Coming up on the 10th July 2008 at 11am will be our annual commemoration service of the loss of the S.S. Casino.   The Casino was the flagship of the B.K.S.N. Co. (Belfast Koroit Steam Navigation Company) and the loss during a storm at Apollo Bay plunged Port Fairy into mourning.   Several lives were lost.   Residents, visitors and members are encouraged to attend the short service held at the memorial cairn, hear the story of the vessell and listen to the bell toll for those who lost their lives.   The S.S.Casino Memorial is opposite the History Centre on King George V Memorial Square. 

Port Fairy is in the middle of the "Winter Weekends" where we celebrate the beauty and diversity of our town over the quieter and sometimes wetter months.   The next weekend is the "Food and Wine" weekend on July 5 and 6 but in August on the 9th and 10th it's the "History and Heritage" weekend.  The Historical Society along with the other history groups in the town, National Trust and Genealogical Society are joining in and conducting events.   On the 9th August our members will be reading poetry feaurting Port Fairy and the Western Distict while on the Sunday we will be reading from letters and diaries of pioneers.   These in particular give a great insight into family life at the time.  Times 2- 5pm each day and normal admissions will apply.

Other activities planned include a guided walk finishing with soup and sandwiches by the National Trust, help with Genealogical Research by the Genealogical Society who will have their reserach room open, doll appraisals and advice from the Little Doll House Museum, giant garage sales, vintage fashion parade and lots of other great activities. 

A full program of events is listed on http://www.winter.port-fairy.com/