Get to Know Local Vendors at the Winter Farmers' Market

_{Header image provided by Kiana's Cookies.}

This weekend is the final Winter Farmers’ Market event in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), and you won’t want to miss your chance to stock up on holiday goodies! From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 you can visit Historic Court District for the outdoor market and purchase seasonal items, as well as prepared food for breakfast, lunch or both.

We discussed the Winter Market with three local vendors, including Big Sky Bread Company, Brick House Bakery and Kiana’s Cookies, small businesses that will be on-site Saturday to greet shoppers. Hear what they had to say below:

What is Your Business + What Do You Sell?

Big Sky Bread Company: After opening Sept. 4, 1987, Big Sky Bread Company has continued to create whole grain baked goods, including granola, bread, cookies, breakfast cakes, sweets and pastries, with an emphasis on bread. Pictured: Granola

Brick House Bakery: New in February of 2021, Brick House Bakery is an in-home business that makes custom cookies (from Kava to paleo to vegan).

Kiana’s Cookies: Kiana’s Cookies is a licensed home bakery that began in January. Making decorated sugar cookies started as a way to supplement the income for competitive dance costs but became a full-time business in August 2020. Along with sugar cookies, Kiana’s creates homemade oatmeal cream pies, salted caramel bars, fruit pizza parfaits and more. Pictured: Kiana's Cookies

How Long Have You Been a Downtown Farmers’ Market Vendor?

BSBC: Forever! But we believe it’s been over 20 years.

BH: Brick House Baker is a new vendor with the Winter Market.

KC: We were a new vendor at the first Winter Market this year and decided to come back for the second event.

Why Did You Choose to Take Part in the Winter Market?

BSBC: It was a no-brainer. People still come down. While we wish it could be indoors, but we were pleasantly surprised by the November Market.

BH: It was a good way to test the waters before committing to an entire month of the Downtown Farmers’ Market.

What Offerings Can Shoppers Expect at Your Booth?

BSBC: Granola you can buy for yourself or as a gift. It’s a versatile product and very shelf safe. Try any of our current flavors, including Original, Cherry Cranberry, Chocolate Chunk, Mixed Nut or Chocolate Chunk with Peanut Butter.

BH: Find Brick House almond sugar cookies, almond bars and snickerdoodles! Pictured: Brick House Goodies

KC: We have seasonal decorated sugar cookies and are releasing new chocolate dipper cookies for Christmas. We also have gingerbread cookies on-site.

What Is Most Rewarding About Being a Winter Market Vendor?

BH: It’s been a fun way to meet people and have face-to-face interaction. Since starting this business, I have so much more respect for the small business community and people who run their own businesses. Pictured: Brick House Bakery Owner Melissa

KC: The response, feedback and realizing I am really doing this. This is my business, and it’s working. Pictured: Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows

Why Do You Think People Should Visit the Outdoor Market?

BSBC: To support all the local families that take the time to go down there and make products. It’s a great way to support small local businesses! BH: Not only does this year’s forecast looks great for Saturday, but when you buy local, you’re supporting someone’s dreams.

Contact

While you can find each of these small businesses at the Winter Market tomorrow, you can also purchase year-round. Big Sky Bread is located at 7021 Douglas Ave. in Urbandale. Brick House Bakery is located just west of Downtown DSM near the Des Moines Art Center. Contact by email or find more info on Instagram. Or, email kianascookiecreations@gmail.com or learn about Kiana’s Cookies on Facebook or Instagram.

In November and December, experience local artists, live music and entertainment at the Winter Farmers’ Market, now taking place in the Historic Court District.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.