ENJOY FALL AT THE DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET
While the summer season of Iowa sweet corn and strawberries has come to an end, the Downtown Farmers’ Market farmers are still growing and harvesting a large variety of fresh fruit and vegetables such as blueberries, red raspberries, watermelon, arugula & mixed salad greens, eggplant, and squash. This week you’ll even find fresh picked peppers and tomatoes. While stocking up on produce stop by Sodar Apiaries booth for some fresh bottled honey, Jennifer Sodar will tell you all about her organic produce and her bees, raised in St. Charles Iowa. If you can’t find the Sodar's for your honey, don’t worry, the Market has more than ten local farmers who offer honey for sale – they are all simply delicious!
During the month of October the market becomes a collection of pumpkin patches and apple orchards from around the state. Patrons can expect to find “fresh from the orchard” apples, which makes this a perfect time of year to pull out your favorite apple recipe. If you are not the baking type, no problem…you’ll find fresh baked apple products you can enjoy without fussing in the kitchen. Our Market bakers have done all the work so you can pick up an apple pie from the Mast Family, apple strudel from Micheal Leos’ Strudel Haus, and a gallon of fresh apple cider from Williams and Sons.
Love decorating for fall? The Downtown Farmers’ Market is the best place to find perfect Iowa-grown pumpkins (just in time for Halloween), beautiful decorative Indian corn, unique gourds, colorful fall mums and dried flowers, as well as unique autumn arts and crafts.
For a list of in-season produce and products available at the Market go to www.DesMoinesFarmersMarket.com.
Street musicians bring the Market to life with the music of local talented artist. During October the market will boast the tunes of the Porch Stompers with their fiddle tunes and old-time string band sound, Thunderbird Kinsley who is known for his guitar and harmonica talent, The Kinsers with their bluegrass and folk style, and Mikiel Williams a local jazz musician who will impress market goers with his saxophone and flute talent.
Kids can enjoy the market by participating in the fun educational activities at the “Earn your PhB” booth sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred. Small children can take rides on the colorful kiddie train, scheduled the first three Saturdays in October.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market will continue every Saturday morning through Oct. 25 from 7 a.m. – noon, in the Court District.
Mark you calendar to join us for the Downtown Farmers Market Winter Season. Saturdays, Nov. 22 and Dec. 20 at Capital Square/Nollen Plaza. This indoor/outdoor farmers market will feature over 100 and vendors. Watch for more details next month!
FIELD OF DREAM’S COME TRUE FOR MANY
.gif)
The Kiwanis of Des Moines, The Greater Des Moines Leadership Class of 2007-2008 and the Iowa Cubs unveiled the first Miracle League Baseball Field in Iowa Sunday Sept. 28, 2008. The new Greater Des Moines Community Foundation Field is located at 529 SW 5th Street, just west of Principal Park.
More than 300 parents, grandparents and friends watched the first ceremonial pitch, thrown out by Bob Mitchell, president of the Des Moines Miracle League. Shortly after that the 60 players heard the words they have waited to hear, “Let’s Play Ball”.
.gif)
The Miracle League is scheduled to play five more games this year and then a full league schedule starting in April of 2009. The Miracle League allows all players to hit the ball, run the bases, there are no outs and the game always ends in a tie.
The mission of the Miracle League is to offer accessible recreational opportunities for children with special needs so that they can participate in a team sport as a member of an organized baseball team.
For additional volunteer and donation opportunities for the Kiwanis Miracle League please visit, www.kiwanismiracleleague.org.
TASTE YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD AT THE 2008 U.S. CELLULAR® WORLD FOOD FESTIVAL ON OCT. 10-12
Taste your way around the world at the fourth-annual U.S. Cellular® World Food Festival on Oct. 10-12, 2008, in downtown Des Moines’ East Village with international cuisine from 30 local restaurants and food vendors, live music and strolling entertainment, cooking demonstrations, international & craft beers and wine, a Marketplace, and more! This award-winning taste and entertainment event
gives guests the opportunity to taste, see and hear cultures from across the globe through a diverse line-up of vendors and programming. Guests are invited to taste samples for $1 at every Nationwide® Cultural Café, or go for the full-plate options that are all $5 or less. Along with culinary favorites from India, Mexico, Bosnia and Greece, vendors will also showcase tempting food options from Ecuador, China, Ethiopia, and more.
