View of crowds at the final day of the 2012 Des Moines Farmers Market. Click image to see larger version. Photo by Carmen Scott.[/caption] What is the saying, ”come rain, sleet or snow, the mail will be delivered”? Well this last Saturday, the Des Moines Farmers Market delivered a grand finale to its 2012 season in the wind and rain. Weather aside, 400 people ventured out to taste the many varieties of chili concoctions. All cook-off net proceeds were shared by these organizations whose volunteers worked tirelessly to make the cook-off a success:

  • Des Moines Dollars for Scholars
  • Des Moines Area Food Bank
  • Business & Professional Woman’s Foundation
  • Des Moines Farmers Market Foundation
I think we can all agree, with the markets’ move to the North end of the Marina, it was a smashing hit with the shoppers and the vendors. Market manager Rikki Marhol commented:
“I often think back to that sunny July Saturday when the Market and the Classic Car Show shared the Marina floor and thousands of people came to Des Moines from all over King County to enjoy the little city by the sea shore.”
Indeed, the numbers are still being tabulated but, preliminary figures show the market sales and shoppers were up 40% over last year, bringing people from many areas. The Farmers Market Board would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, patrons and the ever present Marina staff for helping making this the most successful season ever. Board President, Wayne Corey said:
“People have approached me already asking what we are going to have in store for next year. Please, I need a vacation!”
The market does have a list of improvements for next season and will tackle them during the winter months. You can keep abreast of the market’s activities by subscribing to its e-newsletter by clicking www.DMFM.org.]]>

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