Community
30 May, 2025
Town prepares for Dash
ALL roads lead to Port Fairy over the King's Birthday long weekend.
Volunteers have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure this year’s annual winter festival is once again jam-packed with exciting things to see and do across the town next weekend, June 6-9.
Celebrations kick off next Friday with the free Port Fairy Fairy Hunt.
Starting at the Visitor Information Centre at Railway Place, the young (and young at heart) can begin their search for fairies and elves, goblins and ogres.
Follow the clues and answer the questions for your chance to win.
Next, head to The Paper Store and collect a colour-in sheet and for a small fee (including a pack of pencils) bring the design to life.
There are three categories for your chance to win – under 6, 7-10 years and 11-14 years. Simply make sure your colourful entry is returned to the store by noon on Sunday (June 8).
Visitors should also head to Brookes Home Timber and Hardware over the weekend to look at the colourful and creative pieces of art on display as part of the ‘Portraits of Port Fairy’ exhibition.
This delightful collection was created by local school children and each artwork, drawn on a simple square, tells a story through vibrant colours and a unique perspective only a child can bring.
The Glyph Art Gallery and Creative Space will be open until 7pm Friday for your chance to brown some beautiful pieces and enjoy refreshments.
The winter weekends opening party will be held at the Star of the West Hotel from 6pm Friday, featuring The Southern Ocean Sea Band and supports.
A ’15 minutes of Fame’ event has also been scheduled for Friday night, starting at 6.30pm at the nearby St Brigid’s Hall in Crossley.
This is a great fundraiser for the St Brigids Hall fund and the evening will showcase the talents of local entertainers.
And for those looking to kickstart their Saturday morning with some fresh air and exercise, the Port Fairy Parkrun event will begin at 8am at the Russell Clarke Reserve on James Street.
Run, jog or walk your way around a five kilometre event, perfect for all ages and abilities.
From there, head to the St Johns Church Hall on Regent Street (entry via Barclay Street) for one of the region’s most loved markets, MADE.
The market will run from 9am-2.30pm and will showcase a collection of handmade art, craft and designs from established and emerging makers.
A community market will also run at Railway Place from 9am Saturday, loaded with goodies (including the Young Makers Market in the goods shed).
Among the many things to see and do on Saturday will be the ‘paint a watercolour Dachshund’ with artist Melanie MacIlwain at the Port Fairy library, a pre-loved art fair at the RSL Club, an afternoon pool party at Belfast Aquatics, poi twirling and hula hooping on the Fiddlers Green Stage and a free toy making workshop from 10am at the Fiddlers Green Marquee (thanks to members of the Men’s Shed).
Once again, a highlight of the weekend is expected to be the annual Port Fairy and Community Bank Dachshund Dash on Sunday afternoon at the Port Fairy Gardens Oval.
Little legs will race across the oval, with heats set to start at 2pm.
A backwards race (for humans) will kick start the day’s action at 1.30pm.
Previously held at the Moyneyana Festival, the race will return on the Sunday of the festival and will be held alongside the Dachshund Dash.
An added attraction this year will be the sausage sizzle sprint eating competition (also for humans) between the heats and the finals.
There will be plenty to eat and drink on-site, with entry to the oval via a gold coin donation.
To register your beloved Dachshund simply head to portfairywinterweekends.com.au – with registrations to close this Sunday, June 1.
The event will be capped at 100 dogs across three age categories – under two years, over two years and veterans (8+ years) and no late entries will be accepted.
Two dog handlers must accompany each dog, with one at the start line holding your dog and one at the finish line to catch your dog.
Winter Weekends coordinator Melanie Schultz said the event was all about bringing people together.
“Port Fairy Winter Weekends is about celebrating the warmth of our community and the joy of shared experiences,” she said.
“Whether you’re in town for the music, the markets, the art or the dash of the dachshunds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
