Opening Day of Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market Season is May 6
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES, IOWA – Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 6, for Opening Day of the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. The Market will open for its 42nd season. The Market is produced by the Downtown Community alliance, which is a pillar of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. It takes place every Saturday morning from May 6 through Oct. 28, 2017. Hours are 7 a.m. to Noon, with a later start time during October when hours are 8 a.m. to Noon. The Market spans nine city blocks in the Historic Court District, from First Street to Fifth Avenue. It extends north and south on Second Avenue, Third Street and Fourth Street.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market presents Iowa producers from 58 counties across Iowa, offering locally produced fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat, cheese, wine and so much more. The Market supports more than 300 farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs. The Market offers a variety of attractions and activities including shopping for fresh produce, meats and more, eating breakfast, enjoying the atmosphere, meeting with family and friends, and live entertainment.
“The Downtown Farmers’ Market is a signature event in Downtown Des Moines and for the entire region,” said Kelly Foss, Director of The Market. “As spring and summer approach, we always look forward to Opening Day when we get to celebrate with our dedicated farmers, producers and tens of thousands of patrons.”
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines is The Market’s presenting sponsor. UnityPoint Helath – 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 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 peek dates throughout the season. The Downtown Farmers’ Market has been recognized nationally by publications includingThe Daily Meal, Shape Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine and Country Living Magazine
Find more information at 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.