This year’s culinary cafés include Asian Express, Banh Mi Sandwiches, Corny Island Concessions, Ethiopian Association of Iowa, Fat Tuesday, Garden of Eden, Indian Delights, JoJo's Oriental Store, KaleidoScoops Ice Cream/Java Joe's, La Hacienda, Mi Ecuador, Nadine and Dad Bar-B-Cue, New Oriental Food Store, Old Castle, Papilon, Paradise Today, Pupusas de El Salvador, Saloo's Cooking, Suzette Homemade Candies, T.J. Philly Steaks and More, Taqueria 3 Hermanos, Taqueria Villa, Taste of India, Tracy's Concessions and Catering, Woody's Smoke Shack, Yanni's Grill, Yummy Churros and Zag's Popcorn.
Live music on the Corona Stage closes each Festival night, while strolling acts entertain throughout the weekend. Don’t miss headline performances from Needfire and Lady Blue on Friday and Saturday evenings, respectively. Needfire's music is a unique mix of all original high energy modern rock and traditional Scottish and Irish music. Lady Blue’s four-member band featuring Tina Haase Findlay (band leader, vocals) belts out passionate blues sprinkled with rock, soul, and gospel featuring original compositions.
A variety of singers and dancers roam throughout the site including a lively performance from Iowa Scottish Pipes and Drums on Saturday. At other times, catch a glimpse of Stan the Pan Man, Banjoy Band, Cordao de Ouro Capoeira, Drums of the World, Italian-American Folk Dancers, White Eagle 7th Generation Multi-Cultural Powwow, and more.
The Festival isn’t all about eating, it's also about cooking! Guests can learn exactly how to make some of the delicious dishes offered by food vendors with live cooking demonstrations on E. 5th St. Local chefs, retailers and participating vendors will showcase their expert techniques and secret ingredients during these live demonstrations.
The Principal Financial Group® will help guests get an edge on cooking with free recipe cards. Guests can collect a recipe card from each food vendor to create a Festival cookbook. Recipes include ingredients and cooking directions for such unique dishes as pork bun bow, wot, gumbo, spring rolls, arroz con leche and even homemade caramel! Visit each booth to collect all 30 recipes cards.
The Marketplace features 17 merchants and artisans selling a unique selection of wearables, food, gifts, trinkets and more. Marketplace vendors include Amanda's Beijo Bags, Amy's Cottage, Darby Creek Gourmet Soups and Dips, Echoes of the East, Fair World Gallery, Iris Crafts & Antiks, Krogh Family Farms, Maja Crafts, Mi Casa, Tastefully Simple, Terranova Fine Arts, The Pampered Chef, West End Architectural Salvage and Worldly Goods.
Local non-profit organizations offer interactive, educational activities for guests while also promoting their organization’s goals and events. Participating non-profit organizations are Des Moines Host Lions Club, The Des Moines Social Club, Filipino-American Association of Iowa, Iowa Dialog Center, Iowa Fire Services, Urban Dreams, White Eagle 7th Generation Multi-Cultural Powwow and The World Food Prize Foundation.
Hours of the U.S. Cellular World Food Festival are Friday, Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information on the U.S. Cellular World Food Festival visit www.worldfoodfestival.org.
The U.S. Cellular World Food Festival is presented by U.S. Cellular® and produced by Downtown Events Group. The Festival is sponsored by Des Moines Radio Group, WHO-TV 13, Nationwide, Pioneer, Level B Design, The Des Moines Register and Doll Distributing, LLC.
Investors of the Downtown Events Group include City of Des Moines, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Polk County, Prairie Meadows and Principal Financial Group®.
OPERATION DOWNTOWN WINS INTERNATIONAL DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The International Downtown Association (IDA) honored the work of Operation Downtown/Downtown Community Alliance with a Downtown Achievement Award for the “Walk Your Butt to the Can” cigarette litter prevention campaign at the International Downtown Association’s 54th Annual Conference in Canada. In addition to the award from IDA, Operation Downtown/Downtown Community Alliance also received a check from Keep America Beautiful for $2,500, for their dedication to cigarette litter prevention.
