American Legion Celebration of Freedom Event

American Legion State Headquarters in Portage will be celebrating 100 years with activities at Veteran’s Memorial Field. (Columbia County Fairgrounds)

The Legion will be celebrating during the week by bringing veterans and their families, veteran service organizations, firefighters, police officers, EMT’s and Wisconsin residents together to celebrate our freedom, honor those who have and continue to service and teach others about the importance of patriotism and freedom.  This is a state-wide community event showcasing our shared respect for our veterans and public safety officers whose efforts have allowed us to enjoy our freedom.

American Legion Riders will escort the Tribute Wall to Veteran's Memorial Field on  Wednesday, September 4, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The American Legion Riders and the City of Portage Police, Fire and EMS will escort the American Vietnam Traveling Tribute Wall from Gunderson Drive to Veteran's Memorial Field via New Pinery Road. The community is invited to line the streets as the largest traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is escorted through Portage.

The wall will be open for 24-hour viewing beginning Thursday, September 5, with opening ceremonies at 3 p.m. concluding with closing ceremonies at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 8.

Friday, September 6:
Chris Kroeze, Barron County native and 2018 runner-up on NBC’s Emmy Award winning television show, The Voice, takes the stage on Friday, September 6 at 8:00 p.m. Kroeze is sponsored by the City of Portage Tourism Commission. Tickets are available online and may also be purchased at the gate for $20.  Purchase tickets now.

Saturday, September 7: 
Two 45-minute shows at 2 PM and 4 PM by the musical duo, The Memories, playing a mix of 50’s and 60’s, older country, comedy & novelty tunes, food and vendor displays, kickball, cornhole, mobile vet center, veterans in construction equipment display, and special programming throughout the day.

Conscious Pilot, a 5-piece talented Rock Band will bring a vibe to the main stage Saturday night that will make you shake, rattle and roll. Concert gates open at 7:00PM. $20 General Admission Tickets are available and may also be purchased at the gate.  Purchase tickets now.


Other Event Activities:
- Vendor Fair on Saturday
- Cornhole/Kickball
- Special Programming: Ho-Chunk Nation, American Legion Riders, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Posts & Department
- Food and More
 
Applications:
Sponsor Opportunities:
https://wilegion.org/view/document/celebration_prime_sponsor_opp-fillable3.pdf
https://wilegion.org/view/document/al_wi_cof_sponsoropp_v3-fillable.pdf

Vendor Fair:
https://wilegion.org/view/document/2019_cof_vendor_app_fillable.pdf

Food and Beverage:
https://wilegion.org/view/document/2019_cof_f&b_vendor-fillable.pdf

Kick Ball Registration: https://wilegion.org/view/document/2019_kick_ball_registration.pdf

Corn Hole Registration: https://wilegion.org/view/document/2019_cof_corn_hole_registration.pdf

Volunteers are needed for this event and you can register online to help. https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=s.signup&urlid=8050e4dafad22abfe3-celebration&view=standard