VERNON COUNTY, Wis. (WXOW) – Vernon County just announced their small business legacy award for 2025, awarded to those who honor tradition and embrace the future within the community.
In Viroqua, a family-owned business was started a little over 20 years ago, built to help give other aspiring vendors a place to blossom. The Viroqua Public Market has helped countless businesses get started.
“Wonder State Cafe started in this building, Driftless Books started in this building—and those are just two examples of people who started here and now they have their own established business,” said Rachel Olson, Owner of the Viroqua Public Market.
Helping businesses get started was not the only reason they were awarded the legacy small business award, however.
“It’s really a meeting place so that everyone is welcome here. It’s about inclusion and neighbor-to-neighbor helping each other out,” said Nikki Anderson, a Sales Associate and vendor. “Many customers come for the energy. Even if they are not able to shop that day, they just like the feeling of home that this offers.”
In a time where things feel more divided than ever, the Viroqua Public Market has made it a mission to be the exception.
“There’s no us, them. It’s like you’re a ‘we’, here,” said Olson. “Good vibes only, we want fun and no stress and everything else will get worked out.”
For the Olson family, it’s never once been about the money.
“We want community support involvement and just a chance to grow this awesome community,” Olson continued. “Because Viroqua is really, really special, we just want to do everything to foster that really good sense of community.”
The Viroqua Public Market is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday and Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Vendors interested in having a spot in the public market can find contact information here.