The Achievement Award for best CIGARETTE LITTER PREVENTION PROGRAM was given to Operation Downtown/Downtown Community Alliance for the successful implementation of the “Walk Your Butt to the Can” cigarette litter prevention program implemented in downtown Des Moines. Cigarette butt litter is a growing challenge for communities across the United States. The “Walk Your Butt to the Can” campaign reduced overall cigarette butt litter by 51 percent. The campaign included placement of 20 new ash urns throughout downtown, and public relations and marketing efforts. 
“We are thrilled to be recognized by the International Downtown Association for our efforts to keep downtown clean and beautiful,” says Kent Mauck, Operation Downtown Board of Directors President. “It is an honor to be seen as a leader of cigarette litter prevention as the issue continues to be a problem for downtowns throughout the world.”
The IDA recognizes the best that downtown revitalization, management, and leadership have to offer. Communities, organizations, consultants, and practitioners involved in all aspects of downtown renewal submit case studies showcasing innovations and visions that have made a difference. Within the 15 juried categories, the IDA Downtown Achievement Awards annually celebrate and communicate the most successful and innovative efforts in worldwide downtown development. For the 23rd year, IDA has honored exemplary downtown and town center projects. A winning entry receives the "stamp of approval" from the world leader in downtown revitalization - IDA.
SSMID PETITION RENEWAL
Downtown Des Moines Self Supported Municipal Improvement District Petition for renewal was submitted to the Des Moines City Council for approval for continuation of the SSMID Downtown. This is the fund that helps us provide Safe, Clean and Beautiful services in Downtown Des Moines. Commercial businesses in Downtown agree to a one dollar per thousand of assessed valuation on their property taxes to be used in support of the Downtown SSMID.
This year more than 100 separate properties generously signed the extension petition for the SSMID. Thanks go out to these property owners who value all that is done to keep Downtown Des Moines safe, clean and beautiful.
DOWNTOWN EVENTS GROUP HONORED WITH 21 PINNACLE AWARDS
The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) paid tribute to the Des Moines Arts Festival and U.S. Cellular World Food Festival with 21 awards during the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Ceremony in Boise, Idaho, on Sept. 10, 2008. Both festivals are produced by Des Moines’ Downtown Events Group.
“We are honored to be recognized on the global stage by the IFEA for the creative and community outreach success these events have accomplished in Des Moines,” Stephen King, CFEE, Downtown Events Group executive director said. “This recognition is a significant step toward maintaining Des Moines as a leader in the events industry, as well as, a city with significant quality of life. We are extraordinarily thankful for the support and contributions from our community of partners and sponsors who made this possible.”
Each year, the IFEA recognizes outstanding examples of quality and creativity in the programs and promotional materials produced by festivals and events around the world, with the IFEA Pinnacle Awards. This prestigious professional competition drew 1,428 entries this year from among the world’s top festivals and events.
Awards were won in the following categories:
Des Moines Arts Festival (Budget Category $750,000-$1.5 million)
Gold Best Printed Materials (single page) – Promotional Card
Gold Best Sponsor Solicitation Package
Gold Best Overall Sponsorship Program
Gold Best Volunteer Program
Gold Best Educational Program – Nurturing a Student’s Vision
Gold Best New Promotion – The Des Moines Register People’s Choice Award
Gold Best T-Shirt Design – Tattoo Cityscape
Gold Best Overall Merchandising Program
Silver Best Environmental Program
Silver Best New Promotion – Gateway Market Artist Hospitality Service
Silver Best New Event – Interrobang Film Festival presented by Nationwide
Silver Best T-shirt Design – Inspired by Chris Rom and Geoff Buddie’s Tilt
Silver Best Merchandise – Chocolate Tote
Silver Best Commemorative Poster – Tilt
Bronze Best Printed Materials (multiple page) – Membership Packet Mailer
Bronze Best Single New Sponsorship Program – Kemin Industries Public Art Project
Bronze Best Children’s Programming
U.S. Cellular World Food Festival (Budget Category under $250,000)
Gold Best Sponsor Solicitation Package
Gold Best Sponsor Follow-up Report
Bronze Best Newspaper Ad
Bronze Best Printed Materials (single page) – Promotional Card
Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, the IFEA is a non-profit membership organization with members spanning 40 countries and five continents, and offers the most complete source of ideas, resources, information, education and networking for festival and event professionals worldwide.
