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Get ready for a fun activity full of food, shopping, entertainment, and more as the Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers Market will return for the season on May 6, 2023. The farmers market is a lovely tradition of Des Moines, Iowa as it offers a fun family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of the city. 

About the Market

When in season, the Des Moines’ farmers market is located in the city’s historic court district, near the Polk County courthouse. Parking is offered nearby, but the streets are closed to cars and limited to pedestrians, making a safe and easy to navigate environment.

The market is perfect to enjoy with family and friends, and is suitable for all ages. It is also pet-friendly. The market is open 7 am to noon on weekends, offering a great morning experience. The season runs from May to October, making sure visitors will have enjoyable weather to experience and take full advantage of all that the farmers market has to offer.

What is Offered?

Food and Drink

The Des Moines farmers market offers a variety of options for goers. Enjoy ready-made food and drinks from multiple vendors, as well as fresh produce, poultry, and other food and drink items. Many local restaurants often have a stand at the market, allowing visitors to enjoy all of the favorite foods of Des Moines in one place. Being open early in the morning, the farmers market is best known for its multitude of delicious breakfast options from freshly prepared meals such as breakfast bowls or sandwiches to baked goods.

Many vendors also offer delicious drink options, including smoothies, juices, teas, boba, and more. The market truly does offer options for everyone. Even more exciting, vendors at the market change occasionally throughout the season, offering visitors to the market to continuously enjoy new food and drinks.

Art & Handmade Goods

Other than food, the farmers market has vendors that sell plants and flowers, art, and many other handmade goods. Take home a beautiful new plant or piece of art and have a piece of Des Moines in your home, or find gift options for the special people in your life. Most importantly, vendors at the Des Moines farmers market are all local, meaning visitors to the farmers market not only have a great experience, but are supporting local businesses and sharing in the pride of Des Moines.

Beyond the vendors, live entertainment is also offered at the farmers market as well as occasional activities. With such a great combination of food, goods, and activities, it’s no wonder the Des Moines farmers market was voted second on both Daily Meal’s “Best Farmers Market in America” and Shape Magazine’s “Top Farmers Market in the U.S.”.

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To learn more and stay updated on the Des Moines farmers market during its 2023 season, visit the Downtown Farmers’ Market website.

Who are the members of the Des Moines City Council?

Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa and is home to over 200,000 residents. The city is governed by the Des Moines City Council, which is responsible for setting policies and regulations that govern the city. The council is made up of seven members, including the mayor and six council members. Here we will take a closer look at who is on the Des Moines City Council.

Mayor of Des Moines

• T.M. Franklin Cownie

Council Members At Large

• Carl Voss 
• Connie Boesen

Ward 1: Indira Sheumaker

Ward 2: Linda Westergaard

Ward 3: Josh Mandelbaum

Ward 4: Joe Gatto

Mayor Frank Cownie

T.M. Franklin Cowie has served as the Des Moines mayor since 2004. He grew up in the city, attending Theodore Roosevelt High School and Iowa State University. In addition to serving as the city’s mayor, Cowie also owns and operates Cownie Furs, a shop that has been in his family for generations. Before being elected as mayor, he served as an at-large member of the city council.

At-Large Council Members

The Des Moines City Council has two at-large council members who represent the entire city. The current at-large council members are Carl Voss and Connie Boesen. Boesen has been serving on the council since 2016 and is focused on improving economic development and creating job opportunities for residents. Voss won in a runoff election in December 2019.

Ward Council Members

In addition to the at-large council members, the Des Moines City Council also has four council members who represent specific wards within the city. The current ward council members are:

• Ward 1 Council Member Indira Sheumaker: Sheumaker has been serving on the council since 2021 and she is the youngest member of the city council.
• Ward 2 Council Member Linda Westergaard: Westergaard was elected to the council in 2018.
• Ward 3 Council Member Josh Mandelbaum: Mandelbaum has been serving on the council since 2020 and has recently announced a bid for Des Moines mayor.
• Ward 4 Council Member Joe Gatto: Gatto has been serving on the council since 2015.

Conclusion

The Des Moines City Council meeting happen every other Monday at 5pm at City Hall, Council Chambers, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive, 2nd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50309. If you want to attend a meeting or learn more, visit dsm.city/government/council_meetings_and_agendas/index.php

Are you interested in films, working with video, audio, and creating digital content for the web? Digital Media Production might just be the major for you. You’ll work at companies like ESPN, and Disney to produce content for their platforms. You could also work in local news stations like at KCCI in Des Moines, Iowa. The possibilities are endless!

Digital Media Production lets you learn a wide variety of skills in the realm of content creation. You’ll learn how to use software like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro, as well as operate professional-grade camera rigs. Drake will make sure that every student has the skills they need to enter the exciting world of Digital Media Production.

Student Testimonials

“Being a Digital Media Production Student is a blast. I get to work on all sorts of different projects, from filming PSAs to editing news footage using digital software.”

 -Will Erbes, Digital Media Production Major

“Switching to a Digital Media Production major was the best decision I could’ve made for myself! I’m improving my video editing skills while also learning to work in audio production, photography, and journalism!”

-Logan Kulbersh, Digital Media Production Major

Prime Spot for DMP Students around the country

Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake University is located in the heart of the nation. Its central position in the United States makes it only a few hours drive from many major metropolitan areas, including Minneapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Omaha. Many students who attend Drake are originally from these cities, so interning is really easy because Drake has so many connections.

