Photos: Darling Insurance Hosts Sixth Annual Chili Challenge To Benefit The Nourish Project

Darling Insurance came to defend its title as they hosted the sixth annual Chili Challenge to benefit The Nourish Project at The Social Pub on Friday afternoon.

Brad Wood (left) and David Tuan Bui (right) winning the Pepto Bismol Chili Challenge trophy. The winning recipe was a maple bacon chili. Photo courtesy of Darling Insurance.

All subsequent photos by Samantha Bianco.

Six teams came and brought their own recipes to earn the ‘Chili Challenge’ title. The Social Pub, Darling Insurance, Team VanRahan, Peterborough Business + Social Club, Peterborough Humane Society and PTBOCanada were this year’s participants.

The public was invited and welcomed to try the chili flight, donate to the charity and voted for their top three teams.

The following are the standings of the competition:

1. PTBOCanada - 123 points

2. Team VanRahan - 90 points

3. Darling Insurance - 58 points

4. Peterborough Business + Social Club - 41 points

5. Peterborough Humane Society - 39 points

6. The Social Pub - 33 points

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Agave by Imperial Claims First Top Hot Chocolatier Title of DBIA's Inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest

Agave by Imperial has been crowned the first-ever Top Hot Chocolatier after 10 days of fan voting during the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest competition announced on Wednesday.

Agave by Imperial opened back in early December last year owned by cousins and partners Manesh Chowdry and Jim Grover who also own The Imperial Tandoor on 554 Lansdowne St. W. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The winning entry from Agave was their ‘Hot Churro-late’ consisting of Mexican hot chocolate made with cocoa and dark chocolate. It was served with two cinnamon and sugar-topped churros.

“We are so grateful to have won Top Hot Chocolatier with our authentic Mexican entry,” said Jennifer Gutierrez, Agave chef. “Chef Pablo Olvera and I worked on the recipe together and we are really proud of the recipe. In Mexico, hot chocolate is part of our culture, it's part of our everyday life. We love that this festival allowed us to bring a bit of Mexico to Peterborough.”

Hot Churro-late bested 13 other businesses with 14 other entries to claim the title. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

Agave has received a hot chocolate-themed trophy and bragging rights for the year as a reward for their efforts.

Milk + Tea was the runner-up with their Bubble Pudding Chocolate followed by The Speak Easy Café’s Breakfast of Chocolate.

The first annual Ptbo Hot Chocolate Fest featured 15 over-the-top hot chocolate creations, hand-crafted by downtown chocolatiers, bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Cocoa creations were available to the public for both dine-in and takeout.

The inaugural festival ran from Feb. 17 - 26 where chocolate lovers voted online for their favourite creations by 14 businesses totalling 15 entries.  There were more than 1,000 votes cast during the 10 days of competition.

“Over the span of just 10 days our Hot Chocolate Trail map surpassed 11k views,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager.” The success of our very first Ptbo Hot Chocolate Fest lies heavily on the imagination and passion of our Hot Chocolatiers.”

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Peterborough DBIA Hosting Inaugural Free 'Catch the Leprechaun' Scavenger Hunt For March

A mischievous band of pint-sized Leprechauns are invading local downtown pubs as Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has launched its ‘Catch the Leprechauns’ free scavenger hunt announced at Crook and Coffer on Tuesday.

Crook & Coffer co-owner John Clarke getting the Irish spirit on early pouring green beer for the DBIA’s inaugural “Catch the Leprechauns” free scavenger hunt. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Residents are encouraged to visit one of 13 participating pubs — with help of a Leprechaun Pub Map — to find five different leprechauns scattered throughout on a rotating schedule for the month of March. The first 100 people to complete the hunt will win “pints of gold” that include a piece of glassware from a local brewery, swag and even a few tricks according to Hillary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager.

“We have these historically charming pubs that are rebounded for their hospitality and their atmosphere so if we can bring people in for our Leprechaun hunt, it will tether people back to the community and celebrate the community pride of our local pub scene,” she said.

