50 Seasons. 4 Generations. Our Tradition. One Market.

This year marks a golden milestone for my family—50 seasons as proud vendors at Des Moines' Downtown Farmer's Market. What began in 1976 as a small, heartfelt endeavor by my grandparents, Lillian and James Thill, alongside my mom Brenda of Pleasantville, Iowa, Thill's Produce has grown into a four-generation tradition rooted in family, community and Iowa values.

Back in 1976, The Market was a humble affair. Just 15 vendors gathered in a tiny parking lot, hoping to connect with locals and share the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labor. My grandparents were among those original vendors—selling fresh produce, baked goods and handmade items. My mom Brenda was just nine then, helping out at the stand, probably not realizing she was helping to plant the roots of a legacy.

From Parking Lot to Downtown Streets

As The Market began to grow in popularity, it moved into what was then the Spaghetti Works parking lot, allowing more space for vendors and shoppers alike. Then, in the early 1980s, the market took another big step—expanding into the streets of Downtown Des Moines (DSM), where it still thrives today. That expansion mirrored the growth of the city itself, and we were proud to be part of it every step of the way.

A Family Business Through the Generations 

Over the years, my grandparents, my mom and I worked side by side to grow our stand and keep our tradition alive. What started with rows of fresh produce and homemade baked goods turned into a family collaboration built on hard work and creativity. My grandparents passed down their hard work ethic, knowledge of gardening and old-fashioned recipes, while my mom brought fresh ideas and energy to help us adapt and grow. As I got older, I joined in too—learning the ropes, pitching in before sunrise and later bringing new items like screen printing, engraving and embroidered goods to our booth—all made with the same care and pride that my grandparents poured into their garden decades ago.  Together, we blended generations of skill and passion, expanding our small market table into a full family business that continues to evolve while honoring the roots my grandparents planted in 1976.

 

Carrying the Torch Forward 

As my grandparents began to slow down with age, the tradition didn’t fade—it simply passed into more helping hands. My Uncle Randy and his wife Sharon stepped up and took over the responsibility of growing the produce, continuing the same dedication to quality and care that my grandparents had always shown. They worked tirelessly to keep the gardens going and ensure that our stand stayed stocked with the freshest homegrown goods. Over the years, the entire family has pitched in—my mom’s brothers and their spouses, cousins and even extended family have all played a role in keeping things running. Many of my cousins have helped at the stand, especially during those busy Saturday mornings, selling, chatting with customers and carrying on the warm, welcoming spirit that has always defined our booth. It truly has been a family affair—powered by generations working together to carry on what my grandparents, Lilian and James started all those years ago.

Over the decades, our stand has seen generations of family members—children learning to count change, grandparents swapping stories with loyal customers and four generations working side-by-side in the city. We've shared homegrown produce, homemade goods, early-mornings and countless smiles and laughs. We’ve watched babies grow up and bring their own children to the stand. For us, it’s never been just about selling produce. It’s about being part of something bigger—part of a community.

As we celebrate 50 years, we want to thank you—from longtime friends to new faces—for being a part of our journey. The friendships forged, the joy of being a small part of people’s Saturday mornings and spending time with family is something we hold close to our hearts. We’re honored to have grown alongside the Downtown Farmers' Market and grateful to all who’ve stopped by our stand over the decades.

Here’s to 50 more seasons of fresh produce, homemade goods and Thill family tradition.

The Downtown Farmers' Market will commemorate its 50th season with a celebratory event on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The celebration begins with the Market's opening bell at 7 a.m. and rolls on into the afternoon with extended Market hours from noon - 3:30 p.m. in a consolidated footprint along Court Avenue. Don't miss the chance to celebrate this major milestone for one of Downtown Des Moines (DSM)'s signature events. Learn more here.