wooden vendor stall to eager attendees.
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Sales
Sell hot chocolate, hot cider, water, etc. to attendees.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines Tear Down
Remove Christmas trees, disassemble signage, remove stringed lights, remove decorations from wooden vendor stalls. **Some lifting may be required**
Vendor Stall Tear Down
Tear down pre-fabricated wooden vendor stalls. **Heavy lifting definitely required**
Volunteer Relations
Greet and check-in volunteers, direct volunteers to assigned areas, and keep Volunteer Headquarters organized.
Sign up now with VolunteerLocal!
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.