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Taste of Portage Market Fair 2025
If you’re looking for the perfect way to wrap up your Wisconsin summer, check out Taste of Portage Market Fair 2025 — happening Friday evening and Saturday, August 22 & 23, in beautiful downtown Portage. From live music and classic cars to delicious eats and family fun, this celebration has something for everyone.
Savor the flavors at the food court & beer tent from Friday night through Saturday afternoon, the Food Court at Market Square will be sizzling with flavor. Whether you’re craving festival favorites or something new, you won’t leave hungry. And yes — the beer tent offerings will keep you cool.
Soak in the sounds of summer on Friday night as the event kicks off with Best Practice rocking the Market Square stage at 6pm. On Saturday, you’ll catch performances from fan favorites like The WhiskeyBelles and Smokin’ Meerkats — plus even more tunes at the corner of Cook and DeWitt Street with the Red Hot Trad Jazz Band.
If shiny chrome and vintage vibes make your heart race, you’ll love the car and truck show on Cook Street. It’s free to browse, and only $10 to register your ride; Check-in begins at 8am.
Lace up for the Taste of Portage Half Marathon & 5K on Saturday at 7am. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a first-timer, this scenic route is the perfect way to start your Saturday. Register online here or in person at 112 East Edgewater Street.
Stroll along DeWitt Street and shop from local artisans and craft vendors from 10am to 3pm. From handmade gifts to home decor, you never know what you’ll discover. Don’t forget to stop by our downtown shops, too - they’ll be running summer Sidewalk Sales starting at 11am! Support local. Score deals. Find something totally unique.
Take a tour of the downtown with local historian Judy Eulberg. The free, hour-long tour leaves from the Portage Chamber office at 104 W. Cook Street at 10am.
Bring the kiddos — there's a whole corner just for them! From balloon sculpting and face painting to a bouncy house and craft station, your little ones will be entertained for hours. Find the St. John's Child Development Center near Cook and Marachowsky Place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday.
This is one of Portage’s biggest events of the year, and we’re so excited to welcome you back downtown for unforgettable fun, flavor, and community. Whether you’re into music, motors, shopping, or sunshine — Taste of Portage has it all!
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Sign up for the Explorer Passport!
Get this mobile self-guided pass that showcases our local museums and the vibrancy of our community through a compelling new way to engage with local experiences. Discover the stories and people that shaped Portage. Passes go anywhere a passholder’s adventure takes them, leading them to the next great place our community has to offer.
Tour our city’s historic sites with the free Portage Explorer Pass. Museum at the Portage, Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters, Historic Indian Agency House, American Legion History Museum and Portage Center for the Arts are featured.
Click Here for more information and to sign up.
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THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO REGISTERED FOR
THIS EVENT; ALL SEATS ARE RESERVED
August Chamber Business Luncheon
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is offering another way to network with your fellow Chamber members and make those important connections that can help you in your business or career. Bring your business cards, brochures, or anything you wish to share with other members.
Luncheon Information
Join us for this month’s Chamber Luncheon as we welcome Portage's newly elected Mayor Matt Fiene as our featured speaker. This is a valuable opportunity to hear firsthand about the Mayor’s vision for the future of our city, upcoming priorities, and how local businesses can stay engaged in shaping Portage’s growth and development.
Location: Dino's Restaurant
Time: Lunch at 11:30AM, Presentation at Noon
Cost: pay for your lunch at the restaurant
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
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Fall Wine Walk: Boots, Bottles, and Buckles
Shine up your boots and grab your cowboy hat! Portage's Fall Wine Walk is happening Friday, September 19 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, going full Country Glam with a night of sips, rhinestone accents, and Western flair! Expect a dazzling blend of rustic charm and elegant bling while you sip wines at every stop along the country trail. Dress to impress with a touch of cowboy sparkle—think denim, rhinestones, boots, belt buckles and cowboy hats!
Tickets to the Wine Walk are $40 each in advance; Ticket sales will start Tuesday, August 19. Click Here for more information.
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A groundbreaking was held on July 14 at the site of a new Charters of Freedom setting to be located at Riverside Park, 300 E. Wisconsin Street. Portage city officials joined Mayor Matt Fiene in hoisting shovels of dirt at the location of the setting, the first of its kind in Wisconsin.
The Charters of Freedom setting features four pages of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence as displayed in The National Archives, in Washington, D.C., along with an additional display of the Civil Rights Amendments. Foundation Forward, Inc. is an educational non-profit that installs life-size the replicas of the United States’ Charters of Freedom in communities across America. You can donate a brick toward the project: Click Here for information.
