• 2016: The market expanded to three weekends and saw improvements to the original stage, including the addition of a rigid back wall and decorative eyebrow roof.

• 2017: The site on North Water Street was affectionately named Mueller Square. The stage area underwent more improvements, with the newest addition being a roof and awning structure.

CONTINUED GROWTH (2018-2020)

• 2018: An eighth permanent hut in Mueller Square was constructed, as well as five collapsible huts to be placed on the Water Street Bridge.

• 2019: No significant changes were made.

• 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the event, but due to the increased interest in outdoor activities, it drew the largest attendance to date. The market continued to grow with the formation of Creekside Commons including an information kiosk as well as three more permanent huts. The newly reconstructed Love Lock Bridge over Beaver Creek provided a picturesque backdrop for Creekside.

CURRENT STATE

As of 2024, the Sparta Kriskindlmarkt offers a variety of food and beverage options, as well as unique shopping opportunities. It features 11 permanent huts, 22 collapsible huts, and 9 food and beverage outlets. In total, over 40 huts will serve the public in Downtown Sparta for its tenth anniversary. This year’s market will open for the season at 2 p.m. on Nov. 29

The traditional European-style outdoor market, known as Sparta Kriskindlmarkt, has grown significantly since its inception in 2015. Here’s a look at its evolution:

EARLY YEARS (2015-2017)

• 2015: The seven-hut market began as a two-weekend event held in a vacant lot on North Water Street.

RECENT YEARS (2021-2024):

• 2021: The Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce took over the event and expanded it to four weekends. Creekside Commons received decorative pavers, and six new collapsible huts were added.

• 2022: The Sausage Hut, an octagonal structure, made its debut.

• 2023: The Sausage Hut was renamed the Wurst Hausl, and the neighboring Bier Hausl was constructed. The Bier Hausl was the grandest temporary structure to date due to its bell tower and elaborate lighting. The Love Lock Bridge grew in importance as it became an important connecter to the new Love Lock Village which consisted of five collapsible huts as well as the addition of a beloved Build-Your-Own-S’mores station in the Beaver Creek Meadow, a crowd favorite with the children.

• 2024: The tenth year of the market marks its largest yet with the expansion of the Love Lock Village including six more collapsible huts, a new stage, a food booth, and a paved stage area in the Beaver Creek Meadow. The Mueller Square stage was also raised and the roof was extended, transforming the area into a new concessions area for festive food and drink.