PHOTOS: A Taste of the East Coast Hits Chemong Lodge For Conman's Fifth Annual Lobsterfest to Support Oceans Initiative

Fresh Maritime crustaceans were grilled up and the drinks were free-flowing at Chemong Lodge for its Conman’s Fifth Annual Lobsterfest to Support Oceans Initiative on Sunday.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The event featured live music, a live pipe band from the Hastings & Prince Edward Regimental Association Pipe Band, alcohol tents, an ice cream station, a bouncy castle, fresh Maritime lobsters, a fireworks show and a silent auction in support of Oceans Initiative.

The event honours the late Connor Brown, brother of Chemong Lodge owners Adam and Addison Brown. In 2018, Connor lost his life in a commercial diving accident. Chemong Lodge chose to support Oceans Initiative as a meaningful way to honour his memory and continue his legacy of connection to the sea.

The initiative's mission is to protect marine life and the ecosystems they depend on, and to share innovative science to guide conservation action, according to their website.

@ptbo_canada Fresh Maritime crustaceans were grilled up and the drinks were free-flowing at Chemong Lodge for its Conman’s fifth annual Lobsterfest to support Oceans Initiative on Sunday. ##fyp##news##ptbocanada##journalism##lobsterfest ♬ Tropical C - Worldwide Beatsnation

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PHOTOS: Kawartha Ribfest Brings the Heat and the Meat For Three Days at Healthy Planet Arena

Kawartha Ribfest fired up its grills, poured its drinks and got loud for Peterborough over three days for the first time at Healthy Planet Arena this past Friday through Sunday.

Oscar Pensa, Jack the Ribber manager, slathers some sauce over pork ribs on Ribfest's opening day. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The event featured four companies in Oak 87, Fat Boys Barbeque, Boss Hog’s and Jack the Ribber Barbeque firing up the grills and serving customers a variety of foods. The menu included pulled pork, ribs (pork and beef), beans, salad, chicken, and more.

Oscar Pensa, Jack the Ribber manager, said he looks forward to working Ribfest and being a part of a positive atmosphere.

“I just love seeing the smile on everyone's faces, I love hearing people come back and tell me how amazing the food is,” he explained. “It feels great to be able to provide some good food that isn't so easy to come by; it's nice to let everyone else experience what I get to experience every weekend.”

Pensa says he prepares his trailer two months in advance, working every day leading up to the Ribfest season. There is a lot of work and effort put into each event but he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“We set up on the Thursday and we're here for 17-18 days cooking food, making sure everything comes out amazing so it pretty much seven days a week for six months of a year,” said Pensa. “It's so fun, we love to do it.”

In addition to the rib stations, Ribfest also had a vendor village, other food and drink kiosks, live music, beer gardens and more.

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Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Unveil Nominees For 2026 Business Excellence Awards

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has released its nominees for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards which recognize outstanding achievement, innovation, leadership, resilience and community impact across the region's business community.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

This year's awards feature 137 unique nominees receiving 235 nominations across 18 award categories.

The 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala is on Oct. 22 at Kawartha Downs, where award winners will be announced.

“This year we eliminated the self-nomination process, and we have been truly inspired by the way our community embraced the opportunity to recognize local businesses,” said Brenda Whitehead, Chamber President and CEO. “The response speaks volumes about the incredible work being done throughout our region. We now look forward to receiving the nominees' submissions, which will allow our volunteer judges to learn more about each organization's story, accomplishments, and impact. It is inspiring to see this level of engagement, and we can't wait to celebrate these outstanding businesses and individuals in October.”

“The Business Excellence Awards are about more than recognizing success—they celebrate the entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit organizations, and leaders whose passion, innovation, and dedication strengthen our communities every day,” said Susan Dunkley, Chamber Board Chair. “The number of nominations received this year demonstrates just how proud our region is of its business community. On behalf of the Board of Directors, congratulations to every nominee. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and the positive impact you continue to make across Peterborough City and County.”

The following are this year’s nominees:

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Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemoration Lantern Ceremony At Little Lake Being Held On Aug. 6

The Peterborough Quakers invite the public to a Floating Lantern Commemoration of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6, at 7:45 p.m. at the T-Wharf on Little Lake.

File Photo.

The commemoration includes brief reflections on war and on the need to constantly work for peace, interspersed with music and peaceful reflection, followed by the floating of the lanterns on the waters of Little Lake according to a press release.

On August 6th and 9th, 1945, during the final stage of the Second World War, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The two bombings, which killed at least 200,000 people, remain the only use of nuclear weapons to this day.

Participants are invited to bring their own reflections to share or honour those who have died and continue to die in war. 

“The Floating Lanterns commemoration is a gentle and beautiful grassroots way of helping us remember the many things we can do to bring about a more peaceful world,” said Pat Gere, organizing committee member.

Lanterns are being assembled by teen volunteers from St. Peter’s High School. Participants can bring their own chair or blanket.

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City of Peterborough's Canada Day Fireworks Rescheduled For Aug. 1

The fireworks show initially scheduled for Canada Day has been rescheduled to Aug. 1 for approximately 9:30 p.m. at Del Crary Park, announced on Thursday.

File Photo.

The fireworks start following the Peterborough Musicfest concert.  

Temporary road closures will be in effect for the fireworks.

The following streets will be closed from noon to 10:30 p.m.:

• Perry Street from the east side of George Street to the west side of Crescent Street  

• Lake Street from the east side of George Street to the west side of Crescent Street  

• Crescent Street from the north side of Romaine Street to the south side of Perry Street  

• Lock Street from the north side of Romaine Street to the south side of Crescent Street  

Local traffic will still be permitted to access the areas within the road closures. 

