Exclusive: All 36 New Farmers Market Stands

Kiana’s Cookie Creations will be a new addition at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, selling colorful cookies and other sweets by owner and baker Kiana Hines.

Writer: Karla Walsh

Our enthusiasm about all things local produce is growing quicker than sweet corn in July. In case you missed it, last week we compiled your essential guide to farmers’ markets across the metro each day of the week. And today, we’re planting one more seed to inspire you to show local: Your exclusive roundup of every new vendor at the largest farmers market of them all, the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market.

We have the entire never-before-published list of all 36 new bakers, makers, farmers, foragers and beyond. Plus, my picks for the top three must-visit first-time vendors during the 2022 season.

This booming market draws about 25,000 shoppers each week, which grows to a whopping 40,000 on opening day. That lands on Saturday, May 7, this year, and the market runs from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. through the end of October along Court Avenue from Fifth Avenue to Water Street and extending onto side streets north and south.

Joining the ranks of the approximately 275 rotating vendors, you’ll find these three must-visit tables:

Kiana’s Cookie Creations: What started as a childhood hobby for Kiana Hines turned into a fundraiser several decades later to support her three kids’ extracurricular activities. In 2020, Hines became a full-time baker, launching her business that she now runs out of her certified home kitchen. Known for her almost-too-pretty-to-eat customized sugar cookies, she may have cream pies, drop cookies and other sweets at her market booth as well. (Learn more about Hines in our August 2020 interview.)
Nebullam: Launched in May 2019 at the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames, Nebullam takes the motto “go green” to the next level. Using hydroponic indoor farms, they grow leafy greens, microgreens and several tomato varieties year-round.
Marissa Kay Apothecary: Marissa Kay and her husband, Jonathan Hansen, nurture and harvest as many of the herbs and seeds they use in their products in their own garden. In addition to buying her handmade wrapping paper and lavender goat milk soap, I can’t wait to stock up on Kay’s unique seed paper vintage greeting cards that have wildflower seed mix in every card. Yes, that means the recipient can plant the card to start their own garden. (You can read more about the seed cards in the May/June issue of dsm, which will be published May 3.)

Note that vendor schedules are subject to change, so if you have your heart set on a specific brand, check their social media page or reach out directly to confirm attendance before going.

Without further ado, here is the list of all 36 new farmers market stands.

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