A Passport to Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Creativity and exploration! It’s what being a kid is all about. If you didn’t make it to the Christkindlemarket Des Moines (CDM) KinderKorner last year, you might not have noticed the many free activities we provided to those willing to spare a few minutes. There was activity in particular that we offered all weekend to encourage kids and their families to experience the event.
Anyone that stopped by the KinderKorner was offered a CDM Passport. Though nowhere near as official as one you would use for international travel, it served to document young visitors’ progress in exploring the market.
The passport outlined four tasks and upon completion of each, participants received a stamp. A completed passport earned them a prize from the Information Table. The first task was to add a link to our holiday paper chain, a tradition dating back to the 1900s. Next, our market explorers received a stamp for participating in a KinderKorner lead activity, like marking a felt ornament, coloring a picture or learning a seasonal song. The third task required venturing to the hand painted wooden Christkind and St. Nicholas photo cutout to have a picture taken with friends or family. The final stamp was awarded once our brave explorers gathered the courage to ask a question at the Information Table.
Over the course of the event we had over 200 children take part, resulting in lots of smiles, loads of crafts and some legitimately interesting questions asked at the Information Table. For example, can YOU say “Happy Holidays” in six languages?
If you are considering coming to Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018, bring the kids! With all of our free performances and activities we are sure to keep you all entertained!
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.
Carpenters Local 106 | 2018 In-Kind Sponsor
The organizers of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 are proud to partner with Carpenters Local 106. Fabricated by Waukee and Johnston High Schools and stored at Centennial Warehouse, Carpenters Local 106 will again help us set up our wooden vendor stalls at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018. The following is from the Carpenters Local 106:
Why is this partnership Important:
Carpenters Local 106 has been a part of Des Moines Heritage for over 120 years. As Local 106 members, we strive to offer our skills to help build up the city and people of Des Moines. Many of our members have varying heritages and backgrounds including European heritage. Which they also value to continue their traditions.
How is Carpenters 106 involved in our communities:
Our members are very involved in the community in varies ways. Whether it be from coaching our kid’s sports teams or being a PTA member at their schools, or working closely with our church groups. As an organization we offer scholarships, donate to Toys-For-Tots, sponsor Jolly Holiday Lights and Iowa Heart are a few. Any opportunity we can to show off our specific skills and help with community projects like handy cap ramps or just helping out a friend or neighbor you can count on us.
Things people don’t know about Unions:
We are dedicated and fight to make sure the working class is protected, safe and getting what they deserve. Unions have provided very long and reliable sustaining careers, pensions and health benefits for so many people, for many of years. We value productivity, safety and craftsmanship. Our priority is education and providing it at no cost to our members.
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.
Signature Beer to be Brewed for Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 will again be working with Confluence Brewing Company to brew St. Nick’s Christkindlbier for #CDM2018.
Confluence brews 30 – 40 different beers each year. They often partner with area non-profits to help bring awareness to their cause through a unique and related recipe. Confluence cares about the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into making excellent beer, and knows that excellent beer can bring people together.
Through this partnership, you can look forward to:
- A Firkin’ tapping of our signature beer at #CDM2018 on Friday, November 30th at 4pm.
- Our signature beer available at retail locations prior to #CDM2018 and during the holiday season.
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 Polk County Board of Supervisors Community Betterment Grant
In August, DMEHA was awarded the Community Betterment Grant Award by the Polk County Board of Supervisors and is happy to have their support. The Polk County Board of Supervisors offers this unique funding opportunity to community service organizations throughout Polk County. The Polk County Community Betterment Grant Program was designed to provide financial support to non-profit organizations that provide cultural, recreational, educational, and human needs services to citizens. Polk County has a rich history of partnering with public and private entities to provide effective programs and services to the community.
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 Cultural Heritage Project Grant
Des Moines European Heritage Association is pleased to announce that it has received an Cultural Heritage Project Grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Grant funds will support Yuletide Hall at Christkindlmarket Des Moines, November 30 – December 2, 2018.
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.
CDM2017 Planning Committee Receives Group Governor’s Volunteer Award
The CDM2017 Planning Committee is honored to have been chosen to receive the Group Governor’s Volunteer Award.
We are extremely thankful to those who have given the precious gift of their time. Thank you for your dedication and for contributing your talent.
Awards will be handed out in person during a special recognition ceremony on Tuesday, June 19 at 3:30pm at Southeast Polk High School Auditorium.
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.
Follow Us On Instagram And Twitter!
Are you on Instagram and Twitter? That’s a good thing, because we are now, too!
Follow us @christmasdesmoines on Instagram and @christmasdsm on Twitter for all of the fun photos and up-to-date news on Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
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 Planning Committee Receives Group Governor’s Volunteer Award
The CDM2016 Planning Committee is honored to have been chosen to receive the Group Governor’s Volunteer Award.
We are extremely thankful to those who have given the precious gift of their time. Thank you for your dedication and for contributing your talent.
Awards will be handed out in person during a special recognition ceremony on Monday, September 25 at 2pm at Southeast Polk High School Auditorium.
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.
Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 Study
Over the last 16 months, Bravo Greater Des Moines and more than 65 non-profit arts, culture and heritage organizations in Central Iowa have been participating in the Americans for the Arts Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 study. The final report is complete and Bravo proudly shared Greater Des Moines’ results last night. This data clearly show that the arts mean business for our region:
- $185 million in spending
- $71.9 million by the organizations
- $113.1 million by audiences
- 5,677 full-time equivalent jobs employed by the sector
- $16.8 million in government revenue
- $7.46 million – local
- $9.31 million – state
Click here for a full copy of Greater Des Moines’ report and for more information on the national study results and details.
- This study lays to rest a common misconception that investment in the arts comes at the expense of economic development. Rather, this study shows that the arts are a vital industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, is a cornerstone of tourism and economic development, and drives a creativity-based economy.
- Beyond the intrinsic value of the arts to inspire creativity and engage hearts and minds, arts organizations are also businesses, employing people locally, purchasing goods and services within the community, and supporting the regional economy.
- When communities support the arts, they not only enhance quality of life but also invest in economic well-being. The arts are not “nice to have” amenities but are “need to have” economic engines.
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 Offers Beginning German Language Classes for Adults
Des Moines European Heritage Association invites you to explore the German language during this 10-week beginning German language course for adults (starting Wednesday, August 2, 2017).
During each 90-minute session, you will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics while focusing on grammar and vocabulary.
There will be assigned homework and studying required each week. A textbook and workbook will need to be purchased by the student prior to the beginning of the course in addition to the course fee of $120. These materials will cost approximately $40 and are due at the first class.
This is a non-credit course.
Click here to Register
We will meet at the Grand View University. You may park in the parking lot directly south of the Student Center (Y on the map). Click here for a campus map.
Deadline to register: July 1, 2017
About the Instructor: Steffi Schryver received her Master’s Degree in German and English Education in 2010 from the University of Regensburg in southern Germany. Since then, she has enjoyed working with many types of students teaching both languages. She recently moved to Iowa with her husband and enjoys spending time with him, horses and her dog.
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.