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BySuzanne Hull

Top of the Hill Nuts | #CDM2018 Vendor

Tell us about your business

In the fall of 2001 we began the venture of selling cinnamon flavored roasted nuts. We expanded by adding maple flavor and a spicy sweet Cajun.
What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

We have done shows from craft shows to fairs, bridge festivals, Iowa state football and basketball, drake relays as well as state track as well as pumpkin festivals and farmers markets. We were fortunate to be invited to be part of the first Christkindlmarket. It is an outdoor festival with a festive appeal with a holiday flare with a bit of fall.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

We will be selling roasted almonds, cashews, and pecans in 3 sizes.  It has been a joy to speak with customers that have bought roasted almonds in Germany or are of German ancestry that have eaten them as a child in Germany.
BySuzanne Hull

Damonlayne Woodworking | #CDM2018 Vendor

Tell us about your business

DamonLayne Woodworking is an Iowa business located in Earlham, Iowa. For the past 5 years, Damon has spent his free time working from a renovated Madison County, one-room school house to create uniquely designed cutting boards and butcher blocks that will be a focal point in your kitchen.

Working closely with customers, Damon has created unique Crimson & Gold and Black & Gold themed cutting boards. He has also created a Walnut end-grain butcher block that was made with lumber from his customer’s family farm. All Damon’s woodworking creations will easily become a stately addition to the homeowner’s kitchen.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

The Christkindlmarket event provides a showcase for talented artisans who will display their works to tens of thousands of people. Damon is excited to be a vendor at the Des Moines 2018 event and have the opportunity to interact with customers who appreciated woodworking and quality, hand-made craftsmanship.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

Damon will be selling cutting boards, butcher blocks, and cheese slicers. Damon’s cutting boards are made with Walnut, Cherry, and Hard Maple lumber. Often, accent pieces of Red Heart, Yellow Heart, or Purple Heart wood are included and gives his woodworking a unique and creative splash of color.

Damon chose these products because they are fun, functional, and would look great in anyone’s kitchen. These beautiful cutting boards make a great gift for the holiday season, a wedding, or a house warming gift.

 

BySuzanne Hull

European Amazing Race presented by Des Moines European Heritage Association

Celebrate European heritage and culture in the heart of downtown Des Moines!

During the Des Moines European Heritage Association’s European Amazing Race, follow clues (on foot and by driving yourselves in either teams of two or four) that will lead you to several downtown Des Moines locations while participating in challenges and activities that will help you learn about European heritage and culture.

Adults and children 12 and over are ticketed, children 11 and under are free. Bring your smartphone to take pictures and wear comfortable shoes!

A prize will be awarded to the winning team. The winning team will be determined based on race completion time and if the challenges were successfully executed.

Click here to Register!

Registration closes June 6, 2018 at midnight. You may not register on site.

DATE: June 9, 2018

TIME: 1pm – 4pm

START/END LOCATION: Capitol Square (400 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309)

FEES: $30 for a team of two / $60 for a team of four

Click here to Register!

BySuzanne Hull

CDM2018 Hotels

This year, we are pleased to work with the following hotels. Located just a few blocks away from Cowles Commons, these properties are perfect for guests visiting Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

Des Moines Marriott Downtown (King or 2 Double Beds: $98)

700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, (800-514-4681)

Book your group rate for 2018 Christkindlmarket – If calling, mention “Christkindlmarket Des Moines”.

Cutoff Date: Thursday November 8, 2018

Amenities:

  • Valet parking at a rate of $24 overnight.
  • City garages within walking distance for self-parking at a lower rate.
  • Coffee shop adjacent to front desk
  • Restaurant and bar in lobby, Restaurant on second floor
  • Fitness center, pool and room service
  • Connected through the Des Moines Skywalk
  • Complimentary Shuttle Service to and from Des Moines International Airport, 6:00am-11:00pm
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout public spaces

 

Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown (King w/ sofa sleeper pullout: $119, Double Queen: $129)

418 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 (800-634-3839)

Book your group rate for 2018 Christkindlmarket – If calling, mention “Christkindlmarket Des Moines”.

Cutoff Date: Monday, October 29, 2018 at 5pm CST

Amenities:

  • Connected through the Des Moines Skywalk
  • Complimentary Shuttle Service to and from Des Moines International Airport and the Downtown Area, 6:00am-11:00pm
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
  • Complimentary Hot American & Continental Breakfast
  • 24/7 Guest Kitchen Serving made-to-order entrees, snacks, and hot breakfast
  • 24/7 Bakery Café offering Starbucks Specialty coffees, freshly baked pastries, premium beer, wine, and cocktails
  • Grab ‘n Go case featuring snacks, salads, sandwiches and bottled beverages
  • Complimentary 24-hour StayFit Hyatt Fitness Center
  • Valet Parking $18/day
  • Complimentary Indoor Pool
BySuzanne Hull

It’s Time to Tee-Up for DMEHA!

