Author Archive Suzanne Hull

BySuzanne Hull

Greater Iowa Credit Union | 2021 Hut Sponsor

Many thanks to Greater Iowa Credit Union for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021. 

Greater Iowa Credit Union is a federally insured, state-chartered community credit union with nine branch locations in Ames, Ankeny, Des Moines, Waukee, Denison, and Indianola! GICU is an ever-growing, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with assets of $624 million.

The GICU story began with just nine people in June of 1932. Over the years, they have grown exponentially from humble beginnings. Today, they serve 33,900+ members throughout a 33-county area in Central and Western Iowa with a staff base of over one hundred twenty.

BySuzanne Hull

Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. | Silver Sponsor

Many thanks to the Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. law firm in Ankeny for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021. 

LGL values being a part of their community and welcomes the opportunity to support their office family in their interests. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is an event that their employee Erin Baldwin is actively involved in and passionate about and they are happy to be a part of the event.

Their firm has been serving the law needs of businesses and individuals in Ankeny and throughout Iowa for over 20 years. Whether you are starting a business, changing custody agreements or getting your affairs in order, an expert at Ankeny Law will be at your service.

BySuzanne Hull

Hessen Haus | 2021 Bronze and Hut Sponsor

We’re pleased to include Hessen Haus among our family of 2021 sponsors!

The Hessen Haus perfectly recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-world German bier hall. The twenty-one imported German biers on tap, authentic German fare on the menu, and sounds of live music on the stage – including local bands and regional polka – create a lively yet cozy atmosphere where large crowds gather to pass the boot and small groups find themselves making new friends.

A combination of a state in west-central Germany and the German word for house, the name Hessen Haus was chosen for its authentic origins and welcoming feel. The state of Hessen which the bier hall is named for plays home to more than six million inhabitants – which are referred to as Hesses if male or Hessins if female. In English, occupants are known as Hessians – a term affectionately applied to our more frequent visitors to the restaurant.

BySuzanne Hull

Christkindlmarket Des Moines Receives Polk County Community Sponsorship

In 1989, Polk County and Prairie Meadows established a partnership with the goal of investing a significant portion of Prairie Meadows’ revenue back into the community. This investment is what allows them to sponsor community events, such as festivals, galas, dinners, walks, etc. to support important issues in our community. Polk County is committed to bettering our community by investing in education, arts, culture, health and economic development.

Over the past three decades, together with Prairie Meadows, they have invested over $1.8 Billion to non-profits and local infrastructure projects. These investments play a major role in your everyday life as a resident of Polk County. From your public library, daily workout at the YMCA, major roads you drive on, your child’s school and more, this partnership has invested in it all so you can thrive in the place you call home.

Thank you for your support!

BySuzanne Hull

Call for Performers

Thank you for your interest in performing at Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place December 2 – 5, 2021 at Principal Park!

Dec 2: 5pm – 9pm
Dec 3: 11am – 9pm
Dec 4: 11am – 9pm
Dec 5: 11am – 5pm

The quality of a traditional Christmas market depends on maintaining a high standard of programming. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is dedicated to immersing visitors in a world of folklore and craftsmanship as well as enticing them with traditional, seasonal culinary specialties to provide an experience filled with European elegance and charm. See Google Images of Christmas markets around the world.

CDM may offer options regarding performing spaces:

Option 1: A four-sided, forced-air heated tent at a location to be determined by the CDM event planning committee at Principal Park’s Main Lot. A lighted stage within the tent will be provided. The size of the stage in 2019 was 16x32x32″ tall.

Option 2: A three-sized, forced-air heated tent with roof at a location to be determined by the CDM event planning committee at Principal Park’s Main Lot. A lighted stage housed within the three-sized tent will be provided. The size of the stage in 2019 was 16x32x32″ tall.

Our performer guide will give you an overview of the needs assessment process and requirements. As soon as you fill out the needs assessment, it will be reviewed internally.

What is the timeline for the process?

