WITH a varied program featuring singing, dance, poetry, live theatre and tastings, Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard’s bicentennial open day will celebrate the best of Port Macquarie’s past and present.
The historic estate will host the day from 9.30am-2.30pm on Saturday, October 20.
The event will feature a number of highlights, including a family friendly production of the play John Oxley’s Journey to Port Macquarie and a backdrop by local artist Pauline Roods.
Other attractions will include stalls selling arts and craft, fruit and vegetables, fudge, wooden toys, preservatives, books, fresh flowers, recycled books and items made from local materials.
Free wine tastings, ground and homestead tours will be available on the day, as will John Oxley’s 200th anniversary explorer’s red wine.
The event will feature displays from the Port Macquarie Observatory, Garden Club, Maritime Museum and Quota Club, model ships and vintage cars, while volunteers will serve barbecues and Devonshire teas throughout the grounds.
Entry will be via gold coin donation and all proceeds will go towards the conservation and maintenance of the property.
In addition to a performance of John Oxley’s Journey at 12pm on the open day, there will also be a ticketed gala performance of the play at the homestead at 5pm on October 14 and a final performance at Wauchope Country Club at 6pm on October 30.
Tickets for the gala performance are limited, cost $30 and will be available at The Port Macquarie Glasshouse until sold out.
The estate is located on the Oxley Highway between Westport Primary School and Westport High School.
The homestead is the only homestead and vineyard that is completely run by volunteers in Australia.
The settlement of Port Macquarie was named by John Oxley after the governor of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie in 1818 and was explored in more detail during a follow up expedition by Oxley and his party in 1819.
It was established as a penal settlement in 1821 under Captain Francis Allman.
For more details, call 6584-3729.
