DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

It's summertime and the Downtown Farmers' Market is in full swing. Check out all of the great things to look forward to this month at the Market.

In-season Iowa produce at the Market this month (weather willing):

Garlic, herbs, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, green onions, new potatoes, peas, radishes, chard, kale, onions,  turnips, cherries, cucumbers, green beans, & brussel sprouts and in mid-July expect Iowa sweet corn to be here and in abundance!

Other Iowa products that are always plentiful at the Market: A variety of Iowa raised meat – beef, pork, chicken, lamb, elk, red venison, from 10 Iowa farmers; farm fresh eggs from eight Iowa farms; bread, pies, and a variety delicious baked items from more than 15 Iowa bakers; many value-added, Iowa-produced products, wine from six Iowa wineries, salsa, mustard, jam & jellies; unique handmade jewelry, clothing, soaps, and arts & crafts.

Shop Local. Live Green.
Join the Downtown Farmers Market and Waste Management of Iowa, Inc. to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The Market is encouraging market patrons and vendors to dispose their cans and bottles in the green recycling boxes that are in various locations around the Market site.   Also, in effort to reduce use of throw away plastic bags market patrons are encouraged to purchase & use a re-usable Downtown Farmers Market shopping bag, which can be purchased at the market information booth at 4th & Court Avenue.

Kids’ activities: (every Saturday)
Children are invited to participate in agricultural and nature-related activities at the "Earn your PhB" booth, sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, which offers informative and imaginative seasonal activities such as planting herbs and making pet rocks. The program is scheduled weekly (weather permitting), and is located on Court Avenue, just east of the 4th and Court intersection.

On July 19, Kids can learn how bees make honey - Pioneer Hi-Bred Bee experts will be on hand with a live bee demonstration, honey sticks, and a fun bee antennae activity for the kids. 

Market Extra:
Des Moines Register's "Oh Say Can You Sing?"  Can you sing on Saturday morning at the Downtown Farmers' Market, that is.  Stop by the Des Moines Register/Farmers' Market Information booth, on July 5 and July 12 (from 8 a.m. to noon), to sing the Star-Spangled Banner for the camera.  Look for the booth in front of Dos Rios, near the Fourth Street and Court Avenue intersection. More information can be found at www.desmoinesregister.com
 
Live Entertainment for July 5:
Creations with a Twist- Extraordinary balloon artists from Ankeny create imaginative balloon sculptures.

Jerry & the Moonlighters- A local group, with a wide range of musical styles including oldies, rock & roll, old country, and a variety of pop.

Karollacta- This entertainer from Minneapolis is known for playing both Native American and South American pan flutes.

Rick & Beth with Jack- This local trio’s three-part harmony gets crowds going with songs from the 50’s and 60’s as well as some of their own.

Shade Jonze- From Fort Wayne, Indiana, this musician both sings and plays the acoustic guitar in a country style.

Live Entertainment for July 12:
The Kinsers- This local group has both a bluegrass and a folk style.

Julius Brooks Trio- A local group, this trio performs jazz music and has been entertaining at the Farmers’ Market for nine years.

Reggie Greenlaws- This solo performer from Ames entertains with his voice, guitar, and hammered dulcimer.

Ronny Johnson- For several years, this balloon artist from Ankeny has been making balloon sculptures for Market patrons.

Iowa Learning Farm- This organization seeks to educate and convert both farmers and urban residents to conserve and preserve natural resources. A rainfall simulation demonstration can be witnessed in their booth during their time at the Market.

For additional information regarding the market, please visit www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com and click on what's happening at the market.

FREE DOWNTOWN HOME TOURS - JULY 12

Is an urban lifestyle something you are considering? On Saturday, July 12, the Downtown Community Alliance will be offering free tours of the condos, lofts, brownstones and apartments in Downtown Des Moines. Free shuttles will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. leaving from the corner of 5th Street and Court Avenue at the Downtown Farmers’ Market or you can walk or drive directly to the units. For a complete list of the homes on the tour, visit our website www.downtowndesmoines.com and click on I want to live here.  Units that will be open range in price and are spread from the East Village to Sherman Hill to the middle of Downtown. Stop by the Downtown tent on the corner of 5th and Court at the Downtown Farmers’ Market to pick up a map and for more information.

80/35 MUSIC FESTIVAL DEBUTS

The inaugural 80/35 presented by U.S. Cellular is Friday, July 4 from 4 – 11 p.m. and July 5 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines. 80/35 will feature more than 40 cutting-edge, progressive acts performing on four stages — two main stages in a gated paid-area and two free side stages. Click here for a complete list of the line up.  The festival will also have interactive art, a non-profit village, kid zone, street performers, and much more. Fireworks will cap off the event on Saturday night. Tickets to the paid portion of the festival are $50 two-day/$30 one-day in advance at IowaTix.com. Visit www.80-35.com for more information.