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Upcoming Ribbon Cutting
A ribbon cutting will be held at 1873 Bar & Grill, 301 DeWitt Street, to welcome Casey & Stephanie Mathura as new owners. Join us on Thursday, August 28 at 4pm for the ribbon cutting! Enjoy food and drink specials and more! Stop by Labor Weekend for their grand opening with live music along with food and drink specials. Help us welcome them to the Portage community.
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Volunteers wanted for Half Marathon & 5K
An early morning, upcoming volunteering opportunity awaits! The Portage Chamber is looking for volunteers to help with the Half Marathon & 5K event on Saturday, August 23.Volunteers are needed to help monitor intersections so runners can get through the course. No prior experience needed. Call the Portage Chamber at 608-742-6242 if you are interested in helping.
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Laura's School of Dance New Class Alert
Calling all tiny dancers and their favorite grown-ups! Laura's School of Dance is thrilled to announce a brand new Parent & Me Dance Class launching this fall – perfect for little movers as young as 18 months! Whether it’s your toddler’s first time dancing or you’re both ready to groove, explore rhythm, coordination, and creativity in a playful, welcoming space. Fall Session begins soon – spots are limited! Message 608-566-7204, laurasschoolofdance@ymail.com or visit Laurasschoolofdanceportage.com.
GET READY TO DANCE OR TUMBLE! Registration for the 2025/2026 Season is Almost Here! This is going to be the best season yet and can’t wait to dance with you again! In-person registration dates: Aug. 7, Portage, 5pm-7pm; Aug. 21, Portage, 5:30pm-7:30pm; Aug. 28, Berlin, 5pm-6:30pm.
Can’t make it in person? No problem — you can register by mail! Just email to request a registration form. Come be a part of a professional local dance studio and have fun making memories!
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Papa Murphy's Deals
Starting Tuesday, August 5, Papa Murphy's is offering $10 for any large signature pizza, or create your own up to 5 toppings. A family signature pizza, or create your own up to 5 toppings, is $13. Papa Murphy's is located at 2936 New Pinery Road. Visit www.papamurphys.com.
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Theresa's Boutique Summer Sale
Theresa's Boutique is having an End of Summer, It's Gotta Go, Clear it Out Sale! Take 60% off all summer apparel and sandals. All dresses, crops, capris, tops, sandals - if it's summer, it's gotta go! Basic year-round staple items excluded (example-dress slacks) and excludes new fall arrivals and previous purchases. All sales are final; no returns.
Sale may not be combined with any other discounts or loyalty redemption (you will still get your points). For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/Theresasboutiqueportage.
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Positively Portage looking to donate AED machines
YOU may save a life! Are you a club, a restaurant, a business in the Portage area?
Do you host a large group of people on a regular basis? Positively Portage! (Portage Area Community Charitable Trust) announces a new community initiative. They are prepared to donate up to 10 Stryker/Physio-Control Lifepak CR2s (AEDs, Automatic External Defibrillators to qualifying area entities meeting the criteria.
Please send your request letter stating your qualifications to: Positively Portage, P.O. Box 715, Portage, WI 53901. The group looks forward to working with you to identify community needs and enhance life in Portage, Wisconsin!
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PSC approves Alliant's Columbia Energy Storage Project
In Business Madison Staff - July 18, 2025: Plans to construct the first long-duration energy storage system of its kind in the United States are advancing following approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC).
Alliant Energy’s proposed Columbia Energy Storage Project will advance energy storage while bolstering the power grid to benefit Wisconsin residents.
Development of the Columbia Energy Storage Project is being led by Alliant Energy in partnership with Wisconsin Public Service Corp., a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, and Madison Gas and Electric.
Utilizing new technology designed by Energy Dome, the Columbia Energy Storage Project will boost grid stability, improve resilience and deliver enough electricity to power approximately 18,000 Wisconsin homes for 10 hours on a single charge.
The closed-loop system will take energy from the grid and convert CO2 gas into a compressed liquid form for long-term storage. Then, when the stored energy is needed, the system will convert the liquid CO2 back to a gas, which powers a turbine to create electricity.
The energy storage system will be built near Alliant Energy’s existing Columbia Energy Center. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
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Vacation Bible School - August 4-8
Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 585 E. Slifer Street, will host Vacation Bible School
August 4 through August 8 from 5pm to 7pm each day. This is open to any child between 4K and 8th Grade, completely free with dinner provided to children each evening. Register at myvbs.org/portagelutheranchurch.
