Alcohol Sales A First At Urbana Farmers Market

Urbana’s Market at the Square kicks off Saturday with a new feature – alcohol sales.

For the first time, beer, wine, and spirit vendors can sell their own products that are made in Illinois. Late last year, the city council approved the new license.

Farmers Market Director Natalie Kenny Marquez said alcohol can only be sold by the bottle and in samples consumed under a tent – people will not be allowed to walk around with open liquor.

She said opening the farmers market to alcohol vendors further showcases the work being done by local farmers and producers.

“There’s more than just fruits and vegetables and meat and cheese,” Marquez said. “There’s also vineyards in Illinois that are growing their grapes and making their own wine and that’s also a local product, and it’s a big agri-tourism draw in some parts of the state. So, I think that’s nice to showcase that as a farm to table component.”

The farmers market in downtown Urbana goes from 7am until noon, and continues every Saturday until November.