Des Moines is a great city to go to school in. When not studying on campus, students can use their Drake ID to take the DART bus to anywhere in the city. Check out the beautiful Des Moines downtown area, or grab a bite to eat at one of our many local restaurants. If nature walks are more your style, Des Moines has plenty of great hiking trails and natural areas to explore. There is no shortage of things to do!

The best part about going to Drake is the small class sizes. Digital Media Production students also get the same opportunities available to Drake Students, so every student gets 1-on-1 time with their professors to ensure that they are getting the most out of their education. Every student at Drake gets the chance to succeed.

Studying Digital Media Production in Des Moines is a great opportunity. There aren’t many other places in the midwest that offer such a great education for students looking to get into the media world.

For many students coming to Drake University, studying abroad is one of their biggest hopes to achieve before graduation. Drake University offers several different options when it comes to studying abroad. Whether students study abroad through Drake Programs, Exchange Programs, or Affiliate Programs, studying abroad offers all students the opportunity to engage and grow in different cultures around the world.

Drake Programs

Drake University offers Drake Programs both internationally and throughout the United States during the spring, summer, and J-term. Drake Programs are short-term faculty-led travel seminars and can last from 10 days to 16 weeks. Programs in the past have been located in England, China, Belize, New Zealand, and Uganda. Students across campus have been abuzz about the upcoming Spring 2023 seminar in Spain. A current student at Drake University, Hannah Krueger, experienced the Drake Program in Spain in the Spring of 2022 and encourages all Drake students to take this opportunity to experience life and education from a new point of view.

Exchange Programs

Alongside the Drake Programs, Drake University has signed agreements with international partner institutions to offer students another opportunity to study abroad. With Exchange Programs, students at Drake University can attend partner institutions, while a student from the partner institution attends school at Drake University. Many students study using Exchange Programs for the entirety of a semester, although J-term and summer options are provided as well. For students interested in deeper cultural engagement and integration, Exchange Programs are the way to go. Through Exchange Programs, students are involved in independent study and sit in a classroom with students from the local host country.

The international partner institutions offered include:

• Austria, Fachhochschule Wiener Neustadt 
• Chile, Universidad de los Andes 
• China, Minzu University of China 
• Japan, Kwansei Gakuin University 
• Mexico, Tecnológico de Monterrey
• South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal 
• Spain, Universidad Nebrija

Affiliate Programs

A third option for studying abroad while at Drake University is being involved in an Affiliate Program. Affiliate Programs are often used when a Drake Program or Exchange Program does not meet a student’s academic and personal preferences and goals. Global Engagement at Drake University has chosen specific institutions for this semester abroad. Students taking Affiliate Programs complete the majority of their coursework in English, with most of the classroom filled with American students. Unlike the Drake Program or Exchange Program, Drake University charges a fee for students participating in Affiliate Programs. Semester-long Affiliate Programs have a fee of $500, while J-term and summer Affiliate Programs have a fee of $300.

Drake University is a small private university located in Des Moines Iowa. Home to more than 100 academic programs, graduate programs and a law school, many flock to Drake. The Bulldogs also participate in NCAA Division 1 sports and host The Drake Relays, one of the top track and field events in the United States. The surrounding area and being located in the capital of Iowa provides many opportunities for students whether that’s with food, entertainment or jobs. Below are some of the restaurants located near Drake and in the local neighborhood.

1. Lucky Horse

A popular burger joint, this all-American restaurant offers classics like the bacon cheddar cheeseburger, boneless wings and buffalo chicken sandwich. There are also more unique options including a truffle pear flatbread, fried egg and chickpea salad and salmon burger. If you favor meatless options don’t fret as Lucky Horse has numerous options like the black bean burger or curried chickpea burger. You can wash down all of their delicious food with their draft beers or if that isn’t to your liking, there is a whole menu for drinks. Lastly, if you have room in your stomach you can finish your meal with their New York Cheesecake.

Address: 2331 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311

2. Gursha Ethiopian Grill

For those who are wanting to taste flavors farther from home, look no further than Gursha Ethiopian Grill. This family-owned restaurant offers a fast-casual atmosphere and traditional Ethiopian dishes. No meal at Gursha is complete without injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread that is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. Customers can also order rice with their food, if that is their preference. This restaurant is also a great place to visit if you are a vegetarian as there are many food options available. Alicha, a dish consisting of cabbage, potatoes and carrots cooked together with onions, tomatoes and spices is a great meatless option. For those who want meat, beef tibs and doro wot are popular options. Typical soft drinks like Sprite and Coke are available, but customers can also order a fresh mango smoothie.

Address: 2316 University Ave. IA 50311

3. Lzaza’s Indo-Pak Cuisine

Lzaza’s Indo-Pak Cuisine offers traditional Indian and Pakistani dishes from classics like chicken tikka masala to goat biryani to butter chicken. Indo-Pak cuisine also offers a variety of vegetarian options like aloo gobi, channa masala and numerous dishes with paneer. Mainstays like naan and roti and samosas are also available to order. Lzaza has a lunch buffet from Tuesday to Sunday at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For an inexpensive, authentic meal and a quick walk from Drake University, Lzaza is a can’t miss restaurant.

Address: 1409 23rd Street Des Moines, IA 50311