4th Line Theatre Bringing Forgotten Canadian History to Life With Ontario Farmerettes On Nov. 26

4th Line Theatre is shedding light on a largely forgotten chapter of Canadian history with the documentary film ‘We Lend A Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes,’ screening on Nov. 26. at Lakefield College School.

Colin Field, Albeiro Films, Producer/Director --’We Lend A Hand: The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes’ documentary film. Photo courtsy of 4th Line Theatre.

Created by director/producer Colin Field and Bonnie Sitter, historical producer, the documentary tells the extraordinary story of 40,000 teenage girls who volunteered on Canadian farms during and after World War II and helped sustain the nation's food supply, when young men left to fight overseas.

Bonnie Sitter, author, was searching through old family photographs when she found a captivating image of a group of young women taken on her late husband's family farm near Thedford, with a caption on the reverse that read ‘Farmerettes 1946.’

This led her to research the Farmerette story and publish an article in The Rural Voice asking for women who served as Farmerettes to get in touch with her.

Shirleyan English, a retired London Free Press journalist, read the article and wrote a letter to the editor, explaining her own experience as a Farmerette and how it remained the best summer of her life. Sitter and English went on to co-author the book Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes in 2019.

“We wanted to capture the story of how the Farmerettes helped win the Second World War by volunteering to aid farmers with food production,” said Sitter.

Filmmaker Colin Field first met Sitter in 2019 and wanted to bring this forgotten Canadian story to life.

“I was privileged to collaborate with Bonnie on this extraordinary story of dedication and perseverance explained Field. “I got to interview 20 Farmerettes - now in their late 90s - for the documentary, and after two years of work, and with the help of sponsors and generous donors the documentary is finally complete.”

After the screening, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers and 4th Line Theatre Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. There will also be a chance to acquire autographed copies of the book Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes.

A portion of ticket sales will go to 4th Line Theatre’s 30 to the Future Endowment Fund and Lakefield College’s Northcote Farm Endowment. A portion of the proceeds go towards victims of the Home Hardware fire in downtown Lakefield.

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Electric City Culture Council Launching Artsweek to Places Across Peterborough This Sunday

Art is popping up all over Peterborough in unexpected places as the Electric City Culture Council launches Artsweek with opening ceremonies taking place on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Millennium Park.

EC3 is a not-for-profit arts service organization that supports the work of individual artists and arts and culture organizations across Peterborough and Peterborough County. Through a wide range of initiatives, EC3 supports the creation, presentation, and promotion of artistic work, while also enriching public engagement with the arts. Artsweek is funded by the City of Peterborough, Peterborough DBIA, Canadian Heritage, and the Ontario Arts Council. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The event will include remarks by Councillor Alex Bierk, who will also present a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Jeff Leal, as well as appearances by several artists, cake and face painting. Samantha Banton, Sahira, Janet McCue, Hank Fisher, the Poetry Cart, Elizabeth Jenkins, Victoria Yeh, Caylie Staples, Blues in the Bottle, Josh Morley and more are featured talents at the event.

Artsweek takes place from Sunday to Oct. 5. The lineup of events will take place across the city in unexpected locations - all free to attend.

The festival will showcase the creative talents of local artists through a diverse range of performances including poetry, visual art installations, aerial arts, dance, theatre, sculpture, painting, live music and more. Attendees can look forward to singers, dancers, front porch concerts, musical art collaborations, giant puppets, visual artists, and surprise pop-up events. 

“This year’s theme, Art in Unexpected Places, transforms everyday spaces into stages, galleries, and spontaneous creative encounters, bringing art to places you’d never expect,” said Leal. “Artsweek invites you to discover and celebrate the incredible creativity, talent, and diversity of our local arts community. Don’t miss this unique city-wide event, a remarkable opportunity to experience and support the work of many talented local artists.”

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New Mural Hits Downtown Peterborough to Celebrate Art, Community and Connection This Fall

To celebrate art, community, and connection, downtown Peterborough is welcoming a new mural created by local Anishinaabe artist Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin) this fall.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA

Facilitated by First Friday Peterborough, the mural will be painted on Water Street between Key Design Inc. and Scotiabank.

“The hug is a universal symbol. It’s an action of support, connection and optimism - values that reflect the strength of the Peterborough community,” said Morley. “Through this mural, I hope to encourage us all to keep showing up for one another. Public art has the power to spark connection and belonging, and my wish is that this piece not only inspires those feelings but also adds to the vitality and beauty of our downtown.” 

