Downtown Farmers’ Market: Winter Market

Downtown Farmers’ Market: Winter Market

November 19^th &20^th Nollen Plaza/Capital Square, Downtown Des Moines

I walked in at lunch time and was pleasantly surprised that I wasn’t pushing through crowds of yuppies on their lunch hour. I eyed a few hot lunch stands and noted the goods for later.

There was some great music coming from the middle of the plaza. My ears convinced me it was a few old guys playing classic fiddle and banjo jigs and I went on my way. Only to later realize it was three guys channeling the Jonas Brothers in dress and rocking out on a fiddle, a banjo and an acoustic guitar.

I walked around looking for some delicious produce for my centerpiece basket but was met with pastries, jams, wines, jewelry and homemade soap. I had already purchased some locally made soap for my grandma for Christmas so I passed that up. But none of these were really what I came to the farmers market to get. I wanted to see some pickups with potatoes piling out the back and hearty men in overalls passing out samples of apple cidar. This event struck me as more of a craft fair than a farmers market.

I had to keep in mind that we are in Iowa… and not a lot can grow in the rock hard frozen soil of the Midwest… so I kept on truckin’.

I finally spotted an old lady tucked back behind a display of ornaments and picture frames. She was meekly speaking with a young lady about her Braeburn apples. I knew I needed a bushel… or maybe just a handful.

I started piling apples on her scale and ended up with 5 giant apples that cost me, “oh we’ll go with $4. Is that okay with you?” Now THAT’S the farmers market I came for. She loaded my apples up in my cloth bags commenting on the bright colors of my target go-to bag as I scrounged up four-one dollar bills. “Thank you, Happy Holidays!”

I was on my way. And content.

My friend grabbed a hot beef sandwich, I ordered up a few cabbage rolls from the polish lady I passed when I came in the door and we sat down to fill our tummies and listen to the JoBros jam out.

All in all it was worth the $1.50 parking and I look forward to the spring produce like a kid counts down the days to their birthday.

I give it 3 out of 5 pork chops. Oink oink!

Weekend Contenders

I’m just here to check out what’s going on in Des Moines and report in.

Weekend Contenders:

Alliteration of Interest: Sangria Saturday

Saturdays at Dos Rios Cantina and Tequila Lounge at 316 Court Ave. in Des Moines

Deets: $5 sangrias. Open till 2 am.

Light me up: Jolly Holiday Lights

A crazy assortment of seizure inducing holiday cheer. 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines.

Deets: $10 per car, $7 per car Monday-Wednesday. 5:30-10 pm.

Going Green: Winter Farmers Market

Locally raised products including eggs, meat, produce, baked goods, honey, jams, salsa, wine, cheese, homemade noodles… EVERYTHING. They will also have some poinsettias, Christmas trees and holiday ornaments and decorations. I’m not sure I can think of anything bad yet… 300 Locust St. Des Moines.

Deets: Friday (Dec. 17^th) 11 am-2 pm, Saturday (Dec. 18^th) 9 am-1 pm. FREE! Except for whatever you buy… unless you can make a special deal.

Birthday Bash: Keith Richards Birthday Party!

I can’t believe Keith Richards is coming to Iowa to celebrate his 67^th birthday! What? He’s not going to be there? We’re just celebrating his birthday?... What kind of people celebrate someone else’s birthday when they’re not even here? What’s that? What about Christmas? Oh yeah…

Deets: Concert at House of Bricks with Brother Trucker, David Zollo, Thankful Dirt, Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts, and Johnny Reeferseed and The High Rollers.

$7, Saturday December 18^th, 9:30 pm. The House of Bricks 525 E. Grand Ave.

Odd Ovation: Fire in the Hole: Art Grenade Show

Local and national artists make art out of grenades.

Daily through December 31^st except Christmas day.

Deets: FREE! 515 18^th St. Des Moines