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National Night Out 2025 - August 5
The Portage Area First Responders National Night Out 2025 will be held on Tuesday, August 5 from 4pm to 7pm at Collipp-Worden Park, 210 W. Slifer Street. The goal of the event is to bring the community together to enjoy a safe fun night, with food, games, and demonstrations, that are entirely free! Please bring non-perishable foods to this event and help combat hunger in our community.
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Garden Party Bingo sponsored by Arbor Green, Inc. - Aug. 7
Enjoy a Vintage Garden Party Bingo at Rock N Wool Winery with our presenting sponsor of Arbor Green, Inc. on Thursday, August 7! Doors Open at 5pm, Bingo starts at 6pm. There will be food, prizes, and a bucket raffle with a chance to win $100 cash and a bottle of wine every round. All proceeds will support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for children, Dane & Columbia Counties.
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Portage Lions Stuff the Bus this August
The Portage Lions Club School Supply Drive will be happening at the Portage Wal-Mart, 2950 New Pinery Road, on August 1, 2, 8, 9 from 4pm to 7pm, collecting school supplies and books for students of the Portage Public Schools.
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Car Show at Edgewater Home & Garden - August 9
Who doesn't like cool cars?? Come check them out and hang out at Edgewater Home & Garden, 2957 Highway CX, on Saturday, August 9 from 10am to 2pm.
If you have a classic car that you would like to show off, they would LOVE to have you join! Just send an email, info@edgewaterhomeandgarden.com; there is no charge to participate or attend!
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Kids Painting Class at Mercantile - August 9
Kids (5 years and older) can create their own colorful abstract acrylic painting on a 8x8 canvas to take home at the Mercatile, 117 W. Cook Street, on Saturday, August 9 at 1pm. $30 each. Limit 6. Call 608-745-5768 for more information.
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Afternoon of Gospel Music at Pauquette Park - August 10
A free concert featuring an afternooon of gospel music at Pauquette Park, 800 W. Conant Street, with Mark Ringwelski is hosted and supported by the church family of the Portage Seventh-day Adventist Church. There will be water and snacks available, please bring a chair. The event is happening Sunday, August 10 from 3pm to 5pm.
In the event of rain, the concert will be held at the Portage Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2100 East State Road 33, Portage.
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Paint and Snack at ADRC - August 11
Join TRIAD and the ADRC for a fun Paint and Snack event taught by the Pardeeville Art Club for people ages 60+ on Monday, August 11 at the Portage City Hall Basement, 115 W. Pleasant Street, at 1pm. Come prepared to follow instruction from the Pardeeville Art Club and eat some snacks! RSVP's required at 608-742-9233.
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Speaker Series at Agency House - August 12
Part 3 of 3 of the Historic Indian Agency House Heath & Home Speaker Series features Tamara Funk: “Haste to the Wedding: Philosophies and Customs of Euro-American Courtship and Weddings in the 18th-20th Centuries” on Tuesday, August 12 at 6:30pm.
Historic Indian Agency House is located at 1490 Agency House Road. Click Here for more information.
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Chef Mark Anthony's Dinner & A Message - August 14
Mark Anthony is a motivational speaker and chef who teaches healthy cooking, nutrition, and how to develop the most abundant life possible. He has done health lectures and live cooking programs in every state of the country.
Enjoy dinner and a message from Mark Anthony on Thursday, August 14 at 6pm at Portage Seventh-day Adventist Church. Free event, seating is limited. For more information, please call 608-742-4695.
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Young People's Theatre performance - Aug. 15-17, 21, 23 & 24
Catch 'Peter and the Star Catcher,' a Young People's Theatre performance, on August 15-17, 21, 23, and 24, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 3pm at Portage Center for the Arts, 301 E. Cook Street. Adults ticket is $15; 12 & Under $10; Family Special: $40 for two parents/guardians and up to 5 of their children.
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Meet the LeRois at Surgeons Quarters - August 16
The Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters, 1824 E. State Road 33, is hosting an event: "Meet the LeRois: Descendants of Fort's 1st family" on Saturday, August 16.