80/35 was founded by the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition to raise awareness of the thriving local music scene. The DMMC is a nonprofit organization of musicians, promoters, venues, businesses, community leaders and live music fans that are committed to building a stronger live music economy in Greater Des Moines. Since we're a non-profit, that means every dollar from every 80/35 ticket will go directly back into bolstering the music scene- to bands, to venues, to promoters, to studios.

After Hours Party at Court District
After the 80/35 event, check out the great entertainment options in Court District.  Specials at The Lift, Dos Rios, Vaudeville Mews, Liar's Club, and Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewery. Visit our online calendar or events for more information.

DO MORE VILLAGE HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

In addition to the great music at the first ever 80/35 music festival, The Young Professionals Connection (YPC) will present the Do More Village at the event.  

The Do More Village will provide local organizations an opportunity to promote their groups to thousands of festival goers through interactive exhibits and unique demonstrations. YPC volunteers will help plan and run the Village at the downtown festival. The Do More Village will be located in the free area by the Locust Street entrance to Western Gateway Park.

Approximately 18 organizations will be participating in the Do More Village. Exhibitors range from a more serious focus such as ChildServe where families can learn more about partnering to help children with special needs; to Salsa Iowa and Swing Des Moines which will provide dance lessons throughout the day.

The Do More Village will be open Friday, July 4 from 5 - 9 p.m. and on Saturday from noon - 9 p.m.

More information on the Do More Village and the 80/35 event can be found on the YPC Website at 80-35.ypcdsm.com.

OPERATION DOWNTOWN RESOLUTION

Operation Downtown Board of Directors adopted this resolution to acknowledge the outstanding efforts that were demonstrated by all of the enumerated agencies in this resolution.  Thank you for all of your efforts on behalf of Downtown Des Moines.

June 2008 has been a difficult month with severe flooding across the State of Iowa. Entire cities have been impacted by some of the worst flooding in our state’s history. Damage estimates are reaching into the billions.

The City of Des Moines was able to control flooding in downtown Des Moines, even while impacted by a breach in the levee in the Birdland area.  Our sincere best wishes go out to the Birdland neighborhood and the 240 homes and many businesses that were flooded.

Operation Downtown wishes to acknowledge the City of Des Moines and Polk County for their foresight in planning and executing an emergency effort to prevent loss of life and property damage in downtown Des Moines.  We greatly appreciate your work reinforcing levees, supplying sandbags throughout the area and quick response when flooding did occur due to storm sewers.

A debt of gratitude is also owed to the Army Corps of Engineers, the Des Moines Police and Firefighters, Des Moines Public Works, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Des Moines Water Works and Mid American Energy were able to provide uninterrupted critical services to our community.

The State of Iowa deployed immediate resources through the Homeland Security operation and Camp Dodge Iowa National Guard.  Guardsman worked night and day to sandbag and evacuate impacted areas.  The offices of the Governor, Mayor and City Council, along with the Polk County Board of Supervisors provided leadership and excellent communication to citizens.

Be it resolved that all employees from city, state and local government deserve our deepest gratitude for their tireless and outstanding work during this natural disaster.  The Operation Downtown Board of Directors is grateful to all of you.

EMBRACE IOWA 2008 IOWA DISASTER FUND

With your help, The Des Moines Register's Embrace Iowa campaign has been providing Iowans in need for more than 20 years. Governor Chet Culver and key business leaders Barry Griswell and Fred Hubbell along with The Des Moines Register have established a special edition of Embrace Iowa: The 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund. 

Des Moines civic leaders Barry Griswell and Fred Hubbell, representing the 2008 Iowa Disaster Collaborative, kicked-off a fundraising campaign to aid weather disaster victims last week. The Embrace Iowa – 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund representatives marked the occasion by presenting checks totaling $425,000 to officials representing 17 local community-based organizations in Eastern Iowa.  In addition, Griswell and Hubbell announced the fundraising effort has secured approximately $2.5 million in additional pledges to the special fund.

"The initial response from individuals and companies here in Iowa has been phenomenal," said Barry Griswell.  "In a very basic way, it’s Iowans helping Iowans.  The purpose of our group is to coordinate and direct the donations that are pouring in from generous individuals and companies in order to maximize the relief effort and to direct financial help where it is needed most.  The key is working with groups like community foundations, the American Red Cross, United Way and the Salvation Army to help us identify local needs.”

“We want to fill any gaps in assistance that may come up and we want to make sure not one Iowan in need falls through the cracks,” said Fred Hubbell.  “It’s important for people to know this money is coming directly from Iowans and it will stay here with the decisions on where the money goes being made by local groups on the ground dealing with the reality and challenges of re-building.” 

