DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET TO OPEN 2021 SEASON WITH BELL RINGING CEREMONY THIS SATURDAY

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES, IOWA (Apr. 26, 2021) — The Downtown Farmers Market – presented by UnityPoint Health — Des Moines will begin its season with the opening bell in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) on Saturday, May 1 at 7 a.m. Several frontline workers and vendors will be present to help usher in the start of the modified 2021 Market season.

The modified Market will include updated protocols that are in line with current COVID-19 recommendations. A total of 110 – 115 fresh produce, artisan packaged food and flower vendors will be present at the modified Market, around half the number of vendors that are normally on site. An extra booth-length distance will be placed between participating vendors and attendees will be encouraged to adhere to the 6-feet social distancing guideline while shopping at The Market. Masks will be required for attendees and vendors, and hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout The Market. Customer walking traffic will also be limited to one-way paths to ensure a safe streamlined shopping process.

To help ensure the environment is conducive to social distancing, arts and crafts and prepared food vendors will not be on site to begin the season, nor will some other traditional elements of The Market, including seating areas, children’s activities and live entertainment options. The full list of participating vendors can be found on The Market’s website.

“We are so excited to be back in the Historic Court District to begin the Downtown Farmers’ Market season to support local vendors in a safe format,” said Kelly Foss, Director of The Market. “We can’t wait until we are able to have the full Saturday Market experience again, but in the meantime, this will help provide a sense of normalcy for many patrons and vendors. We are also grateful for the opportunity to honor frontline workers and vendors to begin the season.”

The Market has also partnered with Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) to once again extend its D-Line service hours during the Downtown Farmers’ Market. Beginning this Saturday, the D-Line will travel on route starting at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. This route is free to ride and runs every 15 minutes. Masks are required while onboard the bus. The D-Line bus route travels Downtown in a loop from Western Gateway Park and through the Historic East Village. There is free parking available along the route and there are several stops near The Market along Locust St. View the route at ridedart.com/dline.

The Market will occur every Saturday morning in the Historic Court District through Oct. 30, 2021. The Downtown Farmers’ Market will continuously evaluate protocols and programming throughout the season in response to the fluctuating COVID-19 virus infection levels and vaccination rates.

Members of the media who would like to attend the bell ringing ceremony at 7 a.m. should contact Courtney Shaw at cshaw@DSMpartnership.com.

Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com. 

About the Downtown Farmers’ Market 

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. Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownFarmersMarket and on Twitter and Instagram at @dtfarmersmarket. 

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 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 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.   ♦