July 2024

Golf outing recap

Wow, what an incredible day we had at the Portage Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing on June 12!



A huge thank you to everyone—all our golfers, our sponsors, and volunteers—who made this day possible. Your support means the world to us and helps the Chamber continue our programs that benefit our community, businesses, and residents.

Special shoutout to NorthShore Restaurant, Portage Country Club and our amazing sponsors who helped make this event a success. Your contributions and participation ensure we can keep rolling out the great programs that benefit everyone in Portage.

Make sure to add Wednesday, June 11, 2025 to your calendar for next year.

Thank You Golf Sponsors!

New Life Physical Therapy

Community Bank of Portage

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home

Portage State Bank

H.G. Meigs/Meigs Trucking Inc.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott and

Fairfield Inn & Suites Wisconsin Dells

Pride of America Camping Resort

Rhyme

Blau Family Chiropractic

Roth Professional Solutions

Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative

Natures Way Landscaping &

Snow Removal

Gumz Farms

Tricor Insurance

General Engineering

Trecek Automotive

Cascade Mountain

Zimmerman Plumbing

Culver’s Restaurant

WCCU Credit Union

United Country Hamele

Midwest Lifestyle Properties

Cardinal FG

Wisconsin River Title

Edward Jones - Financial Advisors

Bank First

Econoprint

Enbridge

Arbor Green, Inc.

Portage Fireworks July 6

The Portage Fireworks Celebration, presented by Festival Foods, will be held on the north side of Portage, just off of Gunderson Drive. We encourage you to enjoy the show from areas nearby including the parking lot area of Festival Foods and the neighboring businesses and side streets. The show will begin at 9:30pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Presenting Sponsors: Festival Foods, City of Portage Tourism and the Portage Chamber of Commerce.

Supporting Sponsors: Cardinal FG, Community Bank of Portage, Enbridge, WCCU Credit Union, Wisconsin River Title 

Grab Your Paddle! Explore Canoeing and Kayaking!

Whether you own your own kayak or canoe, or are looking to rent one, Portage is the ultimate destination for your next paddling adventure.

There's a variety of paddling options for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. Whether you want to cast a line, float with the current, or explore new bodies of water, we have everything you need for a perfect trip. Click Here!

Independence Day Workout

Sport your favorite patriotic gear and come to the Portage CrossFit Cooperative on Thursday, July 4 for a Hero Workout of the Day to honor fallen soldiers. Doors will open at 7:30am; workout starts at 8am. The most patriotically attired will win a prize! Click Here for more information.

Ladies Must Swing performs July 12

Join us at Pauquette Park to enjoy some live music on Friday, July 12 at 6:30pm. We encourage you to bring your family and friends along with a lawn chair or blanket. Spend a relaxing evening at the park listening to live music! Concert is free to attend.

The evening's performance will feature Ladies Must Swing Band, a 17-piece, all female Big Band, featuring five saxophones, four trumpets and four trombones. Nemmas World Tour Food Truck will be onsite selling yummy bites for you to enjoy. 

Thank You Concert Sponsors!

The Remember Project

Watch this play centered around children deciding on a course of action for their beloved father who is suffering from Alzheimer's. You can view in-person or via your own computer on Wednesday, July 17. For times, locations, and more info, click here.

Downtown Portage Night Market July 18

Join us for an evening of live entertainment, food, crafts, and shopping on Thursday, July 18 from 5pm-7pm during the Downtown Portage Night Market at Commerce Plaza. This event follows the Portage Farmers Market and is hosted by Downtown Portage Business Improvement District. 

We are looking for vendors to showcase products. Vendors, artisans, local growers and more are invited to set up a booth at the Downtown Market. Contact downtown@portagewi.com or the Chamber at 742-6242 to reserve a booth.

Welcome New Chamber Members

Corporate Technical Solutions, LLC

Portage, WI

Gregory Malsack at 608-305-8447

We provide computer systems, camera systems, phone systems,

and RFID access control systems to businesses.

Ribbon Cuttings

A ribbon cutting was held at Pet Supplies Plus, 2800 New Pinery Road, to welcome this new business to the community and as a member of the Portage Chamber.

Pets and pet supplies, toys and treats, dog wash, grooming services, online ordering, home delivery, and more!

For more information, call 608-839-7126 or visit petsuppliesplus.com.

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.

Murder Mystery Dinner

Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters invites the public to “Charlotte and Horatio: A Murder Mystery, Dinner and Hearty Helping of History” at the VFW Hall, 215 W. Collins Street, on Saturday, July 20.

The 1836 Fort Winnebago wedding reception of Charlotte Ouisconsin Clark and Lt. Horatio Van Cleve will be re-enacted. Unlike 188 years ago, however, murder will cast a pall over the couple’s special day and the guests must solve this whodunit. Click Here to read more and for ticket information.

$1 Summer Movies

Portage Theatres is offering $1 Summer Movies with all showings at 10am on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays continuing through August 15.

See a different family movie each week! Click Here for the summer schedule.

Car Wash for River Haven

A Car Wash to benefit River Haven Homeless Shelter will be held at 2639 New Pinery Road from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, July 20. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and the Portage K-9 Unit and Portage Police and Fire Department will also be on hand. For more information, call 608-742-7687.

Portage State Bank Customer Appreciation

Join Portage State Bank for their Customer Appreciation the week of July 22-26 to celebrate 20 years. To help show their appreciation for their amazing customers, events will be held daily from 9am-4pm in the lobby of Portage State Bank at 2838 New Pinery Road. The bank is collecting donations for River Haven, Columbia County Humane Society, and the Lions Club during this week. Click Here for a list of essential items those organizations are seeking.