“This is a tremendous example of jurisdictions and boundaries falling by the wayside,” said Pat Baird, President and CEO of Aegon USA.  “On one hand, we’re overwhelmed with the generosity of our fellow Iowans.  On the other hand, we’re not surprised.  We’ll be dealing with the impact of the recent weather disasters for some time to come.  It’s gratifying to know that business leaders and generous individuals from all over Iowa are stepping up to help.  We’ll never forget that.”

Tax-deductible contributions may be made on-line at www.embraceiowa.org. 
If paying by check, make it payable to 2008 Iowa Disaster fund and send to:

2008 Iowa Disaster Fund
PO Box 310239
Des Moines, IA  50331-0239

All donations received will be collected and processed by the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation.

URBAN RECRUITERS SURPRISE DOWNTOWN PATRONS

Urban Recruiters handed out Downtown gift cards to thank visitors for patronizing various downtown retailers, restaurants, clubs, and events. The special promotion ran Tuesday - Saturday, June 17 – 21.  The Downtown Community Alliance will randomly be giving away $500 (in various amounts) in Downtown gift cards.

“This marketing effort allowed us to encourage people to come Downtown and thank our Downtown businesses for their patience as business was interrupted last week,” says Mary Lawyer, president of Downtown Community Alliance. “We encourage visitors to return to Downtown and enjoy everything they love to see and do Downtown.”

Congratulations to our winners! Thank you for supporting Downtown businesses!

Mike from West Des Moines, at Beckly Automotive
Barbra from Des Moines, at Simply for Giggles
Jim from Polk City, at Kitchen Collage
Patty from Cumming, at Gateway Market
Jack from Des Moines, Civic Center
Sara from West Des Moines, at Splash!
Matt & Windy from Farnamville, at Dos Rios
Kim and Chad from  Drake area, at High Life Lounge
Sarah from Des Moines, at The Stadium FANtastic Store
Laura from Des Moines, at The Science Center - AHA! Gift shop
Karen from Des Moines, at Josephs
Missy from Madrid,  at Amici
Wayne and Carisa from Iowa City, at Temple for Performing Arts
Jeremy from Grinnel, at The Royal Mile
Todd from West Des Moines, Court Avenue Brew Pub
Connor from Des Moines, at Centro
Mark and Patti from Urbandale, at Raccoon River
Lynn from Manilla, at inPlay
Libby from Des Moines, at East Village Books
Joe from Ankeny, at Brenton Skating Plaza
 
The Downtown Community Alliance launched the Downtown Gift Card program in December 2007 and sales are strong. Gift cards are available for purchase online at www.downtowndesmoines.com or in person at 700 Locust Street, Suite 100.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - SBROCCO

We spoke with Full Court Press, Inc. spokesperson Mindy Toyne to learn more about Court Avenue’s newest wine bar and restaurant.

Where is Sbrocco located?

Sbrocco is located at 208 Court Avenue. Street parking is available. You can also find us online at www.sbroccowine.com or call (515) 282-3663.

What are your hours?

Lunch will be served Monday – Saturday from 11-2, and dinner is Monday – Saturday from 5-10 p.m.. A limited late night menu is available after 10 p.m. Free wine tastings will be offered Thursday evenings from 5-8  p.m. and most Saturdays during the Farmers’ Market.

The Wine & Cheese Shop, located on the lower level, is scheduled to be open in July and will operate Monday – Friday from 11 a.m.  – 10 p.m. On Saturdays, the Shop will be open from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. during the Farmer’s Market and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. throughout the rest of the year.

What is Sbrocco?

Pronounced Sa-brock-o, the wine bar and restaurant is named after the family who ran a business at the same location decades ago. Sbrocco is the newest downtown entertainment establishment from Full Court Press, Inc. After experiencing severe flood damage in mid-June, the grand opening was delayed by two weeks. Owners and staff members worked around the clock to repair and restore the restaurant. The Wine & Cheese Shop, located on the lower level of the building, is still under repair and is scheduled to open in early July.

What types of products/services does Sbrocco offer?

The wine bar features varietals from around the world including Iowa. Sbrocco will feature 42 wines by the glass and 120 wines for under $50 a bottle. In the restaurant, Chef Darin Sturgill focuses on fresh, local, organic, and seasonal ingredients to prepare delicious meals that compliment Sbrocco’s wine offerings. C.J. Bienert, Des Moines’ resident cheese expert, has joined Sbrocco as their Cheese Affineur. C.J. will oversee the worldly cheese offerings in the Shop using the traditional European artisan approach, by bringing in specialty cheeses and ageing them to perfection before offering to customers. The finest charcuterie will also be offered to compliment the cheese selection at Sbrocco.