“Serving on the mural jury was both exciting and weighted with responsibility. We wanted to create new opportunities for local artists, and it was inspiring to see so many beautiful proposals submitted. Choosing just one was not easy, and every artist should be so proud of themselves” says Ashley Hall, First Friday committee member, mural jury, and local artist. “I’m excited to see this mural bring vitality back to the space and reflect the values of connection, inclusivity, and love… all beautifully captured in a single hug.”

An unveiling event to take place during the October First Friday Art Crawl event on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m., at the mural location.

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Market Hall Suplexes Cancer Care With Fourth-Annual 'Cancer Takedown' Fundraiser

Market Hall is body slamming cancer with its fourth annual ‘Cancer Takedown’ fundraiser for anyone touched by cancer on Nov. 4 and 5, starting at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

The night shines a light on the mental burden of cancer and unites people through song, story and solidarity. All proceeds go to Cancer Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Performances will be done by Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, The Weber Brothers, Nicholas Campbell, Anthony Bastianon and more. The show also features three women (all diagnosed under the age of 40) sharing their cancer stories. It focuses on the emotional and mental rollercoaster that the cancer experience brings.

New this year is a show done outside of Peterborough, at the Flato Academy Theatre in Lindsay on Nov. 4 on 7 p.m. Market Hall’s event is scheduled for Nov.5 at 7 p.m.

Husband and wife Rick and Amy Kemp founded the event. Rick has been a patient of PRHC since 2019. He was diagnosed with two separate cancers over the past seven years, including metastatic kidney cancer in 2019 and CNS lymphoma in 2021.

“The physical battle of cancer is tough but the mental battle is tougher,” said Rick. “It’s a battle you can’t really fight, you just make your way through. Cancer Takedown is an opportunity to remind people they can get through.”

Tickets can be purchased online for the Lindsay and Peterborough dates.

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The Peterborough Academy of Performing Arts Rebrands As Proactive Academy of Performing Arts

The Peterborough Academy of Performing Arts has rebranded to Proactive Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA) as the school is broadening its range of classes and hosting them at a new location.

Photo courtesy of PAPA.

Co-founded in 2007 by renowned actress and artistic director Linda Kash, PAPA has long been a hub for creativity, connection and confidence-building. Focused initially on improv, PAPA has a full roster of performing arts classes designed to be affordable, accessible, inclusive, skill-building, community-building, and super fun according to Kash.

“PAPA has always been about more than just performing,” she said. “It’s about building confidence, connection, and joy – whether you’re four years old or 104. The rebrand reflects how much we’ve grown and how much more we have to offer.”

This fall’s new offerings include:

• Ages 4–104: Classes designed for absolute beginners to seasoned performers.

• More than just improv: Acting, voice, scene study, and more (standup in January).

• Two vibrant locations: Downtown Peterborough and now Grimsby, Ontario.

• Community-focused learning: Small, welcoming classes where everyone belongs.

All classes kick off the first week of September.

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Peterborough Folk Festival Releases 2025 Performance Schedule

The 36th annual Peterborough Folk Festival (PFF) has unveiled its lineup of 30 artists for this year’s free event, taking place from Aug. 14 to 17 at Nicholls Oval Park.

Photo courtesy of PFF.

The four-day celebration kicks off on Aug. 14 at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre with singer-songwriter Basia Bulat and PFF Emerging Artist of the Year, Jeanne Truax.

On Friday, at 8 p.m., another kick-off concert will be held at Sadleir with Nixon Boyd (of Hollerado), PFF 2024 Emerging Artist VANCAMP, and Guelph-based quintet I, The Mountain.

The following is the Saturday schedule:

