Downtown Farmers' Market Kicks Off Its 40th Season May 2
The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines opens for its 40th Season on Saturday May 2, 2015. The Market spans nine city blocks and is held in the Historic Court District, every Saturday morning from May 2 – Oct 31, 2015. Hours are 7 a.m. – Noon. In October, fall hours begin and The Market opens one hour later, at 8 a.m.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market connects urban and rural communities while supporting more than 300 entrepreneurs from across the state; offering fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, beautiful flowers, farm fresh eggs, local wine, a delicious assortment of cheese, an endless selection of baked goods and many varieties of Iowa raised meat including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, goat, rabbit, lamb and tilapia. The Market also offers lunch and breakfast food, a variety of local art and entertainment, learning opportunities and special programming.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market welcomes 36 new vendors for its 40th Season offering new products including: emu meat and eggs; vegan baked goods; essential oil products for hair, skin, and beards; cheese made from combining sheep and goat’s milk; and neonicotinoid-free perennials that benefit birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The Downtown Farmers’ Market will also feature a record number of 82 entertainers this year with 26 new performers offering a unique variety of music and more.
“We’re honored to celebrate 40 seasons with the Downtown Farmers’ Market community,” says Kelly Foss, Director of the Downtown Farmers’ Market. “We’ve been able to grow The Market steadily with a commitment to quality and by providing ‘an experience’ each Saturday.”
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines returns as Presenting Sponsor and brings helpful wellness and prevention programs directly to The Market. “We are excited to begin our third season with the Downtown Farmers’ Market,” says Eric Crowell, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. “We look forward to cultivating our relationship with the community on Saturday mornings; this year we will be offering healthy recipes in addition to the helpful information and fun hands-on activities attendees have come to expect from us.” UnityPoint Health – Des Moines will be on-site each Saturday to support their mission of healing, caring and teaching.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers. Today, in its 40th season, The Market supports more than 300 vendors, welcomes an average 25,000 visitors each Saturday and expects around 40,000 visitors Opening Day. The Downtown Farmers’ Market has been recognized nationally and ranked “#2 of the 101 Best Farmers Markets in America” two consecutive years by The Daily Meal, named “#2 of the “The Top 10 Farmers Markets in the U.S.” by Shape Magazine, “One of America’s Best Farmers’ Markets” by Midwest Living Magazine and “Best in the Midwest” by Country Living Magazine.
The Winter Farmers’ Market takes place one weekend in November and December and features more than 130 vendors, kid’s activities and live entertainment.
All media inquiries should be directed to Jessica Barlow at (515) 286- 4907 or visit the Downtown Farmers’ Market website for more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.
About the Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and produced by the Downtown Community Alliance. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning May – October in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. The Market also produces a Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market in November and December. The Downtown Community Alliance, a pillar of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, provides a consistent and constant focus on developing and maintaining a vibrant downtown core. For more information please visit DesMoinesFarmersMarket.com, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownFarmersMarket, Twitter and Instagram at @DTFarmersMarket #DTFM.