AUGUST 2023

Taste of Portage Market Fair

The Taste of Portage kicks off Friday evening, August 25 with live music by Best Practice and great food at Market Square. On Saturday, August 26 you can come enjoy kid's activities, craft vendors, sidewalk sales, car show, more live music and, of course, great food to try!

Sponsor our Half Marathon and 5K that will be taking place on Saturday, August 26 in downtown. Call the Portage Chamber for sponsorship information at 608-742-6242.

The Half Marathon will take you on a beautiful run through our town as you make your way past several of our community parks and the paved Levee path on the Wisconsin River. Stay to enjoy the full slate of Saturday events! Register Now for the Half Marathon and 5K!

Check out the Taste of Portage schedule Here!

Portage area featured in 3 magazines

Madison Region Economic Development magazine

Portage is featured in an article titled "Small Town Living" in Madison Region magazine, an annual publication distributed through Madison Region Economic Partnership. Mary Rose Strickland of New Life Physical Therapy and Neil Shortreed of Neil's Wine House are quoted discussing the many advantages of living in our growing small town, along with some accompanying images.

View the article by clicking this link here.

Durward's Glen featured in August Silent Sports

Durward's Glen is featured in the latest issue of Silent Sports magazine. The article, written by Brad Conrad, is titled, "'Serenity Now!' at Durward's Glen." Director of Durward's Glen, Jerianne Blau Wergin, discusses the glen, its history, and why visitors come from all over the world to visit. The article also mentions the excellent cycling opportunities that abound around Durward's Glen, including Columbia County's own Bike Loops.

The article is available to read at the Portage Chamber office, the Portage Public Library, or through a subscription to Silent Sports.

Taste of Portage featured in Out & About Wisconsin

The upcoming Taste of Portage Market Fair event is featured in Out & About Wisconsin digital magazine. The five-page spread includes information about the Taste of Portage, some large accompanying photos, and full page advertisements promoting the downtown shopping and dining courtesy the Business Improvement District and Forever Yours Jewelry, Inc.

Click Here to view the August issue.

Smart Woman Shoes & Accessories has moved

Smart Woman Shoes & Accessories, the shoes and handbag store formerly located at 201 W. Cook Street, has moved up the block on Cook Street, into Fancy Pants and Smart Woman! Fashions, shoes, and handbags all in one stop! Drop by and shop!

Visit Smart Woman at 120 W. Cook Street (608-742-5733) and Fancy Pants at 124 W. Cook Street (608-742-5711).

Leave an old-fashioned, 5-star review at Wilz Hometown Pharmacy

A customer picked up a prescription at the pharmacy counter, then proceeded to the exit. On the way out the door, the customer paused for a second, reached out, and pulled on the colored strands of ribbon.

“Clang!” the bell on the wall sounded. The customer looked back and gave a wave before exiting. Another five-star review!

The bell and accompanying message in blue letters below the bell -- instructing happy customers to ring the bell if “they like the store or were treated well” -- have been a fixture at Wilz Hometown Pharmacy for some time now.

Click Here for the full article...

Archaeological Dig & Blacksmithing at Agency House

Roll up your sleeves and dig with us into the buried history around the Agency House. Come prepared to get dirty, learn a lot, and personally play an important part in the quest to expand our historical understanding of how the Fort Winnebago Indian Agency and particularly the blacksmith shop functioned in the early 1830s.

Work alongside professional archaeologists. Spectating is free. To participate in the dig itself, a membership is required. Click Here for details. August 5 & 6; 12 & 13.

Re-dedication of marker; reenactors; Ghost Hunt at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters

The Marquette and Joliet expedition reached its 350th anniversary this year. In 1905, the Wau Bun Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated a granite marker noting the spot where the exploring duo made their way into the Wisconsin River.

On Saturday, August 19 at 9:30am, a re-dedication is planned for the marker, which was moved from its original spot at the Dairy Queen parking lot. The re-dedication will be held at the site of the marker's new location -- just across the street, on the south side of Wisconsin Street. All are welcome to attend.

Later, from 11am to 3pm, re-enactors of the Marquette-Joliet journey are planned to be at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters and answer questions. The time and details are subject to change.

Then, The Society for Anomalous Studies, famous for its guided paranormal tours of Milton House and other historical locations, will be on site at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters from 7pm to 9pm on Saturday, August 19. The group will use its expertise to investigate Surgeons Quarters and the Garrison School. Tickets, which cost $40, are limited. Click Here for more information.

A ribbon cutting was held at Nacho's Mexican Grill to welcome this new business to Portage and as a member of the Portage Chamber.

"Thank you Portage for such a beautiful welcome," said Humberto Bravo. "We are very excited for this new adventure and want to delight you with our authentic and delicious food!"

Nacho's Mexican Grill is located at 125 Wauona Trail. For more information, call 608-566-1037.