The following are the participating downtown pubs:

• The Black Horse Pub

• One Eighty Sports Pub

• The Dirty Burger Company

• Crook & Coffer

• The Only Café

• Jethro’s Bar + Stage

• Champs Bar And Grill

• McThirsty’s Pint

• Maple Moose Pub

• The Social Pub

• Bijoux Bar

• Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews

• Riley’s Pub

The leprechauns were crafted by local artist Brooklin Stormie. They were hand-felted and made to have their own look and personality.

“Working on this project was so much fun,” explained Stormie. “It was a nice re-entry into the world of textiles. I let each Leprechaun reveal themselves to me organically throughout the process. I can’t help but feel a motherly connection to these five little Faye creatures. I’m excited to see what adventure await these little chaps - my wayward sons.”

Each Leprechaun has its own backstory steeped in folklore and mischief and named after local breweries.

• Persian Murphy - Persian Empire

• Bobby McCaygeon - Bobcaygeon Brewery

• Petey O’Haven - Haven Brewing Co.

• Feilhem Falls - Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.

• Publican O’Leerie - Publican House Brewery

(from left to right) Persian Murphy, Publican O’Leerie, Petey O’Haven, Bobby Mc’Caygeon and Feilhem Falls having a grand ol’ time at Crook and Coffer while causing mischief. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Anyone of legal drinking age can join the scavenger hunt for free by downloading Goosechase, a mobile scavenger hunt app. Search “Catch the Leprechauns” or use the game code ‘5W9B4Z’ to join in on the hunt. Players earn points, by submitting live-capture photos of each Leprechaun they find along their travels.

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Peterborough’s Got Talent Event in Support of Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Kawartha Home and Health Care Services announces Peterborough’s Got Talent event in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada on April 21.

photo courtesy of Kawartha Home and Health Care Services.

The talent competition begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. at the Erben Bar and Eatery (379 George Street N). Tiffany Arcari will be the local guest emcee alongside a panel of three judges from the community.

The talent competition is divided into two categories; a youth competition for contestants 18 and younger, and the adult competition for participants 19 and older.

Participants will have an approximately 15 minutes to showcase their talent. Musicians, performers, comedians and local talented individuals are all invited to join the competition and create an amazing community event supporting MS Canada. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finalists in the youth and adult categories.

Patti Clancy, owner of Kawartha Home & Health Care Services discusses the inspiration for the event, “Our organization is always searching for ways we can better enrich the community that we’re a part of, and we are looking forward to working more closely with MS Canada on this new and exciting event. Drawing more attention to a wonderful cause and very much hoping we can make Peterborough’s Got Talent an annual celebration.”

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services is requesting the door cover be a monetary donation or “pay what you can”, and the event will include a 50/50 draw and door prizes with all proceeds going to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services is currently seeking applicants for the talent showcase in both the youth and adult categories. Registration forms can be requested online or by contacting the Kawartha Home & Health Care Services office by phone or in person at 320 Water St., Unit #72 between office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

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‘The Meaning of Home’ National Student Writing Contest Returns in Support of Local Habitat for Humanity Organizations

Local elementary students Grades 4, 5 and 6 will have the opportunity to share what home means to them in ‘The Meaning of Home’ national writing contest to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

Founded by Sagen, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2 million to help local Habitats across Canada build decent and affordable housing since 2007.

Three grand prize winners will each receive a $30,000 grant to help a local Habitat for Humanity build a place to call home for a family in need of affordable housing. In addition, nine runners up will receive a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity. Winners will be announced by June.

As housing continues to be an important concern for all Canadians, it is children especially who understand how housing can provide their family with a place to study, pursue their dreams and build a better life. Every student who enters the contest will help Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region build safe and affordable homes, because every entry earns a $10 donation towards their local Habitat for Humanity.

“It is so wonderful to see the enthusiastic response each year from parents, teachers and especially the children who enter this contest and share what home means to them in their own words,” say Habitat for Humanity Canada president and CEO Julia Deans. “We know that having a safe and affordable place to call home helps people build better lives and stronger communities.”