Children’s Village

• 10:30 a.m. - Village opens

• 10:40 a.m. - Story Time by the Peterborough Public Library

• 11:15 a.m. - Children’s Parade to the Miskin Law Main Stage

• Noon to 5 p.m. - Activities, crafts and games

Food Village

• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Food Village open

Artisan Village

• Noon to 7 p.m. - Artisan Village open

Children’s Village

• 10:30 a.m. - Village opens

• 10:40 a.m. - Story Time by the Peterborough Public Library

• 11:15 a.m. - Children’s Parade to the Miskin Law Main Stage

• Noon to 5 p.m. - Activities, crafts and games

Miskin Law Main Stage

• 11:15 a.m. - Children’s Parade to the Main Stage & Opening Ceremony

• 11:45 a.m. - Songs of Scratch Garden

• 12:35 p.m. - Benj Rowland

• 1:30 p.m. - Grievous Angels

• 3:00 p.m. - My Son the Hurricane

• 4:50 p.m. - Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation

• 6:30 p.m. - Joel Plaskett

• 8:15 p.m. - Goldie Boutilier

• 9:45 p.m. - Jeremie Albino

Nicholls Oval Pavilion Stage

• 1:10 p.m. - Caitlin Currie

• 2:15 p.m. - Jeanne Truax

• 4:00 p.m. - Doghouse Orchestra

• 5:45 p.m. - The Silver Hearts

• 7:45 p.m. - Swindlers

• 9:20 p.m. - Tapes in Motion

Generation Solar Stage

• 11:45 a.m. - TBA

• 1:00 p.m. - Lancelot Knight

• 2:15 p.m. - Joel Plaskett x Benj Rowland

• 3:15 p.m. - Sister Ray

• 4:35 p.m. - Grievous Angels x Swindlers

• 5:45 p.m. - Bells Larsen x Sister Ray x Jeremie Albino

• 6:50 p.m. - Quinton Barnes

• 7:45 p.m. - Bells Larsen

The following is the Sunday schedule:

Miskin Law Main Stage

• 11:15 a.m. - Children’s Parade to the Main Stage & Opening Ceremony

• 11:30 a.m. - Round Dance with Kelli Marshall

• 11:45 a.m. - Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi

• 12:50 p.m. - Colin Linden x Jethro’s Blues Jam All-Stars

• 1:55 p.m. - Inn Echo x Benj Rowland x Irish Millie

• 2:50 p.m. - Beau Dixon

• 4:15 p.m. - Lemon Bucket Orkestra

• 5:45 p.m. - A Special Thank You

• 5:50 p.m. - Whitehorse

Nicholls Oval Pavilion Stage

• 1:35 pm - Sue & David Newberry

• 2:25 pm - Kay Silver

• 3:35 pm - Inn Echo

• 5:15 pm - Beau Dixon x Babe Chorus x Michael Cloud Duguay

Generation Solar Stage

• 11:45 a.m. - The Colton Sisters

• 12:40 p.m. - VANCAMP x Kay Silver x Tapes in Motion

• 1:45 p.m. - Babe Chorus

• 2:40 p.m. - Fittonia

• 3:35 p.m. - Whitehorse x Jeanne Truax

• 4:45 p.m. - Colin Linden

The PFF after parties start in Downtown Peterborough at 11 p.m. at the following locations:

• Jethro’s Bar + Stage - The Jet Airliners featuring Jeanne Truax

• Pig's Ear Tavern - The Silver Hearts - $5 at the door

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Kicks Off 2025-26 Season With "Opening Night" Production Starting Sept. 19

The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s (PTG) production of ‘Opening Night’ will lead off the 2025-26 season, with 10 dates slated for September and October.

Photo courtesy of the PeterborougH Theatre Guild.

Two matinee shows are scheduled for 2 p.m. and evening shows are at 7:30 p.m.

Show dates run on the following dates: Sept. 19, 20, 21* 25, 26, 27, 28* Oct. 2, 3 and 4.

*denotes matinee performances

Written by Canada’s most-produced playwright, Norm Foster, the production is directed by Margaret Monis. According to PTG, Opening Night follows a middle-aged couple out for an evening at the theatre—he’d rather be at home watching the game, she’s looking for a romantic night out—and the comedic chaos that ensues when backstage antics and front-row drama collide. With Foster’s trademark wit and warmth, this play offers hilarious insights into love, timing and what it really means to put on a show.

Tickets are $20-$30 (including fees) and can be purchased by calling (705) 745-4211 or visiting Peterborough Theatre Guild’s website.

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ECCO Art Gallery Studios to Showcase Work of Lakefield Artist David Goyette

ECCO Art Gallery Studios is showcasing the work of Lakefield-based artist David Goyette and his solo exhibition, ‘Force of Nature’ from July 9 to Aug. 9.

Photo courtesy of Gallery Goyette.

Last year, Goyette was named the Peterborough Examiner Readers’ Choice Gold Winner for Favourite Local Artist. He also has a spot at the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame as one of the few artists to have received this distinction.

Goyette is the author of five published books, recognized by Canadian Scholars Press and a musician whose three original CDs that have been recognized by Sir George Martin, producer of The Beatles. A former Director of the Royal Conservatory of Music, he has also served as Chair of the Showplace Performance Centre, where both the David Goyette Green Room and the David Goyette Stage are named in his honour. He is a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary International and a past recipient and finalist of the Peterborough Arts Award in the Arts Champion category.

