Category Archive News

BySuzanne Hull

Iowa State Bank | Bronze Sponsor

We’re excited to announce Iowa State Bank’s support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019.

Iowa State Bank is proud to have called Des Moines home for 75 years. Our mission is to serve customers, prosper, have fun and remain an independent bank. We are confident you will find that Iowa State Bank is able to provide the perfect mix of convenience banking and traditional services.


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.

Support[1]
BySuzanne Hull

Follow-Up | DMEHA at Downtown Farmers 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 1, Des Moines European Heritage Association was at the Downtown Farmer’s Market at the community corner to share our mission with market goers. Check out these fun photos!

BySuzanne Hull

2019 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Christkind Application

Welcome! We appreciate your interest in applying to be the 2019 Christkind at Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) taking place December 6 – 8, 2019 at Principal Park. Please complete the 2019 application PRIOR to your interview. You will receive a confirmation email with additional details upon successful application submission. Learn more about the Christkind and its history.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Application Deadline: September 15, 2019
• Interviews Held: Week of September 23, 2019
• 2019 Christkind Announcement: October 1, 2019

To Apply

  1. Register and complete this official online application
  2. Please email video of applicant reading opening ceremony proclamation to [email protected]
  3. Please email headshot of applicant to [email protected]

Note: CDM will provide the costume, wig and accessories; Christkind can wear their own shoes.

To be eligible to be the 2019 Christkind, all of the following criteria must be met:

Must be at least 16 years of age by December 31, 2019, and no more than 22 years of age before January 5, 2020
A resident of Iowa (or attending an Iowa-based school/university) able to provide verification of residence and/or enrollment
A student in high school or enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 units) in any accredited school or college in Iowa
Possess at least a 2.0 grade point average in both the current and previous years’ course work and able to provide verification
Available to participate in-person or via video during scheduled interview
Must be able to memorize and recite opening ceremony proclamation in front of 2,500 people without visual or auditory aid
Must enjoy working with others and talking with the public, including children of all ages
Must be able to provide own transportation to and from appearances
Available to attend the following functions/appearances as the 2019 Christkind
6pm – 8pm, December 5, 2019 | ‘Twas the Night Before #CDM2019 Preview Event
5:30pm – 7:30pm, December 6, 2019 | Opening Ceremony
2pm – 4pm, December 7, 2019 | CDM appearance
2pm – 4pm, December 8, 2019 | CDM appearance

Please fill out and submit this application; all fields with red asterisks (*) are required.

BySuzanne Hull

Christkindlmarket DSM Mug Unveiling Party and Open House a Huge Success

Several people were the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2019 Glühwein mug design at Jasper Winery on Tuesday, May 21.

They sipped the signature drink (warm mulled wine) while shopping a mini market featuring foods and handcrafted items from Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 vendors. The first 25 attendees to donate $25 (or more) to guarantee their 2019 mug received a goody bag. Make your donation today!

BySuzanne Hull

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 1, 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.

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.

Support[1]
BySuzanne Hull

Join DMEHA Today!

At our Christkindlmarket DSM Mug Unveiling Party and Open House on Tuesday, Des Moines European Heritage Association launched our annual membership drive. Join today and enjoy the following benefits:

Silver – $100 (annual membership)

  • 2 guaranteed Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) commemorative mugs – $50 value
  • Limited edition commemorative poster OR pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” at CDM.
  • Free CDM reusable bag – $5 value  
  • 5% off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA Event (includes CDM preview events) or one language school class per membership year
  • Recognition on our website as a “Silver” member

Gold – $250 (annual membership)

All items listed above plus:

  • Limited edition commemorative poster –  voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke”
  • Limited edition commemorative pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke”
  • Membership bracelet
  • Free general admission entry to “‘Twas the Night Before #CDM“, the preview night, with full access to vendors ahead of the market – Value of $35 gets you free parking, 1 entree, 1 dessert, 2 drink coupons, commemorative CDM mug
  • Access to “express lane” for Gluehwein, Beer and the DMEHA Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt (Must show membership bracelet)
  • 10% total off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA event or one language school class per calendar or membership year
  • 5% off purchases at “An Der Weinachtsecke” (Must show membership bracelet)
  • Recognition as “Gold” level member at CDM (Must be a paid member by November 1, 2019 to be included on the printed banner
Congratulations and special thank you to our first Gold Members, Becky and Dan DeVries!
BySuzanne Hull

