Beer, wine sold & served in Ephraim, WI during Fourth of July weekend for first time since 1853!

EPHRAIM, Wisconsin -- Beer and wine were served and sold in Ephraim, Wisconsin beginning Friday, July 1st for the first time in the tiny town's 163-year history -- just in time for the Fourth of July weekend.

"We're both on vacation, a summer staycation, and we love Door County," Rhonda Plotkin said.

As of July 1st -- a new attraction for some in Ephraim -- beer and wine!

"We did know Ephraim was dry, but it has never affected us from not coming up," Alecia Mandel said.

"It's kind of cool for the history of Ephraim, Wisconsin, but we might have dinner in Sister Bay, or in Fish Creek, and it's really not an issue," Plotkin said.

Not every establishment in Ephraim will be offering alcohol -- but officials with the places that are, like Chef's Hat say it'll likely help their business.

Beer and wine sales are now allowed in Ephraim after voters approved referenda on April 5th.

The village of about 300 people was dry since Norwegian Moravians founded it in 1853. Residents unsuccessfully tried to change the ban in 1934 and 1992.