The Des Moines European Heritage Association is partnering with The Prinicipal Charity Golf Classic’s Birdies for Charity program. This is your opportunity to support DMEHA’s mission of bringing cultural-based education, fun and activities to Iowa, including children.

For every donation made, Birdies for Charity will add 10 percent! To participate, you can pledge a flat amount until July 31st, or if you pledge by June 7th, you can pledge so much per birdie made during the entire tournament (last year there were 821 birdies, so 10 cents per birdie would equal $82.10). Regardless, it’s a great way to show your support of DMEHA to keep our programs going and growing, including the Language Offerings and Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

Any donations of $25 or more will qualify for a 2018 Christkindlmarket Des Moines commemorative mug upon payment.

BySuzanne Hull

Christkindlmarket DSM Mug Unveiling Party a Huge Success

Several people were the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2018 Glühwein mug design at Jasper Winery on Tuesday, April 17.

They sipped the signature drink (warm mulled wine) while shopping a mini market featuring foods and handcrafted items from Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 vendors. The first 25 attendees to donate $25 (or more) to guarantee their 2018 mug received a goody bag. Make your donation today!

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Support[1]
BySuzanne Hull

Andy Klindt Woodcraft | #CDM2018 Vendor

Processed with MOLDIV

Tell us about your business

Andy Klindt is an Iowa artisan specializing in chainsaw sculpture, wooden ware, and metal design.

Andy uses native Iowa timbers for his wooden creations, utilizing anything from chainsaws to hand tools. When blacksmithing, Andy uses traditional methods to forge his metal art.

Fanciful , functional, or a fusion of each…watching Andy craft original pieces is sure to delight people of all ages!

 

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

Christkindlmarket Des Moines has to be one of our favorite events! From the volunteers that work hard making sure everything runs smoothly, to the patrons that come out and enjoy all that the market has to offer, Christkindlmarket Des Moines is beyond compare! There are so many unique gifts to choose from, the food is warm and wonderful, the entertainment is excellent, and of course the Glühwein alone is worth the visit!!

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

This year Andy will have chainsaw carvings (including new designs!), wooden ware, metal art, and Christmas ornaments.

We hope to have something for everyone!

We can hardly wait for ChristkindlmarketDSM 2018!!!

BySuzanne Hull

The Museum of Danish America | Platinum Sponsor

We’re please once again to have The Museum of Danish America join us as a Platinum Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place this November 30 – December 2, 2018.

The Museum of Danish America (formerly the Danish Immigrant Museum) is a national museum located in Elk Horn, Iowa. Its mission is to “celebrate Danish roots and American dreams.”

They offer a variety of exhibitions, collections, genealogical resources/collections and information on Danish-American culture.

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Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Support[1]
BySuzanne Hull

Indianola Glass Creations | #CDM2018 Vendor

Tell us about your business

Indianola Glass Creations is a small business in Indianola, Iowa. We make glass artwork, but we also have all the tools one would need to start doing stained and fused glass on their own. In the store we create seasonal items, jewelry and take custom orders to meet the customer’s wishes. Glass classes are offered through out the month and we have a room set up for ceramic painting.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

We decided to join Chistkindlmarket because we felt when you think of Germany you may think of glass. This also allows people to buy unique Christmas gifts for their friends and family while supporting a small business.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

We will be selling unique stained and fused glass gift items as well as hand crafted German Heritage items. There will be a variety of Christmas ornaments, hand painted items on glass, and other small hand crafted items that will make the perfect Christmas gift. At Christkindlmarket Des Moines, customers will only see a fraction of what we have to offer and they can see a larger selection at the store in Indianola.

BySuzanne Hull

Steinbach Volkskunst GmbH | #CDM2018 Vendor

Tell us about your business

The Steinbach company from Marienberg in the Ore Mountains has been producing nutcrackers, smokers and miniature figures in the traditional way for over 200 years and stands for top quality from its own production in Germany. All figures are “Handmade in Germany.” Each piece of wood that we love to make in our factory is unique, because wood is a living resource, and every single piece has its own story, a story we continue to write. Each step, every detail and every brushstroke is carried out with care and dedication.The entire production process from creation through sampling to final production takes place in our factory in Marienberg in the Ore Mountains. Experience tradition – experience Steinbach.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

We want to bring the magic of the Ore Mountains into the homes of people all over the world. The Christkindlmarket in Des Moines corresponds exactly to our ideas to transport this magic perfectly. A Christmas market, which offers German goods of all kinds and inspires and entertains its guests. A concept that fits our philosophy. We look forward to becoming a part of this community this year.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

  • Steinbach Products: Big Nutcrackers, Small Nutcrackers – Chubbys & Trolls, Smokers, Gift boxes
  • Glässer products (products of our partner company)
  • Gingerbread stuff like hearts and cookies

Anything else you’d like to share?

We are looking forward to it and are very excited about the residents of the beautiful city of Des Moines.