Rain doesn’t hinder the opening day of the Downtown Farmers’ Market

DES MOINES, Iowa- The Downtown Farmers’ Market officially kicked off on Saturday, despite the early morning rainfall.

While the market was scheduled to start at 7am, lighting delayed the beginning of the market until 8:30am. The rain also stopped around the time that the market officially opened.

Despite the forecast, over 300 vendors lined up the streets of the Court District preparing for the massive crowds of people.

Gloria Henriquez is the owner of Tullpa Restaurant on Merle Hay Road. This is their second year running a booth at the Downtown Farmers’ Market.

“Even today during this crazy weather, we’re so happy,” she said.

Barb Pethound of Barb’s Garden & Pantry was also excited to kick off the start of the Downtown Farmers’ Market.

“We missed all of our friends here,” she said.

This is her 17th year with a booth at the market. They sell homemade donuts and jams along with fresh-grinded peanut butter.

And if it’s Iowan, there has to be some pork.

Kaysen Family Farms are also a returning vendor at the market. Their farm is located in St. Charles and they make the trip up to Des Moines most Saturdays for the market.

Tara Kaysen said they raise pigs and her sister provides beef, so at the market they sell different pork and beef products.

Their most popular items are bacon and a cheddar-jalapeno brat.

And another staple for the market is their local produce.

Grade A Gardens is one of the vendors that sell produce like eggs, spinach, garlic, garden plants, and more.

“[The Downtown Farmers’ Market] is like the heart of our business,” said Whitney Clasen of Grade A Gardens.

The market takes place every Saturday from 7am until noon. For more information on road closures where to park, and how to get transportation to the market, click here .

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