Upcoming Ribbon cuttings

Join us for a ribbon cutting at Studio 301, 214 W. Wisconsin Street, on Thursday, August 10 at 4pm. Studio 301 is a live performance venue and event space in downtown Portage. We look forward to seeing you there!

Advertise in this Chamber newsletter

Having an event you want others to know about? Submit a one-time flyer insert in this newsletter for $25. Or place a year-long newsletter ad, which links to your website, for $300/year. Call the Portage Chamber for more information at 608-742-6242.

Want to submit an article for this newsletter?

The Chamber's monthly newsletter deadlines the 20th of the month. Members are always welcome to let others know: about new products and services; introduce new associates or promotions; provide updates about their industry or business; give helpful tips; promote a sale or event. For more information, call the Portage Chamber at 608-742-6242.

Job postings on portagewi.com

Check out these job postings on our Chamber site from our member businesses. You are welcome to post job openings your business may have at any time. Call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242 for more information.

THIRSTY THURSDAY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 & 24, 5PM-11PM l STUDIO 301

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 11AM-2PM l PORTAGE STATE BANK

JESS CURNING EXHIBIT - OPENING RECEPTION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 4PM-6PM l PORTAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

(EXHIBIT ON DISPLAY THROUGH AUGUST 25)

COLUMBIA COUNTY K9 UNIT FUNDRAISER

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 9AM-2PM l BEXXY'S HAIR SALON

NATIONAL ROOT BEER FLOAT DAY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 l PORTAGE A&W

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG & BLACKSMITHING

AUGUST 5-6 & 12-13 l HISTORICAL INDIAN AGENCY HOUSE

LIVE MUSIC

AUGUST 4, 9, 10, 12, 17 & 19 AT 7PM l STUDIO 301

RIBBON CUTTING AT STUDIO 301

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 4PM l 214 W. WISCONSIN STREET

PORTAGE WARRIOR SUMMER BASH

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 6PM-10PM l SKY HIGH CAMPING RESORT

TOUCHED TWICE COLUMBIA COUNTY

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 10AM-2PM l VETERAN'S MEMORIAL FIELD

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BRAT SALE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 10AM-6PM l FESTIVAL FOODS

BIG TOP CIRCUS BENEFITING BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 5PM & 7:30PM l VETERAN'S MEMORIAL FIELD

STEERING INTO THE SKID - DINNER & PLAY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, DOORS OPEN 5PM l KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

'A WRINKLE IN TIME'

AUGUST 18-20 & 25-27 I PORTAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

GHOST HUNT

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 7PM I FORT WINNEBAGO SURGEONS QUARTERS

ZONA GALE CELEBRATES FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

10AM I MUSEUM AT THE PORTAGE.

2PM-4PM I WOMEN'S CIVIC LEAGUE HOME - ICE CREAM SOCIAL

DISCUSSION WITH AUTHOR MARGARET GEORGE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 3PM-5PM I FORT WINNEBAGO SURGEONS QUARTERS

COLUMBIA COUNTY TAVERN LEAGUE GOLF OUTING

MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 9AM I SADDLE RIDGE GOLF COURSE

AUDITIONS FOR PACT PLAY "SOUND OF MUSIC"

AUGUST 20, 21, 22 I St. MARY'S CHURCH LOWER LEVEL

LECTURE WITH SUMPTER PRIDDY III

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 6:30PM I FORT WINNEBAGO SURGEONS QUARTERS

COMMUNITY BINGO

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1PM l RIVERWOOD SENIOR LIVING

BACK TO SCHOOL CELEBRATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 3PM-6PM l PORTAGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIST. CAMPUS

TASTE OF PORTAGE MARKET FAIR

AUGUST 25-26 I DOWNTOWN PORTAGE & MARKET SQUARE

CITYWIDE GARAGE SALES - FALL SEASON

AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 3 I PORTAGE

Monthly Recurring Events and Meetings...

PORTAGE FARMERS MARKET

Thursdays, Noon to 5pm at Commerce Plaza.

ELKS VERANDA COOKOUTS

Thursdays, 11am to 5pm, at the Portage Elks Lodge.

WCCU FOOD TRUCK & FOOD STAND FRENZY

Fridays, 11am-3pm, and select days at WCCU Credit Union.

PORTAGE THEATRES 50 CENT MOVIES

Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10am, now through August 10.

CONCERTS AT THE PORTAGE

Wednesdays at 6:30pm behind VFW.

PORTAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Health positive and educational weekly classes held each month.

HARBOR RECOVERY CENTER

Monthly meetings and events.

TEXAS HOLD'EM POKER

Wednesday evenings at the VFW.

ASPIRUS DIVINE SAVIOR HOSPITAL & CLINICS

Monthly meetings centered on health.

Portage Area Chamber of Commerce | 608-742-6242 | pacc@portagewi.com | www.portagewi.com

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