City Council Invokes Buyout Clause to Develop Property on Morrow Park; Peterborough Agricultural Society Forced To Move

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Peterborough City Council has invoked a buyout clause from the Morrow Park Agreement, forcing the Peterborough Agricultural Society to move from its location to develop on the property, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.

File Photo.

The Board of the Peterborough Agricultural Society has issued the following statement:

“With mixed emotions the Board of the Peterborough Agricultural Society would like to inform the public that Peterborough City Council have given notice that they have invoked the buyout clause within the Morrow Park Agreement, asking the Society to move from our long term home at Morrow Park. This is so they can proceed to develop this historical area.

As the directors of the Society, we wish the City and its citizens best of luck with the development of their said lands. We also wish to express our extreme gratitude to the many volunteers and families who have faithfully put countless hours of time and ef ort into this major annual event over the past 180 years. It is our intent at this time to go forward as the Peterborough Agricultural Society and to look for a new home and start a new beginning. Our hopes are to form strong partnerships within the county of Peterborough and continue to promote agricultural education to the general public. Rest assured we are still here. We have a strong board of directors who are dedicated to the task of rebuilding this once strong institution. Please expect that there will be new things to come and opportunities for you, the public, to help.”

The Society has set up an online auction of memorabilia from 175 years of the Peterborough Exhibition. There are 204 items up for bid including furniture, farming equipment, clothing, signs, odds and ends and more. The auction opens on Oct. 10 and ends on Oct. 16.

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Peterborough Exhibition Not Relocating to Kawartha Downs Says Peterborough Agricultural Society

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The Peterborough Exhibition is not moving to Kawartha Downs after the Peterborough Agricultural Society (PAS) released a statement saying details have not been confirmed for a move announced on Tuesday.

Kawartha Downs had tractor pulls during thier 50th anniversary weekend on Aug. 5 and 6. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Kawartha Downs had distributed a press release regarding the possible move according to PAS but continued to say they have ‘incorrectly implied’ the exhibition’s relocation.

PAS has released the following statement:

A release that was issued on November 21, 2022 by Kawartha Downs incorrectly implied that the Peterborough Exhibition is relocating to Kawartha Downs. The Peterborough Agricultural Society, organizers of the annual Peterborough Exhibition, has not authorized the use of the name Peterborough Exhibition by Kawartha Downs.

The Peterborough Agricultural Society has held events at Kawartha Downs during the pandemic and have had discussions with Kawartha Downs about the possibility of holding a small selection of events at their facility. Details for the 2023 season are not confirmed. Furthermore, Kawartha Downs is in no way associated with the Peterborough Exhibition or the Peterborough Agricultural Society.

A multi-day monster truck show and multi-day retro concert were some events mentioned by Kawartha Downs in their press release but additional details and details will be announced at a media conference on Dec. 2.

The four-day exhibition took place at Morrow Park annually since 1885 but was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exhibition did not run this year due to an ongoing dispute between the PAS and the City of Peterborough. It involved the construction of the Arena and Aquatics Complex being built on the west side of the park near Park Street.

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Peterborough Agricultural Society Announces Peterborough Ex Steer Show Results

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The Peterborough Ex announced the results of the Ernest Boyles & Sons Steer Show and Sale, held on August 4 at the Vollering Farm in Douro.

Doug Leahy’s Grand Champion steer. This Charlois/black Limousin crossbred steer weighs 1639 lbs. Photo courtesy of Jason MCIntosh Auctions.

The animals were weighed and judged prior to being auctioned. Judges were Darrell Russet of Russett Farms Sterling, Randy Hilts of Hilts Butcher Shop in Norwood and Dave Denure of Hoard’s Station Sale Barn, Hoard’s Station.

The Steer Show and Sale is a great chance for people to get on the farm to see the work and care that goes into breeding,” said Exhibition President Viren D’Souza. “Congratulations to all exhibitors for your work and we look forward to seeing the auction results.”