HIT THE ICE WITH THE IOWA CHOPS
Downtown’s newest hockey team, the Iowa Chops, will make its debut this month at the home opener on Friday, Oct. 10 at Wells Fargo arena. Fans can expect to have a whole new hockey experience when attending the games, starting with ticket prices.
“We want our loyal and potential new fans in Iowa to look at these new prices and say ‘wow!’ said Steve Nitzel, president of Iowa Chops. “We believe that the decreasing ticket prices will allow our fans to attend our games on a regular basis and continue their fantastic support as we enter into a new era of professional hockey in Des Moines.”
Before the chops hit the ice, you can meet the new players on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Meet the Chops event at inPlay in downtown Des Moines. Cost is $10 to attend $3 of which is donated to charity. This is a chance to meet the new players and staff, get autographs and take pictures.
To buy tickets for this season, call 515-564-8700 or visit the new web site at www.iowachops.com for more information.
DES MOINES DOWNTOWN CHAMBER NEWS
Nearly 100 business and community representatives attended the first public meeting for the newly formed Des Moines Downtown Chamber on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Cub Club at Principal Park.
“Downtown businesses obviously see the need for this new Chamber,” said Anne Moeller, Downtown Chamber president. “We well exceeded expectations in attendance and look forward to building a stronger, well-connected Downtown through this new organization.”
Martha Willits, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Mary O’Keefe, co-chair of the Downtown Community Alliance and Des Moines Downtown Chamber executive committee members Anne Moeller, Bankers Trust; Tiffany Tauschek, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Mark Barkley, Robert Half Management Resources, discussed the need for the new organization and affiliation between the groups. Business and community representatives offered input at the meeting, sharing ideas on structure and benefits they would like to see the Downtown Chamber provide.
“We are building the foundation of this organization,” Moeller said. “This was the first of many meetings of the minds - people who strongly believe in the future and sustainability of a healthy, vibrant, thriving Downtown Des Moines”.
For more information about the Des Moines Downtown Chamber, call 286-4999 or submit questions to info@dsmdowntownchamber.com.
OPERATION DOWNTOWN UPDATE
Fall Planting
Currently the summer plantings are being replaced throughout downtown with beautiful fall mums and pansies. The summer plants were beautiful this year and many folks have commented that they did not want summer to end. We think after you see the beautiful fall plants you will be ready to embrace the crisp autumn air. The fall planting will remain through the first hard frost. Since Downtown retains heat we can usually stretch our fall plants into November. Let's hope for a long and comfortable fall.
Safe, Clean and Beautiful
Operation Downtown's commitment to Safe, Clean and Beautiful extends to reducing all litter Downtown. That includes cigarette butts. With the recent change in Iowa State Law regarding smoking establishments Operation Downtown is being proactive in the placement of ash urn throughout our downtown. Many will be attached to the Operation Downtown trash receptacles and many will be stand alone pyramid style ash urns. These ash urns are being distributed now and will primarily be used in front of Court Avenue businesses and East Village Business that serve food and drinks. We have already placed many of the other style of ash urns throughout Downtown businesses and buildings where permitted. If you think you have a need for an ash receptacles please contact Amy Lego at alego@downtowndesmoines.com.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN JAPANESE CULTURE
The City of Des Moines Park and Rec Department and Miyabi Yamamoto, Master sushi chef of Miyabi 9, invite you to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Des Moines/Kofu sister city program. The event will be an adventure that will feature sushi demonstrations from Sushi Chef Shinichi Ikeda from Kofu Japan, information about the Kofu and Des Moines sister city connection and a raffle for authentic Japanese kimonos. The event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Open to all ages, this event offers sushi plates ranging from $10 - $20 (green tea included) with a cash bar for beverages. Please register by calling the Parks and Recreation department at (515) 248-6310 by Oct. 9.
DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE IS A HIT
The D-Line, downtown Des Moines’ FREE shuttle, continues to thrive. Ridership has steadily increased since its inception on May 5th of this year, with more than 14,000 riders in August alone. With winter approaching, it is anticipated that ridership will continue to grow as the D-Line turns what would otherwise be a long, cold walk into a warm, cozy ride!
With stops every ten minutes, riders can hop on the shuttle anywhere they see a red D-Line sign along Grand Avenue and Locust Street between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Offering continuous service between Western Gateway and the Capitol Complex, the shuttle makes lunching, shopping, and running errands downtown hassle free.
NEW BUSINESSES OPEN IN DOWNTOWN
New businesses continue to open in Downtown Des Moines.
Western Gateway is now the home to Proof - a new restaurant featuring a menu inspired by Morocco. Proof is located at 1301 Locust Street and is open for lunch, Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., and dinner on Friday, 5 - 10 p.m.
Two new bars have opened in the East Village:
The Underground Lounge is now open at 500 E. Locust Street. This new bar offers a great atmosphere and live music. The Underground is open Monday - Saturday, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
AJ's on E. Court is a new upscale bar located at 419 E. Court Ave, serves top shelf drinks and more than 80 bottled beers. AJ's is open daily from 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Return to Top
COURT AVENUE HALLOWEEN PUB CRAWL
Grab some friends and head down to the annual Court Avenue Halloween Pub Crawl on Friday, Oct. 31 from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. A $5 cover will get you into all participating venues with live music. Like to get dressed up on Halloween? Here is an incentive to be a little creative with your costume. You can win cash at the Miller Lite Costume Contest:
1st Place - $500
2nd Place $300
3rd Place $200
Entertainment lineup includes:
Vaudeville Mews - The Misfits Karaoke Halloween Ball
el Bait Shop & High Life Lounge - NeuMoniker
Hessen Haus - Living Stones
Royal Mile - DJ Tim Grimes
Sbrocco & Shorty's - Dos Saltinos
Liars Club -- DJ Retro P
Bands will be announced later for Court Avenue Brewing Co., Dos Rios, The Lift, People’s and A.K.’s O’Connors. Check out www.CourtDistrict.org for more information. The Court Avenue Halloween Pub Crawl is sponsored by Juice, Miller Lite and the Downtown Community Alliance.
URBAN PIONEER - LARRY BRADSHAW
.jpg)
When Larry Bradshaw heard he was being transferred from Florida to the Des Moines area in 2003 he was excited to learn an urban lifestyle was a possibility. The day before he was in town to tour a downtown condo, the building caught fire and burnt down. Larry moved to the suburbs, but kept his eye on downtown.
As Downtown continued to offer more living choices and more amenities, he was drawn to the core of our city. Today, he lives right in the middle of all of the action. Last March Larry moved into the 418 Liberty Building where enjoys a nice eastern view of Downtown which includes the Capitol, Wells Fargo arena, the Principal Riverwalk and the Travelers sign. The high ceilings, great views, close parking and skywalk access were all great selling points for him.
“I chose the Liberty Building because it has a New York style apartment feel to it,” explains Larry. “When I purchased the condo, it was an unfinished shell. My developer, Nelson Construction, was excellent to work with to complete my home. They gave me the opportunity to really custom design the condo.”
Living downtown has given Larry the ability to park his car and walk just about everywhere, except to work. He does a reverse commute to Wells Fargo in West Des Moines but sometimes he works out of the downtown office. He enjoys being able to walk to dinner, to the gym and to just hang out. Some of his favorite neighborhoods are the East Village and Court Avenue District.
Larry’s new urban lifestyle has been such a great experience that he has started his own blog on downtown living. “I’ve made an investment in downtown and this blog serves as an outlet for me to share what downtown living is all about.” Larry tackles a new topic on downtown living almost daily. You can check out his blog at www.livingdowntowndesmoines.com.
“Downtown has changed and grown tremendously since I moved here five years ago,” says Larry. “The best thing about living downtown for me, is feeling like you are a part of something that is ready to experience huge growth.”