Columbia County Fair

The Columbia County Fair officially opens Wednesday, July 24 with the carnival opening at 5pm at Veterans Memorial Field (Columbia County Fairgrounds) in Portage. Grandstand events begin Thursday, July 25 and continue through the evening of Saturday, July 27. There are specials each day of the fair through Sunday, July 28. Call 608-697-5043 during the fair for information or visit https://columbiacountyfairwi.org/

Enduring Skills Weekend July 27-28

Try your own hand at an exciting sampling of skills that have endured through the centuries or have been re-created through research and experimentation. Check out a fantastic lineup of Enduring Skills stations for adults and kids ages 5 and up during this weekend, Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 at the Historic Indian Agency House.

Click Here for more information.

Prairie restoration at Agency House continues....

Much remains to be done to transform the Agency House site back to a prairie landscape. Phase 4 is slated to begin this fall. Enjoy a video on the phase 3

progress and phase 4 plans here.

Taste of Portage Half Marathon & 5K

Calling All Runners!

Are you ready to lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement? Join us for the Taste of Portage Half Marathon & 5K on Saturday Aug 24th!

Finish strong and treat yourself to the delicious flavors at the Taste of Portage festival!

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, there’s a spot for you in this fun and friendly race. Grab your friends, family, and fellow runners – let’s make this year’s event the best one yet!



Register now and be a part of something special! Follow the link for more. Click the link to sign up:

Fun Things to Do in July!!

3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31 Portage Theatres Summer Movie Series

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Texas Hold’em Poker at Portage VFW, 6pm

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Concerts at the Portage at Portage VFW, 6:30pm

4 Independence Day Workout at Portage Crossfit Cooperative, 8am

4, 11, 18, 25 Portage Farmers Market at Commerce Plaza, 11am-Noon

4, 11, 18, 25 Lunch at the Elks Lodge 11am-5pm

5, 12, 19, 26 WCCU Credit Union Food Truck and Stand Frenzy, 11am-3pm

6 Portage Fireworks Celebration, north side of Portage, 9:30pm

7 Flea Market at the Grandstand, Veteran's Memorial Field, 9am-3pm

8-13, 15-20 Summer Theatre Workshops, Portage Center for the Arts

9, 16, 23, 30 Community Camaraderie at Portage VFW, 1pm-4pm

11-13 Garden Tractor Daze at Columbia County Fairgrounds

11 Cookie Sale at Aspirus Divine Savior, 10am-2pm

11 A Round with Agrace at Trappers Turn, 11am

12 Chat & Create at Portage Public Library 9:30am-11:30am

12 Concert in the Park with the Ladies Must Swing Band, Pauquette Park, 6:30pm

12 Summer Nights with Acideon at Studio 301, 7pm

13 Elks Golf Outing at Portage Country Club, shotgun start at 8am

13 Saddle Ridge Harmony Housing Partners of Wisconsin Golf Outing, 9am

13 Sleep in Heavenly Peace Build Day, 628 E. Albert St., 9am-11am

13 Edgewater Home & Garden Anniversary Sale, 8:30am-3pm

13 Race for Agrace, Baraboo (or virtually)

13 Rock Show with The Skintones at Studio 301, 6pm

17 The Remember Project, in-person at 4:30pm/virtual pre-show, 5:15pm

18 Downtown Portage Night Market, 5pm-7pm

18 Sip & Spit Comedy Show at Studio 301, 6pm

18 Summer Library Program Closing Party with Jolie Canoli, 6pm-7pm

19 Comedy & Rock Show at Studio 301, 6pm

20 Car Wash for River Haven at 2639 New Pinery Road, 10am-2pm

20 Murder Mystery Dinner at VFW presented by Surgeons Quarters, 5pm

20 Love Your Neighbor Community Cookout at Goodyear Park, 3pm-6pm

20 RocknRoll Night at Studio 301, 6pm

24-28 Columbia County Fair at Veterans Memorial Field

26-28 Portage Youth Softball Summer Tournament

27-28 Enduring Skills Weekend at Historic Indian Agency House

27 Car Show and Food Truck Fair at Edgewater Home & Garden, 10am-3pm

Portage Service Clubs - Meetings

Rotary - Wednesdays, Noon at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.

Lions - 2^nd Wednesday, 5:30pm at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd. (summer month meetings change locations)

Kiwanis - Wednesdays, Noon at Pizza Ranch, 2905 New Pinery Rd.

Optimists - Tuesdays, 7am at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.

Elks - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 7pm; 2nd Tuesday only in July, August and December

Women's Civic League - 2nd Wednesday, Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.

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.

July Support Group Meetings

8, 15, 22, 29 NA Recovery Meeting at The Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Women's AA Group at Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm-7pm

2 Free Family Meal at Harbor Recovery Center, 5pm

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Portage Al-Anon Group at The Harbor Recovery Center, Noon

4 Diabetes Support Group - Aspirus Divine Savior-Classroom A/B, 1:30pm-2:30pm

4, 11, 18, 25 AA Big Book Study at Harbor Recovery Center, 7pm

11 ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group in Columbus, 1pm-2:30pm

14 Rise Up For Recovery! at Pauquette Park, 1pm to 4pm

18 ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group in Lodi, 1pm-2:30pm

30 Riverwood Senior Living Caregiver Support Group, 10am-11:30am

Submit your Events!

Are you planning an event this year? Get it posted on our web community calendar at www.portagewi.com. One of the most popularly viewed of the Chamber website pages, the calendar allows you to submit your own events.

Simply click this link and submit your events. If you have questions, please call the Chamber office at 608-742-6242.

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

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