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City of Peterborough Promoting Water Safety During Drowning Prevention Week

The City of Peterborough is encouraging residents and visitors to learn more about prioritizing water safety during National Drowning Prevention Week, from Sunday until July 25.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This year’s theme is Prepare to be Water Smart. The City is hosting events throughout the week to promote water safety and drowning prevention.  

Colouring pages and crossword puzzles will be available at the Chelsea Gardens wading pool, located at Southlawn Drive and Severn Road, on Sunday, July 19. Lifeguards will be holding “Within Arms Reach” drowning education activities for participants.   

Residents are welcome to visit Beavermead Beach from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22 to get fitted for and receive a free lifejacket. Free lifejackets will be available while supplies last.   

Children of all ages are welcome to make their own water smart bracelets and learn about water safety from the City’s lifeguards at the John Taylor Memorial Park wading pool, located at McKellar and St. Catherine’s streets, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 23.  

All residents are welcome to join the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County OPP, and other vendors at Riverview Park and Zoo from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on July 24 for an afternoon of activities and drowning-prevention education.  

Pop-up activities are also taking place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, Fleming College, Trent University and the Balsillie Family YMCA throughout the week.  

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Saturday's Lock & Paddle Event Cancelled Due to Air Quality Concerns

Parks Canada has cancelled Lock & Paddle, which was scheduled for Saturday at the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site, due to air quality concerns.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

According to Parks Canada, their decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to forecasted weather conditions and concerns about air quality, with the health and safety of participants, volunteers and staff remaining our highest priority.

As this event depends on the availability of the Peterborough Lift Lock and on operational requirements during the navigation season, Lock & Paddle will not be rescheduled this year.

Parks Canada released the following statement:

“We recognize that many paddlers and community members were looking forward to this unique event, and we appreciate your understanding.

Thank you to everyone who planned to join us, as well as our event partners and volunteers, for their continued support.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Peterborough Lift Lock for future events and opportunities to experience this remarkable National Historic Site.”

In addition to Lock & Paddle, the Beavermead Beach Party, which runs alongside the event, has also been cancelled.

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Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival Returns to Isabel Morris Park On July 11

The Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival is back this year to bring a full day of live music, artisan shopping, local food and community celebration at the Isabel Morris Park on July 11 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

The festival combines live jazz performances with handcrafted works from artisans and makers from across the region.

This year’s live Jazz Performances Festival lineup is as follows:

• 11 a.m. – Carpe Noctem

• 12:50 p.m. – The Dixie Demons

• 2:40 p.m. – Carling Stephen

• 4:30 p.m. – Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet

• 6:20 p.m. – SNAGGLE

• 8:10 p.m. – The Keith Guy Band

Visitors can browse a curated selection of artisan and craft vendors featuring original artwork, pottery, jewellery, textiles, woodworking, home décor and more.

A variety of food and beverage vendors will be on-site selling gourmet meals and sweet treats to refreshing beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Admission is $12 at the gate (cash and debit accepted).

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City of Peterborough Reschedule Canada Day Fireworks For a Future Date

Due to weather conditions, the City of Peterborough’s cancelled Canada Day fireworks display is being rescheduled to a date to be determined, announced on Thursday.

Canada Day celebrations in Peterborough drew strong community participation throughout the day. Festivities featured more than 20 parade entries, over 30 vendors, live entertainment and a vibrant lineup of community groups and performers at Del Crary Park.  File photo.

“A severe thunderstorm had just swept through Peterborough and the Environment Canada forecast still showed the possibility of thunderstorms in the evening,” said Brendan Wedley, Director, Strategic Communications and Service Peterborough. “Based on the conditions at the time, the difficult decision was made to cancel the fireworks display. The City appreciates it was disappointing for those who were planning to see the fireworks and is working with the fireworks provider to reschedule for a date later this summer.”

Once finalized, the City says a rescheduled fireworks date and event details will be announced.

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Peterborough DBIA Launches Expanded Second Season of Movies at the Park

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is bringing back Movies at the Park for a second expanded season, a free movie screening series held at Quaker Foods City Square for eight dates, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The series features eight weeks of movies every Tuesday evening from July through August.

Movies will begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m in July and 8:00 p.m in August) and are free to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends to enjoy the movies.

2026 Movies at the Park Schedule:

• July 7 – Secret Life of Pets

• July 14 – Dirty Dancing

• July 21 – Grown Ups

• July 28 – Jurassic Park

• August 4 – Paddington in Peru

• August 11 – Back to the Future

• August 18 – 007 Skyfall

• August 25 – How to Train Your Dragon

In addition to the screenings, local businesses are offering snacks, beverages and treats. Admission is free and no registration is required.

“Downtown should be a place where people gather, connect, and create memories together,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “Movies at the Park helps bring that vision to life by transforming Quaker Foods City Square into a welcoming community gathering place for all ages. We're proud to offer a free and accessible experience that brings people downtown and creates opportunities to connect with one another throughout the summer.”

Movies at the Park is made possible through the support of Peterborough Tourism, the City of Peterborough destination marketing program, sponsors and community partners.

“Creating high-quality visitor experiences means ensuring our public spaces and events are welcoming, accessible, and easy to enjoy,” said Stoyan Barakov, City of Peterborough Manager of Cultural Services. “Initiatives like this strengthen community connections while enhancing the experience for locals and visitors alike. Peterborough Tourism is pleased to support the Peterborough DBIA in creating a fun and friendly atmosphere for Movies at the Park by providing the outdoor screen and promotional support.”

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