Three Days Grace Drummer Neil Sanderson Named Grand Marshall For 2024 St. Patrick's Day Parade

A true rockstar will lead the 21st Annual Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17 as Three Days Grace drummer Neil Sanderson has been named this year’s grand marshall, announced at The Venue on Thursday afternoon.

Neil Sanderson, Three Days Grace Drummer said he is roughly one-third Irish mixed with Scandanavian/Dutch heritages. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sanderson is best known for his work with Three Days Grace but has done work with Peterborough’s Thousand Foot Krutch and My Darkest Days. He has spent over two decades in the music industry, winning awards from Juno, Billboard Music and Loudwire Music with Three Days Grace.

The announcement was made by organizer Tim Burke who wanted to continue bringing in high-profile big names to the event after last year saw former sports anchor Dan O'Toole as the grand marshall.

“Dan was amazing last year and I couldn't ask for a better guy to do for us what he did for us in Peterborough,” he explained. “Neil came to mind. I talk to him occasionally and I asked him on Facebook. Within a day or less, he got back to me and it wasn't him saying, ‘Yeah, I'll do it,’ it was, ‘Thank you so much for asking me, I'd be honoured.’”

Sanderson confirmed the feeling Burke mentioned and was grateful for the opportunity, considering the worldwide success he and O’Toole have had in their respective careers.

“I've been lucky that from such a small town, we've been able to have the reach and audience that we've had on a global level. We look at that today and we feel blessed and we never take that for granted because it's amazing to see that world in that capacity” explained Sanderson. “I feel like I have a lot of big shoes to fill with over the years of great parade marshalls and I'm just going to do the best that I can.”

Sanderson’s mother would bring him to several parades when he was younger, such as the St. Patrick’s Day and Santa Claus parades, with several fond memories. During his adult years, he celebrated from dusk until dawn as he said with a chuckle but highlighted the upbeat and diverse music scene he would experience during St. Patrick’s Day.

“There's a lot of great live bands playing and that's what's really cool,” explained Sanderson. “I love live music and this city is rich with it; the music here is pretty eclectic.”

There are 77 entries in the parade so far but Burke says he is looking for more and sponsors.

“I can't believe how big it's growing,” said Burke. Last year, we had 87 so this year I'd like to hit maybe 100. It'd be pretty incredible to hit 100. I'm not sure if Peterborough parades have ever had 100 entries before so let's knock wood, luck of the Irish and all that stuff, let's do it.”

To register for the parade, visit the parade’s website and apply until March 1.

The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m., with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Prior to the event, a 5k run along George Street will occur to raise money for Right to Heal to help those with mental health and addictions.

To sign up for the run, contact Dave Dame of Runner’s Life at 876-8960. Donations can be given online at Right to Heal’s website.

A flag-raising will occur at City Hall on March 10 to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.

For more information, contact Tim Burke at (705) 875-2542.

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Auto Connect Sales Raises Animal Adoption Awareness During the Holidays With Adopt Advent Calendar

Auto Connect Sales launched an animal adoption awareness campaign during the holidays with an ‘Adopt Advent Calendar’ to help the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) find homes for several pets.

Elias (left) was one of 25 animals showcased in the advent calendar and is having holiday fun with Watson (right). Photo by Mark Dizon.

There were 25 animals from PHS showcased in total, with one animal featured daily on Auto Connect’s Instagram account.

Of all the animals posted, 15 of the 25 pets found homes before Christmas according to a Facebook post.

“We didn’t get these animals adopted. I think the calendar helped get exposure to the Humane Society,” said Cheryl Watson of Auto Connect Sales. “I was very happy that idea was very well received. I think the community liked it.”

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Watson had the idea of starting the calendar after attending a PHS gala. Animals were present at the event for anyone attending to interact with.

“I fell in love with a dog and I couldn’t stop thinking about them,” explained Watson. “I thought I had to get this dog adopted. That was my goal.”

Auto Connect staff met with the animals at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre for a photo shoot for the advent calendar.

“It was such a magical day,” said Watson. “Everybody was having a fantastic time. The Humane Society was so encouraging, supportive and eager to help get this done. It was a perfect joint effort.”

The remaining ten animals that were showcased are still up for adoption.

“Even if we can get one or two animals adopted, it was worth it,” said Watson.

