Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend At Downtown Farmers' Market

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES, IOWA – Kick off the holiday weekend this Saturday, May 27 at the Downtown Farmers’ Market Presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. The Market is produced by the Downtown Community Alliance, which is a part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. It started May 6 and takes place every Saturday morning 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 50 counties across Iowa, offering locally produced fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat, cheese, wine and much more. The Market supports nearly 300 farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs. It 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.

UnityPoint Health – Des Moines is The Market’s presenting sponsor. UnityPoint Health – 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. This Saturday, the Weight Loss Clinic will offer tips on how to make healthy meal choices when it comes to eating right and exercising. Attendees can grab a food and exercise diary to help stay on track.

Patrons are encouraged to participate in the Meals From The Market program sponsored by Great Western Bank. Dedicated volunteers will be available to accept food donations during Market hours. Acceptable food donations include: fresh produce, baked goods and non-perishable food. Patrons can drop off donations at the bright yellow Meals From The Market tent located on the corner of Second Street and Court Avenue. Meals From The Market collects an average of 2,000 pounds of fresh food each Saturday to donate to Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) pantries, where food contributions are distributed to 13 food pantry sites.

The Des Moines Register will also have a booth on site where patrons can spin the wheel for a chance to win fun prizes, including gift certificates to The Market.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers. Today, The Market supports nearly 300 vendors and welcomes an average of 25,000 visitors each Saturday. An estimated 40,000 shoppers typically visit on Opening Day and key peak dates throughout the season. The Downtown Farmers’ Market has been recognized nationally by publications including The Daily Meal, Shape Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine and Country Living Magazine.

Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.

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About the Downtown Farmers’ Market

The Downtown Farmers’ Market is presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and produced by the Downtown Community Alliance. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning May – October in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. The Market also produces a Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market in November and December. The Downtown Community Alliance, part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, provides a consistent and constant focus on developing and maintaining a vibrant Downtown core. For more information please visit desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownfarmersmarket, Twitter and Instagram at @dtfarmersmarket #DTFM.