Francois LeRoi was born in Green Bay in 1790; half French-Canadian, half Menominee Indian. In 1812 he married Therese L’Ecuyer at the Fox-Wisconsin portage where she grew up. Francois inherited a portaging business from Therese’s father and was paid to transport goods and boats between the rivers. Francois built the FWSQ cabin between 1819 and 1824. The large cabin overlooking the portage served as his place of business and his family’s home. Francois sold the cabin to the U.S. government in 1828, to become part of the site of Fort Winnebago. He lives on through his many descendants today, who will be gathering at FWSQ to celebrate their history. For more information, call 608-742-2949.
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175th Anniversary Fort Winnebago Masonic Center - Aug. 16
Celebrate 175 years of rich history at the Fort Winnebago Masonic Center right here in Portage on Saturday, August 16! There will be an Open House, Shrine Units performance, and a Bourbon Event (tickets required). Click Here for a schedule of events and more information.
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Society Hill Historic District Walking Tour - August 16
The Historical Preservation Commission is sponsoring the "Society Hill Historic District Walking Tour" at Noon starting at the Museum at the Portage, 804 MacFarlane Road, on Saturday, August 16. Local historian Judy Eulberg will guide the tour.
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Women's Civic League Celebrates Zona Gale - August 16
The Women's Civic League of Portage is celebrating Zona Gale on Saturday, August 16 from 2pm to 4pm. Come join them in the beautiful backyard setting of the Zona Gale home, 506 W. Edgewater Street, for pie and ice cream. Free tours of the clubhouse and Susan Franklin will be serenading attendees with her beautiful voice.
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Auditions for Shrek the Musical at PCA - August 18-20
Portage Area Community Theatre is proud to announce open auditions for their upcoming production of Shrek the Musical! Auditions will be August 18, 19, 20 from 5:30pm to 8pm at the Portage Center for the Arts. Auditions are open to all people ages 10+, but children 8-9 will be considered if they have an adult family member involved in the cast and crew. Click Here for more information.
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Cross of Christ Lutheran Church Ice Cream Social - Aug. 21
Join us on August 21 from 2-4pm. Cross of Christ Evangelical Church will be serving Free Ice Cream to the community in the church parking lot, 585 Slifer Street, on Thursday, August 21 from 2pm to 4pm!
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'The Straight Talk' with Dr. Chyann - August 21
Come hear a different topic on the last Thursdays of each month during 'The Straight Talk' with Dr. Chyann at Blau Family Chiropractic. This month, the date is Thursday, August 21 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Snacks and drinks always provided. Open to the public. Blau Family Chiropractic is located at 641 Latton Lane. Visit blauchiropractic.com for more information.
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Book Launch at Mercantile - August 23
The Mercantile, 117 W. Cook Street, is hosting a Book Launch from 3pm to 5pm. The book, Haunted Portage, Wisconsin, is by Shelley Mordini and Sharon Hart Addy. Stop by during the Taste of Portage! For more information, contact the Mercantile at 608-745-5768.
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Caregiver Celebration at ADRC - August 26
Take some time for yourself on Tuesday, August 26. Listen to two presentations by Sheri Fairman, who holds a master’s degree in social work and brings over 15 years of dedicated experience working with older adults and their care partners. In between her presentations, enjoy grabbing some food from the food truck and visiting our self-care stations. Free community event for all caregivers in Columbia County! Sponsored by ADRC of Columbia County, 111 E. Mullet Street. Click Here for more information. RSVP required at 608-742-9233.
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Our House Senior Living Open House - August 29
Our House Senior Living in Portage, 2876 Village Road/215 Northridge Drive, invites you to join them for an Open House on Saturday, August 29 from 2pm to 4pm. Set up a tour and your name will be entered in a drawing for a basket. Entertainment by T&B Mini Acres Friendly Farmyard, face painting, and temporary tattoo station. Cookies with refreshments, too. Please RSVP to 608-745-0330.
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Produce Harvest Exchange - August 30
Join Edgewater Home & Garden for their first-ever Produce Harvest Exchange, an event centered around community, sustainability, and seasonal abundance on Saturday, August 30 from 10am to 2pm. If your garden is producing more than you can eat—or you’re simply interested in trading with fellow local growers—this is your opportunity to share and discover something new. Edgewater Home & Garden is located at 2957 Highway CX. For more information, call 608-742-6558.
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Spread the word about Portage!
Use #portagewi or #portagechamberwi in your social media posts.
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Fun Things to Do in August!!
1 Opening Reception: Tiny heART Show, Portage Center for the Arts, 4pm-6pm;
Exhibit on display through August 29.