Fill out the online needs assessment no later than May 1, 2021
Send photographs and links to audio files/videos representing you or your group to – [email protected]
Receive feedback from Christkindlmarket Des Moines staff by May 15, 2021

Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 Performer Information Guide

Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 Performer Needs Assessment

BySuzanne Hull

Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Dave Cox

Tell us about yourself: I am a local boy, father, husband, technician with a rich history of travel and residence in Europe, particularly Germany and the UK.

When why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I met the founder in another group and kept in touch about our fond memories of Christkindl Markets in Germany. When she started, I was there to help make something in Des Moines that I really enjoyed in Germany.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Seeing others enjoy the experience and culture that would otherwise be unavailable to Iowans.

Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? The event will not run without local volunteers making it happen. Its fun and a positive community experience.

Why is it important to volunteer (in general)? Engagement in the community. After this past year we should all see the value of community.

BySuzanne Hull

Join Des Moines European Heritage Association Today!

Silver – $100 (annual membership)

2 guaranteed Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) commemorative mugs
Limited edition commemorative poster OR pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Free CDM reusable bag
5% off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA Event or one language school class per membership year
Recognition on our website as a “Silver” member

Gold – $250 (annual membership)
Silver Rewards plus:

Limited edition commemorative poster – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Limited edition commemorative pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Membership bracelet
Access to “express lane” for Glühwein, Beer and the DMEHA Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt (Must show membership bracelet)
10% total off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA event or one language school class per calendar or membership year
5% off purchases at “An Der Weinachtsecke” store
Recognition as “Gold” level member at CDM

Specifics:

  • Membership is good for one year upon purchase of your membership.
  • Memberships must be purchased by November 2, 2021 to be included on printed materials. An “abbreviated” membership will be available for purchase at CDM 2021.

Complete this form and click here to make payment at the bottom of the page

BySuzanne Hull

Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Missy Mootz

Tell us about yourself: I was born and raised in western Iowa and attended The University of Iowa where I met my husband. In our 12 years of marriage we have lived in Minneapolis, Zürich, Switzerland, Des Moines, and now, currently reside in Ankeny. We have 3 children ages 6, 4 and 1, whom I entertain, chauffeur, and feed…all day long!

When and why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines: I became involved with CDM in April of 2016. We had just moved back from Switzerland in 2015, and I saw this as an opportunity to stay connected to many of the things I loved about my time in Europe.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I love getting together with the other volunteers. We have so much fun together and our European connections are always topics of conversation, which helps keep my Swiss experiences alive.

Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Volunteering with CDM never feels like a responsibility. It’s another reason to get together with a group of friends and have shared fun. There is truly something for everyone!

Why is it important to volunteer?
Volunteering is one of the best ways to be and get connected! If you are new to the area or find yourself without much socializing opportunities, volunteering is a great way to meet people, explore your community, and have fun!

BySuzanne Hull

Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Margaret Townsend

I’m Margaret Townsend.  I’m a retired school teacher, grandmother, gardener and community volunteer.  I became involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines during the initial planning time.  Suzanne Hull (Festival Director) was contacting local organizations and since I belonged to both the Sons of Norway and the Danish Brotherhood one call was to me.  

I met with her and a small group of other interested people to see if there was community interest.

I enjoy working with this dedicated group of young adults.  This group is innovative, energetic, and welcoming.  You will get a feeling of fulfillment if you join this group.  You may even make some new friends.

There is a job that is just made for your set of skills whether you are into carpentry, bar tending, retail sales, scheduling, bookkeeping, music, languages……well you get the idea. (I just thought of a few more: storytelling, dancing, cooking, decorating and dish-washing.)

Watch out this could become addictive!

BySuzanne Hull

Centennial Warehousing Corporation | In-Kind Sponsor for 2021

Centennial Warehousing Corporation has graciously agreed to continue to donate storage space for our wooden vendor stalls.

As a non-profit, community partners are extremely important. Many thanks to Centennial Warehousing Corporation!

Centennial Warehousing is a full service logistics company. Services range from a full service warehouse, over the road trucking, regional distribution, and freight brokerage. We have our own fleet of semi-trucks and 53 ft. air ride trailers driven by our own professional drivers.