Last year over 13,000 entries were received, the largest number of submissions Habitat Canada has ever received for this contest and raised over $311,000. From entries in 2020 and 2021, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region had 3 runner-up winners in grades 5 and 6 which lead to $30,000 in grants towards the 41-unit condo project on Leahy’s Lane in the City of Peterborough, along with a class pizza party and a tablet for the student winners.

“The Meaning of Home contest provides an opportunity to engage youth in discussions around the current state of housing, and to feel inspired about our next generation of leaders,” says Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region communications & donor services manager Jenn MacDonald. “Not only do students have a greater sense of appreciation for home, but they actively participate in giving back to their community. It’s truly a win-win!”

Submissions for this years contest are being accepted by mail or online from Jan. 9 until Feb. 24.

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Peterborough DBIA Announces Holiday Shopping Passport Grand Prize Draw Winner

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) announces Noah Sloan as the grand prize draw Holiday Shopping Passport winner on Tuesday.

photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Sloan’s completed Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn at the El (P) restaurant on George Street in downtown Peterborough on Jan. 11.

The winning passport came from Iceman Video Games, where Sloan purchased a new gaming console. The $1,500 Boro gift card grand prize was awarded by Iceman Video Games Store Manager Holly Butler on Jan. 14.

“I still can’t believe I won, it’s surreal. I think now more than ever, it’s important to support small businesses with the economy the way it is,” said Sloan. “I really appreciate our downtown and love that I can bring my dog along while shopping the stores. I’m still wrapping my head around winning and look forward to exploring all the new shops and restaurants with my gift card.”

The Holiday Shopping Passports ran from Nov. 14 to Jan. 11.

Throughout the program shoppers were rewarded with a passport stamp for every $10 they spent at a participating location. Each completed passport, or 20 stamps, was entered into a draw, including three early bird draws of $500 in Boro gift cards.

The Holiday Shopping Passport program generated just over 2.3 million dollars in local spending.

“What I love about this program is anyone can win when they shop downtown. Some past winners filled out dozens of passports while others complete just one,” says executive director of the Peterborough DBIA Terry Guiel.

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Nominations Open For Kraft Hockeyville To Win $250,000 In Arena Upgrades

The annual Kraft Hockeyville contest nominations are open to anyone to select their city and arena to win $250,000 and host an NHL pre-season game announced on Sunday.

File Photo.

Last year, Douro-Dummer reached the final four to get upgrades for the Douro Community Centre. While they did not succeed in winning, they did win $25,000 for arena upgrades. Last year, Sydney, N.S. won the top prize, beating our Douro-Dummer; Princeton, B.C. and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

The cooling plant at the community centre located in Warsaw failed last year so the Douro Dukes Hockey Association — comprising 19 teams — operated out of one arena and four dressing rooms during that time.

The alternative dressing rooms often used for girls playing on mostly boys’ teams, we inadequate, practically considered closets according to Kerri Riel, Douro Minor Hockey Association (DMHA) secretary in a prior PTBOCanada interview.

The Kraft Hockeyville competition begins with the ‘Nominate and Rally’ phase, where community members take actions like sharing on social media and submitting photos’ on the Hockeyville site to earn points.

Nominated communities can earn ‘Rally Points’ in order to help qualify for the top four and ultimate winner. They account for 20 per cent of the community’s score.

• Submit a nomination story - 10 points

• Share on Twitter using the share button - Five points

• Add photos of your arena - Three points

• Add a note - One point

• React with emojis to nominated stories and photos - One point

Nominations can be done at Kraft Hockeyville’s official website with the deadline at Feb. 19 at midnight. The grand prize winner is being announced on Apr. 1.

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The Art School of Peterborough Earns First-Place Honours in DBIA's Holiday Window Contest

The Art School of Peterborough has earned the title of first place for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) annual Downtown Holiday Window Contest announced on Wednesday.