1, 2, 8, 9 Portage Lions Club Stuff the Bus at Walmart
2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 Make & Takes at Portage Craft Mall, Noon-2pm
4-8 Vacation Bible School at Cross of Lutheran Church
4, 11, 18, 25 Euchre Club at Portage Library, 1pm-2:30pm
4, 11, 18, 25 Zumba at the Library, 5:30pm-6:15pm
5 Portage Chamber Business Luncheon at Dino's, 11:30am - SOLD OUT
5 National Night Out at Collipp-Worden Park, 4pm-7pm
5-7, 12-14, 19-21 Portage Theatres Summer Series, 10am
5, 12, 19, 26 Chair Yoga at the Library, 9:15am
5, 12, 19, 26 Meditation at the Library, 10am-10:15am
6, 13, 20, 27 Texas Hold 'em Poker at VFW, Poker starts at 7:30pm
6, 13, 20, 27 Concerts at the Portage, behind the VFW, 6:30pm
7 Garden Party Bingo with Dane & Columbia County CASA presented by Arbor Green, Inc. at Rock N Wool Winery, doors open 5pm; bingo at 6pm
7, 14, 21, 28 Zumba Gold + Balance Bonus at Portage Library, 9:15am
7, 14, 21, 28 Portage Farmers Market at Commerce Plaza, Noon-5pm
7, 14, 21, 28 Elks Lodge Lunch on the Veranda, 11am-5pm
9 Car Show at Edgewater Home & Garden, 10am-2pm
9 Create Date at Portage Center for the Arts, Noon-2pm
9 Kids' Painting Class at Mercantile, 1pm-3pm
10, 17, 23, 31 Live Music at Johnny B's, 1pm-4pm
10 Afternoon of Gospel Music by Portage Seventh-day Adventist Church at Pauquette Park, 3pm-5pm
11 Paint and Snack at ADRC, 1pm
12 Speaker Series at Agency House, 6:30pm
13 Bingo at Portage Library, 1pm-2pm
14 Cookie Sale at Aspirus Divine Savior lobby, 10am-2pm
14 Chef Mark Anthony's Dinner & A Message, Portage Seventh-day Adventist Church, 6pm
15-17, 21, 23 & 24 Young People's Theatre at Portage Center for the Arts
16 Society Hill Historic District Walking Tour, Museum at the Portage, Noon
16 Women's Civic League celebrates Zona Gale, pie and ice cream, 2pm-4pm
16 175th Anniversary Celebration of Fort Winnebago Masonic Center
18-20 Auditions open for Shrek the Musical (PACT) at Portage Center for the Arts
21 Ice Cream Social at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 2pm-4pm
22-23 Taste of Portage Market Fair
23 Taste of Portage Half Marathon & 5K
23 Taste of Portage Classic Car & Truck Show
23 Downtown Walking Tour, leaves from Portage Chamber office at 10am
22 Game Night at Gathering Midwest church, 6pm-9pm
23 Book Launch (Haunted Portage, Wisconsin) at Mercantile, 3pm-5pm
26 Caregiver Celebration at ADRC, 11am-2pm
28 Ribbon Cutting at 1873 Bar & Grill, 4pm
28 The Straight Talk with Dr. Chyann at Blau Chiropractic, 5:30pm-6:30pm
29 Our House Senior Living Open House 2025, 2pm-4pm
30 Produce Harvest Exchange at Edgewater Home & Garden, 10am-2pm
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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.
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August Support Group, Healthcare Meetings
4 ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group, Portage Library, 1pm-2:30pm
4, 11, 18, 25 NA Recovery Meeting at The Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm
5 Free Family Meal at Harbor Recovery Center, 5pm
5, 12, 19, 26 Women's AA Group at Harbor Recovery Center, 6pm-7pm
5, 12, 19, 26 Grief Share at CrossPoint Assembly of God, 6pm-8pm (thru 9/2/25)
6, 13, 20, 27 Portage Al-Anon Group at The Harbor Recovery Center, Noon
7, 14, 21, 28 Big Book Study (AA) at Harbor Recovery Center, 7pm-8pm
11 Portage Memory Cafe at Columbia County ADRC, 10am-11:30am
14 ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group, Columbus, 10am-11:30am
21 ADRC Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group in Lodi, 1pm-2:30pm
26 Caregiver Support Group, Riverwood Senior Living, WI Dells, 10am-11:30am
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Portage Service Clubs - Meetings
Rotary - Wednesdays, Noon at Dino’s Restaurant, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
Lions - 2nd 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, locations vary, 2900 New Pinery Rd.
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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.
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