By Joe Bachman
Editor

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Buying local this holiday season is has now been officially made easier.

Located in the Hamm Building a few steps from Karen’s Wines & Steins is ‘Local on 1st’ — a store made up of businesses and consignors from Wisconsin Rapids and Central Wisconsin. Right before the ‘Rekindle the Spirit’ holiday parade, Local on 1st opened its doors on Wednesday night.

According to Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention Bureau Executive Director Laura Nelson, the weeks and months leading up to getting this store open was the combined effort of many.

Holiday decor lines the walls at Local on 1st. (City Times Photo)

“I feel very proud of the team we have here and how much work has gone into this,” said Nelson. “This seems well received both on the consumer and consignor end — we have a lot of people interested in consigning in the future.”

A variety of local and central Wisconsin-based businesses make up the space, featuring products from Rubi Reds, Mullins Cheese, Great Expectations, the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center, the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings and Rafters, Bloody Run Lapidary, and much more. Overall, the number is at 13 for total businesses represented, but more are expected to be on the way.

Jewelry from local consignors are offered at Local on 1st. (City Times Photo)

“In the flurry of activity that leads to a night like tonight, it helps just knowing that you have great people,” said Nelson. “This morning, everyone was here ready to work.”

Nelson gave a special shout out to Dan and Maggie Muleski, Morgan Simon, Andy Nelson, and Marcus Wilcox for their effort in opening the store. Local on 1st is located at 160 1st St. North.

To check out more photos of Local on 1st, check out our Facebook page and find our Local on 1st photo album.