Cornfed Librarian

Every Saturday morning, a cowbell rings in Downtown Des Moines to herald the opening of the Farmer's Market.   Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Marriott, you'll find produce, prepared foods, hand crafts, and all manner of stuff for sale in the city streets.  The market spans blocks, but most of the action is on Court Avenue between 2nd and 5th.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers and operated July - September. Today, the Market has grown to more than 200 vendors and an average of 18,000 visitors each Saturday during May – October.  

There's a complete list of vendors and their wares  on the Farmer's Market website, but here's a sampling of stalls that are new this year:

• The Wood Zoo, Ankeny: Hand-crafted gumball machines.
• Sweet Treats, Jewell: Homemade ice cream
• Pop's Place, Des Moines: Southern food such as hot grits, catfish, fried okra
• Uncle David's, Des Moines: Fresh, just-made mini donuts
• La Reyna, Coralville: Fresh tamales, prepared for taking home to finish
• Big Jim's, Ryan: Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches using local ingredients
• Kate's Gourmet Crepes, Fairfield, and Des Moines Crepes, Des Moines, preparing fresh crepes
• Letz Bake, Chariton: Gluten-free and whole grain bread and muffins
• LaVentosa Ranch, Clemons: Antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, chicken, goat, turkey and duck
• Dirty Gertie Goat Milk Soaps, Laurel: Soaps made from goat milk.

Early risers might be able to scarf up some homemade breakfast on the street before a long day of digital discussion!