About Us
Our journey began in 2013 when a group of Valley Junction residents brought together families and descendants of original Valley Junction residents to celebrate the culturally-rich history of the Junction.
Our Vision
A vibrant community which celebrates the people, cultures, and cuisines of Valley Junction.
Our Mission
Create space for the community to come together to share, preserve, and celebrate the ever-changing, culturally-rich history of Valley Junction.
Our current and future programs align with our three priorities: community building, cultural education, curation and preservation.
Taste of the Junction Leadership Team
Rachelle Long, Executive Director
Dr. Annissa Roland
Marc Roche
Alonda Long
Jasmine Harris
Dr. Mary Chapman
Dwight Jackson, MPA
Dr. Jennie Doke-Kerns
Matt McKinney, Esq.
“As Mayor, I was able to attend and participate in many wonderful and important events in the City of West Des Moines. In my opinion, the Taste of the Junction was the most culturally important because it celebrated the City’s beginning as a railroad town with a very diverse population.
Taste of the Junction brings generations of families together whose history started in Valley Junction (like mine as I am a 4th generation WDM resident) and allows many central Iowa residents to learn more about the history of WDM and showcases/celebrates the cultural diversity that WDM has embraced since its beginning in 1893. This celebration blesses all of central Iowa.”
Steven K. Gaer, City of West Des Moines Mayor 2007-2021 and First Seed Donor for Taste of the Junction.
Current Programs & Events
Taste of the Junction Inc.
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