Featured Supporters included Kroes Croquettes, Starfra Feeds, Battaglia Homes, Hilts Butcher Shop, Peterborough Veterinary Services and Otonabee Meat Packers.

The top six placing steers are sold online through Jason McIntosh Auctions. Bidding closes on August 12th and is open to the public. Processing arrangements have been made through Otonabee Meat Packers and Hilts Butcher Shop and the producer will deliver their animal with no additional cost. Buyers must pay for all the cutting and processing fees.

Steer Show results are:

1st - Doug Leahy 

2nd - Pat Leahy

3rd - Scott and Andy Vollering

4th - Leahy Brothers

5th - Alyssa Leahy

6th - Shannon Leahy

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Peterborough Ex Hosting Events Around The Region This Week In Lieu Of Traditional Exhibition

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The Peterborough Ex is holding the annual homecraft, steer show and rabbit and cavy show this weekend at locations throughout the region.

2021 Ernest Boyles & Sons Ltd Junior Market Lamb Grand Champion Natalie Dunford. Photo courtesy of The Peterborough Ex.

The Steer Show and Sale will be happening at the Vollering farm (295 Douro Fourth Line, Douro Dummer) on Thursday and will feature six animals that will be judged at 6:00 p.m. followed by a BBQ. The award-winning steers will be auctioned off online following the show until August 12.

The Rabbit and Cavy Show will be happening at Kawartha Downs on Friday as part of their Agricultural Fair with judging starting at 3:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday the Annual Homecraft Show will be happening at the Peterborough Morrow Building. See award winning displays and shop with local vendors.

“The Peterborough Ex is continuing to renew and regrow to provide agriculture and food education events for Peterborough area residents,” said Viren D’Souza, President of the Peterborough Ag Society. “These are fun events to get up close and learn about agriculture.”

The Peterborough Agricultural Society is continuing to provide opportunities for people to connect with farming and food through educational events that allow for on-farm experiences and engagement with producers.

The 2022 Peterborough Ex will not feature a midway or rodeo.

More information is available at PeterboroughEx.ca

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New Book Highlights Brothers that Brought Demolition Derbies to Peterborough

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Peterborough journalist Ed Arnold has released a book about Walt and Bill Williams, who brought Trans Canada Hell Drivers and Demolition Derbies to the Peterborough area.

Photo found in Never say Never, signed by Walt Williams

Photo found in Never say Never, signed by Walt Williams

Identical twins Walt and Bill Williams, from London, Ont., always had a knack for entertaining.

They started their careers playing the ukulele, piano and fiddle for admiring audiences. They then graduated to rollerblading, and performing stunts on trampolines. They took their acts all over North America, but it wasn’t until they got an invitation to perform as Hell Drivers at the New York World’s Fair, that their lives changed forever.

The brothers went home to Canada and formed the Trans Canada Hell Drivers and Demolition Derby, which quickly became the best known auto thrill show in Canada.

“We played all the fairs in Canada, and the Peterborough Exhibition was one of the better fairs in it’s day,” said Walt Williams. “ It was an exciting fair, we brought a lot of excitement there.”

Ed Arnold’s new book, Never Say Never, Walt and Bill Williams Story, highlights the brother’s lives and their travels around the world with the Trans Canada Hell Drivers.

“Our biggest thing was making people happy, and making them laugh at the shows,” he said. “ An entertainer always likes the applause.”

The Williams brothers brought the Trans Canada Hell Drivers and demolition derbies to the Peterborough Exhibition for decades.

“Even today the demolition derby is still the biggest drawing card at fairs,” said Williams. “Every fair has them.”

Williams, in his 80’s, has since retired from performing. While COVID-19 has put a stop to his beloved fairs, he says he enjoys getting out to see a show every once in a while.

To purchase Never Say Never, Walt and Bill Williams Story, click here.

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Award-Winning Teen Farmer to Showcase Lamb For Second Consecutive Title

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Young farmer Natalie Dunford is gearing up for another successful year for the Peterborough Exhibition Junior Market Lamb show this Wednesday.

