Taste of the Junction

05/21/2026

We are officially LIVE! We proudly launched the Taste of The Junction Youth Ambassador Program with an incredible group of 10 dynamic youth leaders from colleges and high schools across the Metro, Grandview University, Valley, Waukee, Roosevelt, and Lincoln High Schools!

These brilliant Ambassadors, led by Emmett Phillips, Jr, of TOTJ, will act as voices to promote Community Building, Cultural Education, Curation, and Preservation in the Historic Valley Junction community and beyond!

We look forward to seeing the impact they make in our boardroom decisions as they help catalyze this important work, bridge communities, and celebrate the heart of the city!

👉 Learn more about our mission on the Taste of the Junction website: www.tasteofthejunction.org

Give a massive warm welcome to our new Ambassadors in the comments below! 👇💚

05/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AsC98Zuem/

What a wonderful kickoff to Valley Junction Farmers Market/Music in the Junction Cinco De Mayo Night!

Taste of the Junction was honored to be there supporting unity in our community. 💚💚💚

Hats 🎩 off to Steve @ HVJF
Vincent Valdez and everyone else that helped make tonight a success!

05/03/2026

04/23/2026

Taste of the Junction will be there supporting Cinco de Mayo in the Junction!

We're kicking off the Music in the Junction season by celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 7! Same beverage garden and concert with extras while honoring the Mexican heritage of Valley Junction!

Schedule of events:
5:00 | King & Queen Ceremony emceed by Mayor Russ Trimble and Councilman Kevin Trevillyan honoring Jack Murillo & Catherine Gallardo Martinez
5:30 | Jovenes Embajadores Dancers will dazzle you with traditional outfits and dances
6:00 | Guitarras ATM bring you the sounds of Mexico
7:00 | Jovenes Embajadores Dancers (2nd performance)
7:15 | Grito Competition – register day-of for the grito competition – winner receives a Valley Junction gift certificate
7:30 | Guitarras ATM (2nd set)

Full event details here > https://valleyjunction.com/valley-junction-events/music-in-the-junction/

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

It's Going to Go Down in the Junction!!!
Labor Day Weekend
Multicultural Festival

02/23/2026

Nominations Are Now Open for the 2026 Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award!

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Nominations must be submitted by Monday, March 2, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Presented annually at the Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit, the Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award honors the legacy of Mel Essex, an extraordinary entrepreneur, advocate and mentor. Essex’s enduring impact continues to inspire entrepreneurs to pursue success, build generational wealth and strengthen the communities they serve.

The 2026 Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient will be presented by Chase, on April 15, 2026.

To nominate an individual or learn more about the Summit, visit bbbsummit.com.

02/23/2026

Exciting News: The Taste of the Junction has new leadership on its Board of Directors! Congratulations to Dr. Jennie Doke Kerns and Paula Bell, CBAP, on stepping into your new roles!

02/23/2026

Paula is a respected Consultant, Coach, and Motivational Speaker whose work centers on leadership, inclusion, and personal and professional growth. Her passion for strengthening communities and uplifting others makes her an incredible addition to the organization’s leadership. We look forward to the vision and impact she will help cultivate in this new role.

02/23/2026

PSA Announcement!

Dr. Jennie Doke-Kerns has been a lifelong resident of the greater Des Moines area and is a first-generation college student from the southwest side of Des Moines. She started her education at DMACC and earned degrees from Grand View University, Drake University, and Iowa State University, completing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Drake in 2016.

With over 25 years of experience in education, Jennie has taught at both high school and college levels and has served in administrative roles, overseeing college-in-prison and adult education programs. Currently, she is an English and Humanities Professor and the Academic Support Services Coordinator at DMACC’s West Campus.

Jennie actively participates in community leadership and serves on several local boards. She resides in Valley Junction with her family and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, connected, and engaged community in West Des Moines.