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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Riggs Beer Company is offering a little taste of Germany in Central Illinois.
The brewery is hosting their annual German Christmas Market, where food, drink and gift vendors are ready to celebrate the holiday. People can warm up with crepes, bratwurst and hot mulled wine.
Owners said vendors change all the time. They said it’s more than a good time, the tradition helps the entire community.
“It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, to support a local family business and Riggs Beer Company,” owner Matt Riggs said. “But also the food trucks, the food options and all these the vendors, these are all folks that live and work right here in the area. You can do a little of supporting your hometown economy by shopping at the German Christmas Market.”
Things kicked off last week, but he said the cold weather kept a lot of people away. The market will be open for two more weekends. You can check it out 5-8 p.m. on Fridays and noon- 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Vendors for the first weekend included:
- Watson’s Shack & Rail – Brats and more
- F&T Desserts – Crepes and sweets
- B:Unit – Repurposed wood and cutting boards
- LaPayne Photography – Illini panoramic photography
- Megan Parsons – Homemade gifts and decor for St. Jude
- Wine & Wicks – All-natural soy wine bottle candles
- Lanchaster Flower Co. – Local dried flowers and fresh greenery
- Deborah Poblano – Crochet jewelry and fabric crafts
- Bespoke Gift Company – Custom gifts & decor
- The Wright Soapery – Small batch (beer) soap
- Farm to Wick – Soy candles
- CK Almonds – Roasted candied almonds
- Mack Glass – Hand-blown glass made in Champaign