Damonlayne Woodworking | #CDM2019 Vendor

Tell us about your business:

DamonLayne Woodworking is an Iowa business located in Earlham. For the past 6 years, I have spent my free time working from a renovated Madison County, one-room school house to create beautifully designed items for your home. My woodworking products include cutting boards, cheese slicers, and amazing cribbage boards.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019?

I am excited to be a part of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 because it displays the unique European holiday traditions. Talented artisans will be displaying their creations while families stroll along listening to music, sampling the food, and sipping warm mulled wine. This is an amazing event to have in Des Moines.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 and why did you choose them?

My products for this year’s Christkindlmarket Des Moines include cribbage boards, cutting boards, and cheese slicers. These handmade items make wonderful gifts to include in your holiday baskets.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am happy to be a part of this magnificent event again this year. The little vendor huts, the wonderful smell of food, and lively polka music are sure to make this event a holiday tradition for your family.

BySuzanne Hull

Andy Klindt Woodcraft | #CDM2019 Vendor

Tell us about your business

Andy Klindt is an Iowa artisan who creates using wood and iron.

Andy uses native Iowa timbers for his wooden creations, utilizing anything from chainsaws to traditional hand tools. When blacksmithing, Andy uses time-honored methods to forge his metal art/pieces.

Fanciful , functional, or a fusion of each…watching Andy craft original pieces is sure to delight people of all ages!

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What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019?

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is an AMAZING event! You can’t beat the festive holiday atmosphere and there is something for everyone…traditional Christmas market foods, live entertainment, wonderful shopping for unique gifts, and Glühwein! We love being a part of Christkindlmarket Des Moines!

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 and why did you choose them?

This year we will have a variety of gifts to choose from! Of course there will be chainsaw carvings, but you’re also likely to find things like handmade wooden spoons and cutting boards, tradition wooden boxes for whatever you can imagine, wooden Christmas ornaments, hand forged hooks, bottle openers, grill accessories, and decorations. You just never know what Andy might decide to make next!

BySuzanne Hull

Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 Entertainment Schedule

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Be one of the first to experience Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 during this private, ticketed preview party at Principal Park, on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5 – 9pm. GET TICKETS!

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm – DSM Dueling Fiddles In the style of “dueling pianos,” the Des Moines Dueling Fiddles is an entertainment duo that provides a repertoire consisting of World fiddle music, Gypsy, Celtic, Pop, Rock, Latin, Klezmer, Irish, Bluegrass, and Classical selections. The DSM Dueling Fiddles may currently be found performing for various concerts and events in the Central Iowa area. Highlights from previous performances include: Celebrate Iowa Gala, Newton Fest, and CelebrAsian, among others.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen are based out of Mt Vernon, IA and have been performing all over the country for 31 years. We play polkas, waltzes, big band, old country and party songs! We like to have fun and hope you do too!

Friday, December 6, 2019

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm The Jim Kucera Band has been performing since 1984. The group has not only performed in Iowa and Nebraska, but throughout the Midwest. The group has 5 recordings on CD, one of which (Play A Polka Daddy), was featured in the Polka Countdown top 10 recordings in 2001. The group specializes in all styles of polka music, and enjoys playing many Oktoberfest celebrations each year throughout the Midwest.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Top Hat Carolers is a local singing group that has performed holiday music for over 25 years. They sing traditional Christmas carols and contemporary holiday tunes dressed in Victorian garb.

6:00 pm – 6:10 pm Opening Ceremony

6:10 pm – 6:30 pm – Kantorei is a small group of college students drawn from the Grand View Choir that sings a variety of music. For Christkindlmarket Des Moines they will be singing Christmas carols.

