Each year, residents of Portage and the surrounding areas make their way to Countryside Park for a day of fun as a variety of activities take place during the Portage Historical Festival. The gathering is hosted by the Portage Community Historical Society. The 24th annual fest will occur on Saturday, June 25, from 10am to 5pm. Antiques, crafters, re-enactors, concessions, live music, contests and silent auctions will all be featured. A fishing derby sponsored by Wal-Mart will be held. Other contests include pie eating, Karaoke, dancing and watermelon eating. Children will also have the chance to enter a spelling bee.
Alton Goin Museum, located in Countryside Park, is open for tours every Friday and Saturday from 11am to 3pm. The museum, which is filled with Portage history, and a 100-year old farmhouse, which can be visited on Saturdays only, are two of the only places in Portage to take a look back at some of the history of the city. One purpose of the Historical Festival is increase interest in visiting these attractions.
The farmhouse was originally owned by the Trager family. The museum is home to many interesting antiques and memorabilia. A horse drawn buggy, old uniforms from Portage High School teams, an old loom and a 1929 American LaFrance fire truck are among the many items included in the museum.
People are encouraged to attend the Historical Festival regardless of their interest in or knowledge of the history of Portage. It is a great way to spend a Saturday with family and friends. Live music, raffles and contests with prizes to be given away all contribute to the electric atmosphere that will be present. The festival does a great job combining history with various kinds of entertainment so that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The Portage High School JROTC will open the day by presenting the colors as Mayor Olga Velazquez performs the national anthem. Wolfgang and the Rusty Pipes will entertain the attendees with live music throughout the day.
Click here for an article about last year’s festival, or here to visit Portage Community Historical Society website.