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Hometown PTBO: Pete Dalliday and PTBOCanada Send Off the Holidays With the Weber Brothers

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday and PTBOCanada want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays as we finish off the year with some music from The Weber Brothers.

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City of Peterborough Launches New Holiday Display Map

The City of Peterborough has launched a new interactive Holiday Display Map to celebrate the festive season with the community with outdoor lighting displays and decorations on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Community members and visitors are invited to explore neighbourhoods lit up for the holiday season using a guide created by the City’s Geomatics and Mapping program area.

Whatever holiday or celebration you are marking with your display, the City encourages everyone to share their festive spirit with the community.

Residents and businesses can submit their addresses to be included in the 2023 Holiday Lighting Map by uploading at least one photo and associated requested information through an online form.

Displays must be visible from a public location such as the street or sidewalk. Submissions to the map will be accepted until Jan.1.

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City to Host Tree Lighting Ceremony At Quaker Foods City Square This Friday

The City of Peterborough is getting into the holiday spirit by hosting a community tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The Peterborough Singers Choir will perform seasonal songs before Mayor Jeff Leal flips the switch to turn on the lights illuminating the 35-foot-tall tree.

Weather pending, the Square skating rink will be open for skating for the first time this season.

“Quaker Foods City Square brought a tremendous amount of energy to the downtown last winter with thousands of people enjoying the new outdoor skating rink,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The tree will add to the festive spirit and vibrancy. I look forward to celebrating the season with the community at the upcoming tree lighting event.”

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Peterborough Police Provide Tips For Safe Holiday Shopping

The Peterborough Police Service has provided tips to the public for safe holiday shopping.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Here are a few tips provided from the police:

• If you are out shopping, make sure any purchases or valuables in your vehicle are out of sight.

• Be aware of distraction thefts. This happens when one person distracts you with a question while another takes your valuables such as phones, wallets or gifts. It can occur in a store or even in a parking lot. 

• If packages are being delivered to your house, make sure you have a plan for when they arrive. Perhaps a neighbour will pick them up for you or plan to be home if possible. Or ask that delivery requires a signature. 

• If you have a camera installed, ensure it is in good working order and connected to your phone to notify you of movement on your porch.  

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A Cappella Chorus Group The Aces of Harmony to Serenade Downtown During Late-Night Shopping Event

Local award-winning a cappella chorus group, The Aces of Harmony, is serenading downtown streets from 5 - 7 p.m. during The Boro’s late-night shopping event this Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Aces of Harmony has been part of Peterborough’s music scene for over 50 years. The a cappella chorus sings close harmony in the barbershop style. During the late-night shopping event, they will sing classic holiday tunes to create a cheery atmosphere downtown for seasonal shopping.

“We love Peterborough and really wanted to do something for the downtown business community this holiday season,” said Diane Martin, director of the Aces Harmony. “We’re so excited to partner with the Peterborough DBIA to bring our harmonies (and holiday cheer) into the downtown core and to bring smiles to people’s faces as they enjoy a night out shopping and dining.”  

Over 35 businesses are participating in the late-night shopping events. A map has been created to locate the participating retailers. When purchasing at participating locations, shoppers will receive double the stamps on their holiday shopping passports.

Parking is also free in Downtown Peterborough after 6 p.m. and holiday shopping is free for two hours prior to that time.

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City of Peterborough Announces Road Closures For 2023 Santa Claus Parade

The City of Peterborough is putting in road closures for the 48th annual Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade which is being held in downtown Peterborough this Saturday.

File Photo.

The closures allow for both staging and the parade procession according to the City.

The following road closures will be in place starting at 4 p.m.:

• Antrim Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street

• Edinburgh Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street

• Dublin Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street

• London Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street

• McDonnel Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street

• Murray Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street

• George Street — Parkhill Road to Brock Street

• Princess Street — George Street to Park Street

• Aylmer Street — Lansdowne Street to Romaine Street

The parade will travel south on George Street, starting at McDonnel Street and passing in front of City Hall at 4:45 p.m. The Parade ends at Princess Street and participants disperse from Princess Street. A rolling road closure — supervised by Peterborough Police Services — will occur along George Street during the parade.

Event volunteers will be available to remove barricades to allow for local access for residents and emergency vehicles along side streets. All road closures are expected to be over by 7:30 p.m.