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Malek’s Fishermen Band is one of the finest polka bands in the Midwest; and continue the great tradition of dance music excellence started by Syl Malek in the 1930’s with Malek Bros. Accordion Band. The modern Malek’s Fishermen Band plays a wide range of dance music that includes the traditional old tyme polkas, waltzes, two-steps, and schottisches as well as country, big band, dixieland, and other dance hall favorites. Malek’s Fishermen Band has it’s own distinctive sound that is a favorite of dancers and listeners throughout the Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin region. Over the years, they have recorded many albums, and can be found at dance halls, polkafests, and parties in this four state region.

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – The Central Chapter, Polka Club of Iowa is organized as an educational and social organization for the preservation and advancement of polka music, dancing and folklore.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble is an adult symphonic band with musicians drawn from the greater Des Moines area.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – DSM Dueling Fiddles In the style of “dueling pianos,” the Des Moines Dueling Fiddles is an entertainment duo that provides a repertoire consisting of World fiddle music, Gypsy, Celtic, Pop, Rock, Latin, Klezmer, Irish, Bluegrass, and Classical selections. The DSM Dueling Fiddles may currently be found performing for various concerts and events in the Central Iowa area. Highlights from previous performances include: Celebrate Iowa Gala, Newton Fest, and CelebrAsian, among others.

2:00 pm – 2:20 pm – Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Heartland Youth Choir‘s Cantilena Choir is an auditioned choir of 3rd and 4th grade singers. Heartland Youth Choir has 5 levels of choirs from 4 years old to senior’s in high school. This will be our 4th year performing for Chirstkindlemarket Des Moines.

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance Celebrate Irish culture with the Foy School of Irish Dance. The revelry includes delightful traditional dances and contemporary choreographed numbers that both enchant and entertain!

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums of Iowa The mission of our band is to support active and reserve military units, law enforcement agencies, and fire departments. We regularly perform at local events that support these groups.

5:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Alpensterne Combined Alpensterne musical talents can’t be numbered by years but by their youth and spontaneity. Their authentic German singing and yodeling are true crowd pleasers They are equally at home doing the standards, Latin, and all of your favorite musical genres. The group performs at many Upper Midwest largest German Festivals and Oktoberfests.

Sunday, December 8, 2019

11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

12:00 pm – 12:30pm – International Folk Dancing will be taught to the public and will require their participation. You will learn circle and line dances from France, Europe and other countries.

12:30 pm – 12:50 pm – Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – The Metro Brass Quintet performs a fun variety of music from polkas to jazz and has been entertaining the Des Moines metro since 2014.

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Des Moines Chantants (strolling) is a group of French speaking Iowa residents getting together to sing french carols and other French songs.


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.

Support[1]
BySuzanne Hull

Three In One Artworks | #CDM2019 Vendor

Tell us about your business

For four years, I’ve been developing my skills and style in pottery and sculpture. My work consists of three thematic elements: agriculture and rural heritage; Celtic and Irish Dance, and contemporary geometric and abstract designs. I enjoy making functional items that contain subtle symbolism.

Every bowl or mug is created by hand via the wheel or slab and coil techniques. Special attention to decorative embellishments or glazing ensures each piece is one-of-a-kind. I welcome commission work.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019?

I first attended the Christkindlmarket in 2017, when my daughter’s Irish dance troupe performed on stage. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and ethnically diverse elements of the event. This past December, we attended the event again as part of the Foy School of Irish Dance and I felt confident that I had enough stock to be a vendor at the 2019 Christkindlmarket Des Moines. I’m excited to be part of this growing, unique offering on Des Moines’ thriving entertainment and cultural calendar.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2019 and why did you choose them?

My products will consist primarily of mugs, trays, boxes, and bowls, as well as other small items with European historic and cultural designs. I will also have a collection of items celebrating Iowa with agriculture motifs. I am choosing items based on size, price range, design, and relation to the theme of the event. I aim to make it affordable and easy for the shopper to carry their purchases while enjoying the event.