Dinner Honors Titanic's 100 Year Anniversary

In Visalia, dozens gathered at the vintage press for a dinner to remember this historical event.  The room was modeled after the first class dining room on the Titanic.  Many folks dressed to resemble the 1912 time period.

“I think we might be a little over the top tonight, which is ok because that's what Titanic was,” said Summer Dolieslager, a dinner guest.

“This hat is from England and the whole outfit is from there.  So it's the real deal, but I had to go to a friend to get this because this stuff is really hard to come by,” said Jon Dolieslager, a dinner guest.

Daniel Hightower got into character by dressing as a senior officer who survived the crash.  He calls that historical night, fascinating.

“It’s one of those things where they thought nothing could ever go wrong, the ship seem to be unbeatable.  But look what happened, so it teaches a lesson to be prepared,” said Daniel Hightower, a dinner guest.

The menu was condensed version of what was actually served on the ship.  A spread consisting of oysters, salmon and filet mignon.

“We’re very serious about it, hope they enjoy it and I promise we're not going to sink,” said David Vartanian, Chef at The Vintage Press.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a remembrance cruise was held to honor the more than 1,500 lives lost as well as the 700 survivors.

“I’m very deeply moved, I’ve never felt so close to my ancestry in my life as at this very moment,” said Kevin Durkin, a descendent of Titanic survivor.

The event in Visalia may be a night of fun, but in no way is it intended to make light of the tragedy.

“It's kind of like 9/11.  You relive it in a horrible way, but you relive it so things aren't forgotten,” said Summer Dolieslager.

The Vintage Press says the evening was such a success, it's considering hosting another Titanic dinner on next year's anniversary.