No on-street parking is permitted on George Street between McDonnel Street and Princess Street starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Parking staff will be on-site to issue parking tickets and help ensure cars are relocated. Any vehicles still parked on George Street at 3 p.m. will be towed to the Reid Lot on 350 Reid St.

The City encourages anyone watching the parade to park in the King Street Parkade at 202 King St., the Simcoe parking garage at 190 Simcoe St. or municipal surface lots at the following locations: 

• Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St.

• Reid Lot at 350 Reid St.

• Surface lot at 365 Aylmer St.

• Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N.

• Downie Lot at 336 Downie St.

Parking in municipal lots and parking garages is free on weekends. Any parking fees voluntarily paid during December will be donated to Kawartha Food Share.

The City reminds residents to follow all on-street parking regulations that may be in place in the downtown area, including calendar parking where applicable. Ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.

Starting at 4 p.m., Peterborough Transit routes will detour around George Street between Parkhill Road and Brock Street.

During the rolling road closures as the parade progresses down George Street, the following routes will be detoured:

• #2 Chemong

• #4 Weller

• #6 Sherbrooke

• #22 Blue Community Buss

• #23 Red Community Bus

A Peterborough Petes game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre in the evening starts at 7 p.m. With the Santa Claus Parade affecting traffic in the area, people attending the game are encouraged to plan for extra travel time when getting to the game. Paid parking at the Memorial Centre opens at 4 p.m. and the arena doors open at 6 p.m.

Drivers are reminded to obey all on-street parking restrictions including calendar parking, where applicable.

With increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic expected, everyone is reminded to leave extra time and use caution while travelling downtown on Saturday.

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Free Two-Hour Holiday Parking For Downtown Peterborough In Effect Friday Until Dec. 31; Courtesy of Wolfe Lawyers

Parking at Downtown Peterborough is free for two hours after a sponsorship from Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers beginning on Friday.

Photo bycourtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This includes all downtown municipal parking spaces such as on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and Simcoe Parking Garage.

The free two-hour holiday parking program continues until Dec. 31 to encourage people to shop locally.

Any parking fees are voluntary paid during this time at pay-and-display machines, parking meters or via the HotSpot App during the free two-hour period will be donated to Kawartha Food Share. The organization helps more than 8,900 people each month through its 36 member agencies including meal programs and food banks.

“It’s more important than ever to support and shop local. Wolfe Lawyers will continue to invest in local opportunities which give back to the citizens of our great community,” said, Bill Wolfe of Wolfe Lawyers. “Wolfe Lawyers proudly sponsor ‘the gift of parking’ to let you enjoy our many great stores and restaurants during the holiday season and we encourage people to support Kawartha Food Share with some form of donation to help those in need in our community.”

“The holidays lift our spirits and spark kindness and generosity for our family, friends and community,” said Councillor Joy Lachica “Come downtown to support local businesses, park free and help Kawartha Food Share bring food to those in need this season.”

“The holiday season is a perfect time to experience the vibrancy of downtown Peterborough. Free parking makes it easy to grab a coffee, to make a quick stop during the seasonal rush, and especially to support local businesses,” said Councillor Alex Bierk “Let's also remember that making a donation to Kawartha Food Share at a City parking machine is a great way to support those dealing with food insecurity during the holidays. I have witnessed first-hand the remarkable impact this organization has in our community.”

People who need more than two hours of parking are asked to park in the City’s surface lots or parking garages.

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'Christmas By Candlelight' Returns For Lang Pioneer Village To Get In the Holiday Spirit

Lang Pioneer Village is celebrating a traditional pioneer Christmas with ‘Christmas by Candlelight’ for Dec. 2 and 3 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty Photography and Lang Pioneer Village.

The village is being lit with candles, lamps and lanterns. The nights feature horse-drawn wagon rides, campfire stories, old holiday treats, photo shoots and Christmas carols.

Including learning about a pioneer’s first Christmas in the wilderness at the Fife Cabin, stories are being told of the Michi Saagiig about how they survived and thrived in the winter months in the Aabnaabin Gallery.

Events and activities include holiday treat samples, reindeer games, meals, raffles and more.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty Photography and Lang Pioneer Village.

Sunday at 7 p.m. features a live nativity with animals and a choir presented by the Keene United Church.

The Museum encourages visitors to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Otonabee South Monaghan Food Cupboard at the Museum Shop.

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