The 2011 Des Moines Farmers Market wrapped up its “best season yet,” according to Market Board President Wayne Corey, with sales up +30% over last year.
We here at The Waterland Blog are proud to have been a Presenting Sponsor of this great weekly event, which promotes both locally-produced fresh foods, arts, crafts and more, as well as helping the local economy and overall community spirit of Des Moines.
Here’s more from Wayne:
On November 19th the sun God blessed the bundled up shoppers at the Des Moines First Annual Holiday Farmers Market. The cold temperature did not detour these hardy patrons, knowing that this was the last market until next spring. There were lots of fall fruits and vegetables, gift ideas and of course the favorite food vendors to make for a very festive outing.
The Market Foundation first fund raiser was a huge success and the board would like to thank all those patrons that purchased the market wines (completely sold out), which contributed $1,200 towards its fund.
Market Board President Wayne Corey (right) and Manager Rikki Marohl made the presentation to Food Bank Assistant Director Barb Shimizu.
The Chili Cook-Off was most successful, and to share in its bounty, the Farmers Market made a donation of $500 to the Des Moines Food Bank to help supplement the holiday food baskets that go out to needy families. Market Board President Wayne Corey and Manager Rikki Marohl made the presentation to Food Bank Assistant Director Barb Shimizu.
Des Moines Area Food Bank Christmas Holiday Information:
Christmas food baskets will be served on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, December 21 – 23 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. There will be no toys offered through the food bank. Residents of Des Moines and SeaTac living north of 216th Street may sign up for Christmas assistance at the White Center Salvation Army (206-767-3150). Residents of Des Moines, SeaTac, and Kent living south of 216th Street may sign up for Christmas assistance at the Federal Way Salvation Army (253-946-7933).Please note: We will be closed between Christmas and New Years for floor maintenance.
The food bank will open for service again on Wednesday, January 4, 2011.
The Farmers Market Board would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors and patrons for helping making this the most successful season yet (sales were up 30% over 2010) and to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
The Market has an e-newsletter that can keep you up to date on all its activities and the coming season – you can sign up by clicking HERE.
When we moved to “town” back in 2005, I was sooooo excited to see the farmers market banner (on Kent-Des Moines near the Taco Time) that I nearly pulled a muscle celebrating. That celebration was well founded… the farmers market is one of the BEST things about Des Moines. Not only is there good food (still thinking about the beautiful nectarines, tomatoes, and the mobile pizza oven, for example), but the community spirit is unbeatable.
Can’t wait for next year!
Well said Bree. I’m sure everyone agrees with you. I also can’t wait for next year.