The biggest monthly event at Fergusons Downtown is going online for its first-ever virtual Market in the Alley.

“We normally bring 1,000 to 3,000 people to shop local, so this month, with the current situation and since we can't gather in real life, we’re going to bring it online,” Marketing Director Kelly Bennett says.

Right now, people can head to fergusonsdowntown.com/market and RSVP to get a personal reminder when the market opens. The pop-up version will run Saturday from 6-10 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4 p.m.

“For every $100 you spend at local small businesses, $68 stays in our community, compared to $13 of every $100 when you shop big box stores,” the Fergusons website states. “This helps to build jobs, create community, supports makers, and diversifies the economy.”

During the weekend’s online sessions, Bennett will be going live on Instagram to feature products and talk with the local creatives and designers participating in the event. Musicians’ live performances will also be streamed and virtual guests will be encouraged to make a DIY cocktail from home and drink while they internet shop.

“Those are all the elements we usually have, so we’re just getting creative and thinking, 'How do we bring this online?” Bennett says. The market features goods from The Joy Pop Co., Davida Hand Craft Soaps, Apotheca Borealis, Linen and Lace, Tofu Tees, Mike's Recovery and more.

The idea for the virtual market recently came together when Bennett’s team realized the event would not be able to take place Downtown in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Fergusons Downtown is a city block rooted in community,” Bennett continues. “Everyone is sharing everything they have to make this happen.”