Natalie Dunford poses with her lamb. Natalie and her family also sell fresh sweet corn and pumpkins from their farm in Cavan. Photo courtesy of Sarah Dunford.

Natalie Dunford poses with her lamb. Natalie and her family also sell fresh sweet corn and pumpkins from their farm in Cavan. Photo courtesy of Sarah Dunford.

Growing up just down the road from her grandfather’s farm in Cavan, the 14-year-old Dunford has been farming her whole life. She has been showing sheep through 4-H — a non-profit geared towards teaching youth leadership and life skills — for six years and has been selling market lambs at auction for three years.

Last year, Dunford’s homegrown lamb placed first and was bought by Joe Donaldson from Smokey Joe’s butcher shop.

In past years, the Peterborough Exhibition Junior Market Lamb show has been open to the public with the lambs being auctioned off directly from the ring. Due to COVID-19, this and last year’s auction is online with an in-person show.

“The five kids that have entered lambs this year are exceptional,” said Sarah Dunford, Natalie’s mom. “They all have their own flocks. If it was in person, you could see the work that the kids do.”

To show a lamb, the farmer must “break it in” by getting the animal used to being led around the ring. Natalie has been working with her lamb that she will bring to the show on Wednesday for about a month.

She also helps look after the flock of over 60 lambs daily, performing vaccinations, putting fresh hay in their stalls and any other farm duties.

The money earned from this auction will go towards her post-secondary education says Natalie. The young farmer will attend high school in September and plans on pursuing an agricultural or horticulture education after graduation.

Natalie sits among her flock. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Dunford.

Natalie sits among her flock. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Dunford.

Natalie hopes that people become more aware of the fresh local lamb that is produced in Peterborough County.

“Your food comes from somewhere,” she says. “It may not come from me but it comes from somebody and it is a hell of a lot of work that goes into it.”

Hosted by the Peterborough Agricultural Society, the Ernest Boyles & Sons Ltd Market Steer and Junior Market Lamb Show & Sale begins on Wednesday. The online auction can be viewed here.


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The Ferris Wheel Is Returning To Peterborough Ex

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Organizers of the Peterborough Ex have contracted Magical Midways to be their midway operator for this summer’s Peterborough Ex, which runs August 8th-11th at Morrow Park.

Peterborough Ex attendees can expect to see a new mix of rides for thrill-seekers, families and little children—and the always-popular Ferris Wheel will be making a return.

Photo courtesy Peterborough Ex

“We’ve been hearing that Peterborough has been looking for more variety and better value from our midway,” says Ryan Moore, President of the Peterborough Agricultural Society, which runs the Ex. “Magical Midways has a wide selection of midway games and rides that we are excited to be bringing to this year’s Ex.”

The family-run operator has been providing midway fun for three generations and have been involved in fairs and exhibitions throughout Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

Photo courtesy Peterborough Ex

Advance ride-all-day midway passes will be available for $25 (regularly priced $40) and are available online or at The Peterborough Ex Office, Starfra Feeds, Sunderland Co-Op, Morello’s Independent and Craft Works at the Barn.

Admission passes for all four days are $10 per person and children under five are free. For more information, to volunteer or sponsor the Ex—now in its 174th year—visit peterboroughex.ca.

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Neat Historical Pictures From 170 Years Of The Peterborough Ex

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Neat Historical Pictures From 170 Years Of The Peterborough Ex

We can smell the cotton candy on these

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It Was All Bull At City Hall Today

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photo via @kjpoling

photo via @kjpoling

The Peterborough Ex's 170th season runs this Thursday through Sunday, and a bull showed up at City Hall to mark the occasion on Tuesday (August 4th).

It definitely got attention...

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The 169th Peterborough Ex Is On!

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The Peterborough Ex opens August 7th and runs until Sunday, August 10th. This year's theme is "Celebrate & Educate", and you can see the entire schedule of the festivities. New this year is the "Road to the Royal Butter Tart Competition".

Stay up to date by following them on Twitter and Facebook.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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