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.
Install Christmas trees, assemble signage, hang stringed lights, decorate wooden vendor stalls, etc. **Some lifting may be required**
Construct pre-fabricated wooden vendor stalls. **Heavy lifting definitely required**
Help vendors unload their merchandise as well as with vendor set up and tear down.
Watch vendor’s booths should they need to take a break.
Empty the waste receptacles into a large roll-off bin as needed.
Provide a European-centric activity for children. All supplies provided.
Answer attendee’s questions, provide information on DMEHA, hand out site maps, entertainment schedules, etc.
Assist the Programming site leaders to ensure that performers have arrived, are prepared to take the stage and have what they need to perform.
Circulate throughout the programming area during performances to deploy a survey to capture attendee demographic information.
Check the IDs of attendees who would like to drink alcoholic beverages.
Work with the Iowa Beer Bus team to serve beer to attendees.
Serve warm, mulled wine from a wooden vendor stall to eager attendees.
Sell hot chocolate, hot cider, water, etc. to attendees.
Remove Christmas trees, disassemble signage, remove stringed lights, remove decorations from wooden vendor stalls. **Some lifting may be required**
Tear down pre-fabricated wooden vendor stalls. **Heavy lifting definitely required**
Greet and check-in volunteers, direct volunteers to assigned areas, and keep Volunteer Headquarters organized.
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.
Take afternoon tea like a Londoner here in Des Moines on Sunday, September 25 from 1-3 pm! The inaugural Afternoon Tea Along the River is a British tea event in an elegant setting with views of the Des Moines River from the Principal Riverwalk Hub Spot Park. Tickets are $35 each, including ticketing fees. When purchasing your ticket, add a glass of French sparkling wine for $11. Gather your friends and don your fancy hats for a memorable afternoon!
At the event, loose-leaf British teas provided by Gong Fu Tea and finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and petite desserts by Trellis Catering will be served. Vintage dishware supplied by Vintage Love, Rentals & annessi and lovely, live violin music will set the mood and send you on a trip to a traditional British High tea. There will also be a contest for the best hat or fascinator (decorative headpiece commonly worn by Brits), as well as a silent auction.
When booking, please indicate the names of all guests in your party so that we can do our best to seat you together. Parties of two will be seated with other guests. Please indicate dietary restrictions when purchasing your ticket; we will do our best to accomondate your needs.
If you have questions, please email [email protected].
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.
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!