Get ready to dive into the entertainment of the Taste of Portage Market Fair, a beloved end-of-summer extravaganza that’s been lighting up this vibrant town of 10,000 for over four decades! Nestled snugly between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, Portage is gearing up to deliver delicious food, live music, family-friendly activities, and more on Friday evening, August 23, and Saturday, August 24.
Head down to the Market Square parking lot along Cook Street (State Highway 33) on Friday evening where the festivities kick off at 5 p.m.! Get your taste buds tingling with tantalizing treats from local eateries, food trucks, and non-profit organizations, while you groove to the irresistible beats of Best Practice, Portage’s very own musical maestros, belting out your favorite pop and country tunes starting at 6 p.m. Head over to the beer tent and grab yourself a frosty beverage to sip on while you soak in the electric atmosphere.
But wait, the fun is just getting started! Saturday morning revs up bright and early with the second annual Half Marathon and 5K races, sending runners on a scenic journey through the heart of Portage. Lace up your sneakers and join the excitement as participants dash past lush community parks and along the picturesque Levee path beside the Wisconsin River. Ready to lace up? Registration is open now at www.portagewi.com – don’t miss out on the action!
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the excitement continues to build at Market Square, Cook Street, and DeWitt Street, where classic car aficionados and crafters unite for a showcase. Marvel at the timeless beauty of classic automobiles and explore a treasure trove of handcrafted delights in the vendor fair. Plus, history buffs won’t want to miss the guided walking tour of downtown led by Judy Eulberg, offering fascinating insights into the rich heritage and architecture of Portage’s historic buildings. The walking tour begins at 104 W. Cook Street at 10 a.m.
And let’s talk about the music! Market Square comes alive with the rhythms of Hirt Albert, serving up a smorgasbord of music from Al Hirt and Herb Alpert, at 11 a.m. You will be surprised at how many songs you will recognize! Following Hirt Alpert come the sounds of Swing Crew at 2 p.m. Fun is the bottom line with this interactive, acoustic band. The shows feature a wide variety of music, audience participation, and cornball humor. But that’s not all – catch a martial arts demonstration by the talented students of Plumer Karate America during the band break, showcasing their mastery of awe-inspiring techniques.
Meanwhile, the little ones are in for a treat of their own at the St. John’s Child Development Center Kid’s Creation Station. They can transform into lions, butterflies, or even slithery snakes, with delightful face painting. Take home whimsical balloon sculptures crafted right before their eyes or bounce to their hearts’ content in the inflatable bouncy house and slide.
Kids can also get up close and personal with the animals at the Cattail Critters Petting Zoo in the grassy area near the corner of Cook and DeWitt Street.
Everyone can join in the hunt for fantastic deals at the summer Sidewalk Sales happening throughout downtown Portage on Saturday.
So mark your calendars for August 23-24, because the Taste of Portage Market Fair is gearing up to deliver a weekend of fun, flavor, and memories that’ll last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on the excitement – come hungry, come curious, and come ready to Explore More…Explore Portage!
For further details, visit the Portage Chamber of Commerce website at: https://chamber.portagewi.com/events/details/taste-of-portage-aug-23-24-2024-33738?calendarMonth=2024-08-01.