The Downtown Farmers' Market's 39th Season Begins May 3
The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines opens for its 39th Season on Saturday May 3, 2014. The Market spans nine city blocks and is held in the Historic Court District, every Saturday morning, rain or shine and even holidays, from May 3 – Oct 25, 2014.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market will be open from 7 a.m. – Noon until Fall hours begin the first Saturday of October, when The Market will open an hour later, Oct. Fall hours are 8 a.m. – Noon.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market supports nearly 300 local entrepreneurs who are farmers, producers, bakers, artists and more, representing 58 counties across the state of Iowa who find success while connecting their sustainable farms to Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) urban community. They offer seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, poultry, cheese, eggs, wine, flowers, bedding plants, breads, pastries, nuts and so much more. The Market also offers specialty and artisan lunch and breakfast food, provides a variety of local art and entertainment, and offers learning opportunities and special programming.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market welcomes a record 50 new vendors this year. “I can’t say enough good things about our vendors.” says Kelly Foss, Director of the Downtown Farmers’ Market. “The combination of our full season vendors and the occasional vendors truly makes each Saturday at The Market unique. This year in addition to the tested and true fan favorites you’ll see new products like Iowa produced maple syrup, baby food, dog treats, more gourmet style sweets and rare options for meat and poultry with a heritage breed focus.”
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines returns as Presenting Sponsor and brings helpful wellness and prevention programs directly to The Market. “We couldn’t be happier to partner with UnityPoint Health again as our Presenting sponsor this year,” says Foss. “Their presence at The Market gives our patrons an opportunity to interact directly with a trusted resource for living a healthier life.” From health screenings to samples of nutritious snacks, UnityPoint Health will be on-site each Saturday to support their mission of healing, caring and teaching.
“We are excited to begin our second season at 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 Saturday mornings and offering people fun, hands-on activities in addition to the helpful information they’ve come to expect from us.”
The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers. Today’s Market supports more than 300 vendors, welcomes an average 20,000 visitors each Saturday, and expects around 40,000 visitors Opening Day. The Downtown Farmers’ Market was recognized nationally in 2013 by The Daily Meal, ranked #2 of the top 101 Best Farmers’ Markets in America. The Market has also been named “One of America’s Best Farmers’ Markets” by Midwest Living magazine, “Best in the Midwest” by Country Living Magazine and featured in a blog on RachelRay.com.
The Winter Market will be held in Capital Square/Nollen Plaza on Nov. 21-22 and Dec. 12-13, 2014 featuring 125 vendors. Hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
All media inquiries should be directed to Jessica Barlow at (515) 286- 4907 or visit the website for more information desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.
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 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 330 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.