Why did you choose Downtown?

Full Court Press, Inc. has a strong history with downtown Des Moines and is committed to the area. The group opened Buzzard Billy’s in 1999 and continued opening bars and restaurants such as The Royal Mile, Hessen Haus, High Life Lounge, el Bait Shop, and Shorty’s. Full Court Press is excited to take part in the growth of downtown Des Moines and will continue to help make this a vibrant and diverse place to live and work.
 

HOUSING SPOTLIGHT - EAST VILLAGE COURT

ST Howard Development offers true urban living in the East Village Court loft project located in the Historic East Village in Downtown.  Located on East 3rd and East Court Avenue, East Village Court is a mixed-use project, which includes 13 residential lofts with only seven remaining for purchase, ranging from $152,000 to $195,000 and from 665 to 1,100 square feet.  The commercial residences include the renovations architect firm GE Wattier Architects, East Court Atelier, Bill Nellans-  Photographer, and Image Solutions.  Additional commercial space is currently available.

Each residential loft offers 18 foot ceilings, exposed brick, historic wood beams, skylights that offer natural light and hardwood floors that accentuate the living space in a building that has graced historic East Village for more than 100 years. 

East Village Court residents will enjoy an unobstructed view of the incredible downtown skyline, the beautiful historic state capitol building and is located in walking distance of the Court Avenue District and two blocks from the Principal Riverwalk allowing easy access to all of the great downtown entertainment venues.

ST Howard Development specializes in the creation of loft living and work spaces in the downtown area.  They take great pride in offering residences that compliment and energize communities such as the East Village.  ST Howard hopes to contribute to the rediscovery of living, working and playing in downtown Des Moines. 

For more information  please contact Brian Borchardt at (515) 987-7944.

DOWNTOWN GIFT CARDS MAKE GREAT GIFTS

Looking for the perfect gift for the bride and groom? Need an incentive for your employees? Or just want to say thanks? With nearly 90 places to shop, eat, play, dance, relax, party, catch a game, drink -  this is the gift that everyone will love. For a complete list of participating merchants, click here.  Gift cards can be purchased on line at DowntownDesMoines.com or in person at the Downtown Community Alliance office located at 700 Locust Street, Downtown Des Moines from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Downtown Community Alliance welcomes Java Joes and Django to the program. 

MEET THE OPERATION DOWNTOWN STAFF - JOHN SHARP

John Sharp is a Clean & Safe Ambassador for Operation Downtown. He has been with OD for nearly 6 ½ years. Some of his duties include wheel-chair escorts, cleaning streets and snow removal. John really enjoys his job because it allows him to help people. When he isn't working as an ambassador, he likes going to Iowa Cubs games and walking downtown.

URBAN PIONEER – SHARON DOWNING

Simple – that’s how Sharon Downing describes living in downtown Des Moines. “I don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and my commute to work only takes 5 minutes. Can it get any better than that?!” Since her move in November 2007, Sharon has come to enjoy the luxuries of living and working downtown.

Sharon didn’t consider living downtown until her son moved into the Browncamps. A resident of Grimes with a large home, she didn’t think the move would be possible. “Going from a 4-level house to a much smaller loft was a big change, one I wasn’t sure I was ready to make. Where was I going to put all my stuff?!” After a little prodding from her son, she decided to take a look at the downtown amenities. The East Village Court lofts caught her eye, she fell in love with the lifestyle, and quickly sold her house in Grimes. Before she knew it, Sharon had downsized and was living downtown.

Working the night shift leaves Sharon’s days open to explore all that downtown has to offer. “ I love walking and biking at Grays Lake. The trails are great.” She also enjoys taking her girlfriends shopping in the East Village and going to the Science Center with relatives. With so many new restaurants in the area, Sharon spends many-a-noon-hour sampling new delicacies with friends and also likes going to the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings with her daughter.

Sharon loves the convenience of downtown living. “When I travel I don’t have to worry about hiring someone to watch the house or take care of the yard. I can just lock the door and go!”  Living downtown is perfect for singles, says Sharon. “There is so much to do and many great ways to meet people.”

According to Sharon, the best part of living downtown is the people. “Every one has been so helpful, not just those who live in her buildling but everyone downtown. From businessmen to store clerks, the people are great.” Sharon also feels the recent flooding helped bring the community together. “Although East Village Court never went under, sandbagging with neighbors was a kind of bonding experience. I met people who lived in the building that I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten to know.”

Although she was a little hesitant at first, Sharon has found her new life downtown to be very enjoyable. The lifestyle, convenience, and great people made her decision to leave Grimes and live downtown – well, simple.