Around Des Moines

Valley Junction’s first farmers’ market of 2008 was held on a humid afternoon. Fortunately, the rain and thunderstorms forecast for May 1st held off until the next morning. Fresh produce was scant but not absent. There was a handful of new rhubarb, greenhouse cucumbers, and hydroponic tomatoes. Other Iowa food was available as prepared items. These included preserved meat, jams and jellies, cheese, and wine. Someone was even selling aged garlic. There were also plenty of bakery products, from breads to cakes. Entertainment was provided by musical groups at two different locations. There was a band and a drinking tent at the depot and a more intimate group of musicians north of the community center. Many people seemed satisfied to spend their time admiring the numerous puppies that were being walked around the market. I chatted with a few of the vendors.

Kirk Sloan, owner of Sloan Brothers Iowa Organic Produce, wants to bring Fairfield’s riches to central Iowa. He had cucumbers from the Maharashi Vedic City Organic Farm and clarified organic butter from Spring Sunrise. Next week he expects to have basil and bell peppers, too. Sloan used to live in Fairfield but now resides in West Des Moines. He will be at the Ankeny and downtown Des Moines farmers markets, too.

Maria Burham and her husband, John, started a Knead to Treat about three years ago. Although the idea was John’s, Maria is the one who does the baking and selling. They supply bakery items to Fareway stores in Osceolo and Winterset. I asked Burham to describe her product. She said it is basic homemade, “the kind of bread you would buy that reminds you of your grandmother.” They have scones, breads, sweets, and croutons. Customers can call ahead to order breads and cookie baskets to be picked up at the farmers’ market.

The Harvest Barn, an Osceolo business that opened in 2001, sells naturally raised meats. The meat is packaged in a variety of styles from dried beef to cooked shaved brisket to raw pork loin. There is also homemade fudge. In addition, you can find Milton Farms cheese at the booth. If there is a particular product you would like, you can call Harvest Barn and then pick up your order at the market.

Gino’s sauces were on sale. There was marinara, garlic cream, and Italian. The person marketing the product described Gino’s as an Italian steakhouse. It is located at 2809 Sixth Avenue in Des Moines.

The Brain Injury Association of Iowa, based in Waterloo, was selling helmets for bicyclists and extreme sports enthusiasts. The group holds a walk around Gray’s Lake the first Saturday of October as an annual fundraiser. It also offers a monthly support group and hosts activities for survivors. The Family Help Line number is 800-475-4442.

The Valley Junction Farmers’ Market is held every Thursday (except July 3rd) through October 2nd. It is located in West Des Moines at approximately Fifth and Elm Streets. Hours are 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

M.R. Field writes about local issues for AroundDesMoines.com.