Goyette’s visual art is rooted in the tradition of the New York School of abstract expressionism of the 1950s and '60s, as well as lyrical abstraction. His large-scale acrylic paintings draw inspiration from architecture and graphic design, celebrating the drama of colour and the expressive possibilities of the momentary and the imagined. With a keen focus on the tension between order and disorder, his work invites viewers to reflect on the contradictions of daily experience.

Opening reception on July 19, 1-4 pm.

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Healing Circles to Take Place In Response to Nogojiwanong Project Vandalism

In response to the vandalism of the Nogojiwanong Project Panels in Millennium Park, the City of Peterborough is holding a Healing Circle for those who may have been affected by the incident, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The graffiti was reported on June 3.

The City is providing the following reference to available supports: 

• Talk 4 Healing, a culturally grounded, fully confidential help line for Indigenous women that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, provided by Aboriginal Alert, Canada’s Indigenous Awareness, 1-855-554-4325, https://www.aboriginalalert.ca/service-providers/talk-4-healing 

• Provincial mental health supports directory provided by Canadian Mental Health Association, https://ontario.cmha.ca/provincial-mental-health-supports/ 

• Kids Help Phone, Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to Canadians aged 5 to 29 who want confidential and anonymous care from trained responders. Visit the Kids Help Phone website for online chat support or to access online resources for children and youth. 

• Hope for Wellness Help Line, Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples seeking emotional support, crisis intervention, or referrals to community-based services. Support is available in English and French and, by request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. 

A virtual Healing Circle will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday and an in-person Healing Circle will be held at the Nogojiwanong Project location in Millennium Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 17. Participants of the in-person Healing Circle are asked to bring their own lawn chair, if desired. 

The virtual Healing Circle is created as a safe and supportive space for community members to share and reflect on the impact of the recent defacing of the Nogojiwanong Project — a set of three interpretive panels commemorating the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20. This gathering is especially intended to support Indigenous community members and allies, offering an opportunity to come together, listen, and contribute to the healing process. 

Registration is required to attend the virtual Healing Circle. Registration closes at noon on June 16. Space is limited to ensure that all attendees have an opportunity to participate. Those who register will receive the link to attend the meeting. The registration form is available on the City’s website at https://form.peterborough.ca/Virtual-Healing-Circle-Registration.

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Millennium Park's Nogojiwanong Project Panels Vandalized

The Nogojiwanong Project Panels in Millennium Park have been vandalized with graffiti on two of its three panels reported on Wednesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City of Peterborough discovered the vandalism when they visited the area, and community members had already cleaned up a portion of the vandalism prior to their arrival.

Mayor Jeff Leal calls this ‘an act of disrespect’ during National Indigenous History Month.

The project is called Gathering, a public artwork by Michael Belmore. It consists of a grouping of glacial erratic boulders, carved and fitted to sit slightly apart, giving the appearance of heat radiating. The stones are embellished with the Treaty 20 Clan Dodems. It was unveiled to the public on Nov. 10, 2022.

The Nogojiwanong Project is a collaboration undertaken in the spirit of kinship between local First Nations, Indigenous peoples and the City of Peterborough, in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20. Through this collaboration, a gathering space was created in 2019. The space encourages learning and reflection through a series of interpretive panels highlighting the evolution of local treaties and the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples.

The display is located next to the Trans Canada Trail near the south end of Water Street in Millennium Park. The piece marks the completion of the Nogojiwanong Project.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Leal has issued the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the recent vandalism of the Nogojiwanong Project panels at Millennium Park, interpretive signs that honour the 200th anniversary of the signing of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20 and the enduring presence of the Williams Treaties First Nations in this region.

This act of disrespect, particularly during National Indigenous History Month, is a painful reminder of the work still needed to advance truth, understanding, and reconciliation in our community. These panels are more than signs, they are a reflection of the stories, rights, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, and a vital part of how we share and learn from the land we call Nogojiwanong.

While the act of vandalism is deeply disappointing, I am heartened by the swift response of community members. When City staff visited the site this morning, the panels had been restored. I want to sincerely thank those who stepped up and removed the graffiti with care and respect. Your actions speak volumes. You have demonstrated what it means to be true allies.

Millennium Park is also home to the public artwork titled The Gathering by Anishinaabe artist Michael Belmore. This artwork further invites reflection, dialogue, and connection, a space for all of us to come together in recognition of Indigenous history and futures.

Let us use this moment as a call to action, to learn more, to speak out against hate, and to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities not only this month, but always.”

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