Downtown Farmers' Market Opens This Weekend
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES, IOWA (May 1, 2019) — Opening Day of the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines is this Saturday, May 4. The Market is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. It takes place every Saturday morning from May 4 – Oct. 26, 2019. Hours are 7 a.m. – Noon, with a later start time during October when hours are 8 a.m. – Noon. The Market spans nine city blocks in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) in the Historic Court District: On Court Avenue from Water Street to Fifth Avenue and extending north and south on Second Avenue, Third Street and Fourth Street.
The Market supports nearly 300 local small business owners, including farmers, producers, bakers and artists that represent 50 counties across the state of Iowa. The Market offers a variety of attractions and activities including shopping for fresh produce, seasonal flowers, farm fresh eggs and cheese, locally produced wine and fresh baked goods as well as a variety of Iowa-raised meat including beef, pork, bison, chicken, turkey, goat, rabbit and lamb. Patrons can also eat breakfast, enjoy the atmosphere, meet with family and friends and enjoy live entertainment.
On Saturday, The Market officially opens with a ceremonial bell ringing at 7 a.m. Shortly prior, 500 commemorative cowbells will be distributed at Third Street and Court Avenue to allow vendors and patrons to ring simultaneously and commence The Market season. This will be followed by a juice toast. Joining at the ceremony will be Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.
The Market’s presenting sponsor is UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines staff and service lines are on site every Saturday to provide fun and educational programs, health screenings, safety checks and seasonally-appropriate recipe suggestions from their dieticians. The UnityPoint Health – Des Moines booth is located at the corner of Third Street and Court Avenue.
The Meals From The Market program sponsored by Great Western Bank provides thousands of pounds of fresh food to Des Moines Area Religious Council emergency pantries where it is distributed to 13 pantry sites. Dedicated volunteers will be available to accept food donations every Saturday during Market hours. Market attendees can drop off donations at the bright yellow Meals From The Market tent located on the corner of Second Street and Court Avenue.
The Grapevine Tunes Music Series sponsored by the Fourth + Court Hy-Vee is a unique program that encourages young musicians and artists between the ages of 5 and 18 to continue to develop their talents while emphasizing local arts and culture in DSM. This music series offers talented young musicians an opportunity to perform in a unique outdoor street-concert style setting, in front of thousands of Market visitors, during three days this season: June 8, Aug. 10 and Oct. 12.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers. Today, The Market supports more than 300 vendors and welcomes an average of 25,000 visitors each Saturday. An estimated 40,000 shoppers typically visit on Opening Day and key peak dates throughout the season. The Downtown Farmers’ Market has been recognized nationally by publications including The Daily Meal, Shape Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine and Country Living Magazine
Find 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 Greater Des Moines Partnership. 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. Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownfarmersmarket and on Twitter and Instagram at @DTFarmersMarket.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,400 Regional Business Members and more than 340 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.