SPI Passport Summer Tour Wrap-Up: Stops 3 & 4
Highlights from the Last Legs of Our Journey
Our inaugural SPI Passport Summer Tour took teammates, families, and friends on a journey across Wisconsin to celebrate the people who make SPI special. At each stop, participants collected Passport stamps for entries into our grand-prize drawing at the SPI Fall Social Event—while discovering new communities and creating memories along the way. As summer draws to a close, we’re thrilled to share a look back at our final two stops.
Stop 3 – Taste of Portage Market Fair (Saturday, August 23)
On Saturday, August 23rd, the SPI team rolled into the bustling Taste of Portage Market Fair in Market Square, Portage, WI with our colorful SPI van. From 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, teammates, families, and community members stopped by the van to have their Passports stamped—each stamp earning another entry in the grand-prize drawing at the SPI Fall Social Event.
The fair itself was packed with activities: a half marathon and 5K, downtown walking tours, a lively food court and beer tent, live music across multiple stages, a car show, craft show, kid’s activities, and even a petting zoo. This stop gave everyone a chance to experience the local flavor of Portage while connecting with SPI friends and our community on the road.
Stop 4 – Horicon Marsh (Saturday, September 20)
On Saturday, September 20th, we closed out the summer at one of Wisconsin’s most breathtaking natural treasures—Horicon Marsh. This 33,000-acre wetland was carved by a continental glacier thousands of years ago and later restored by generations of local conservationists. Designated a “Wetland of International Importance” in the 1990s, Horicon is now co-managed by the Wisconsin DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enhance habitat for migratory waterfowl and waterbirds.
During our visit, SPI Passport travelers explored the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center’s interactive Explorium, walked the storybook trail and wetland boardwalk, and enjoyed scenic overlooks alive with wildlife. From Canada geese and wood ducks to bald eagles and sandhill cranes, the marsh offered unforgettable views and a chance to unwind after a busy summer of stops.
Looking Back on the Tour
From Portage’s lively market fair to the serene beauty of Horicon Marsh, our final two stops captured the heart of the SPI Passport Summer Tour—connecting with one another, discovering new places, and celebrating the spirit of adventure.
Thank you to everyone who visited the SPI van, collected stamps, and shared in these moments with us. We can’t wait to see you at the SPI Fall Social Event, where those stamps turn into entries for our grand-prize drawing. Until then, keep your Passport handy and your sense of adventure alive!