This year’s theme was ‘Winter Wonderland’ that was launched on Nov. 14 in conjunction with DBIA’s Holiday Shopping Passports.

Raine Knudsen, The Art School of Peterborough receptionist released the following statement after being declared the winner:

"The Art School of Peterborough is humbled to win 1st place in the 2022 Holiday Window Contest! Thank you so much to everyone who has shown their support; to our students, our instructors and coworkers, our neighbours, and our local Peterborough community.

This year, we were inspired to create a woodland scene, with our favourite lovable forest creatures all joyfully hand-drawn with care. Just like a snowflake, the Peterborough community is extraordinary in every way, you are one of a kind, a fantastic individual, an exceptional find.

In celebration of the season, all visitors who happen to stop by the Art School will be treated to a hand-made ceramic snowflake ornament crafted by our talented art students. 

Thanks Peterborough, for all the support and love you’ve shown us, and so many other local businesses and non-profits this holiday season. The Art School wishes everyone a bright and beautiful winter holiday and happy new year!” 

This year’s winners are: 

• 1st place — The Art School of Peterborough, 174A Charlotte St.

• 2nd Place — Fork It, 288 Charlotte St.

• 3rd Place — The Capital PTBO 370 George St.

The top three winners received $1,000, $500 and $300 for their winning windows. Locals voted online for their top three holiday window displays throughout the contest period from Nov. 14 to Dec. 5.  

“We love seeing our shop owners put their own creative spin on the holidays with our Holiday Window Contest. It really sets the tone of the season and brings a lot of charm into our historic downtown shopping district,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “It’s incredible to see the community support our small businesses throughout the competition. This season we saw a record-breaking number of votes through our online voting portal with over 3000 votes cast.” 

To view this year's window display entries, locals can go online to theBoro.ca

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Norwood Agricultural Society Names Fair Ambassador Ahead Of Annual Norwood Fair

Emma Harding has been crowned the 2022 Norwood Fair Ambassador, after the Ambassador Competition hosted on Sunday at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre.

Photo by Megan Wilson.

Harding competed in a group of six young women from the Norwood area.

On Sunday, each competitor was interviewed by a panel of three judges, delivered a speech about the fair and answered an impromptu question in front of an audience.

Harding is a student at Norwood District High School and works as an Administrative Assistant at McCloskeys International. She is sponsored by The Norwood Legion, Branch 300.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Norwood Fair Ambassador program. When it began, the winner was crowned Norwood Fair Queen, though as years went by the name was changed.

Marcia Warr was the first Norwood Fair Queen in 1947.

This year, Harding will receive the crown from Ashley Vanderhorst who was crowned during the 2019-2020 season. Because of COVID-19 there was no competition for 2020-2022.

As Ambassador, Harding will assist in various tasks during the fair weekend like helping at the School Fair and Homecraft Buildings, handing out ribbons at various competitions throughout the weekend, riding on the Ambassador float in the parade on Saturday , attending the Opening Ceremonies and representing her sponsor throughout the fair grounds.

Before and after the fair weekend, the Ambassador will also represent the Norwood Fair at community event like the Santa Claus parade.

Harding will also attend the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) Convention held in Toronto in February and compete in the Canadian National Exhibition Ambassador of the Fairs Competition in Toronto in August.

The Norwood Fair will take place October 8 - 10, 2022.

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Fleming College Students Bring Home Multiple Medals From Province-Wide Trades Competition

Three Fleming College Students have brought home three gold medals at the Skills Ontario Competition earlier this month, with two others winning silver and one bronze.

Mai Dong, Culinary Management, Bailey Wodzak, Carpentry and Renovation and Luc Trottier, Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician were all awarded gold medals for their efforts in the competition.

Dong and Wodzak will now advance to the Skills Canada National Competition in Vancouver from May 25 - 28.

Carpentry student, Maclaren Zbieranek and Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician student, Jersey Phin were each awarded silver medals. Welding and Fabrication Technician student, Jack Banister won a bronze medal.

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