76th Annual Kiwanis Music Festival To Take Place This week

The 76th annual Kiwanis Music Festival will run in Peterborough from Monday to Friday.

Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Music Festival.

Competitions will be at Park Street Baptist Church at 16 Park St. N. and Cephas Reform Church at 220 Goodfellow Rd. Spoken art events will be held at long & McQuade (129 Aylmer St. N.).

All events are open to the public. There is no admission fee, though donations at the door are encouraged.

Competitions take place Mon - Fri from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For a full schedule visit peterborough.kiwanismusicfestival.com.

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First Ever Tackle Swap And Fishing Show Is Making A Splash At The Morrow Building

The first annual Peterborough Tackle Swap and Fishing Show is coming to The Morrow building at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Matt Pezzetta, an accomplished tournament angler in a Canada and in the USA, will emcee the event. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Tackle Swap and Fishing Show.

The show has existed for eight years in Bowmanville, but quickly outgrew the venue there and is coming to Peterborough to expand.

Initially they were set for 2020 but the COVID pandemic put an end to it before it could start.

“This has been two years in the making now,” said Kyle Carruthers, show organizer. “This will be bigger and better than anything we’ve ever done in Bowmanville. We’ve got more space, more experience and such high quality vendors.”

Carruthers, who works in the outdoor industry, says Peterborough is the perfect town to host this event in, as the city is surrounded by beautiful lakes and rivers prime for anglers.

Visitors to the show can expect to see used fishing tackle and gear being sold by vendors, big vendors like Shimano, and local companies like Musky maniacs, Lucky Strike Bait Works and Pro Tackle PTBO.

Admission is $10 (cash only) at the door and will get you entered into a draw to win a Garmin Fish Finder. Visitors are invited to bring a donation to the food bank, which will get them a second entry to the draw.

Children under 12 will get in for free, as well as a free bait or lure courtesy of Lucky Strike and Berkley.

There will also be an opportunity to enter a raffle in support of breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at PRHC with the Peterborough Dragon Boat festival.

“It will have a small town feel to it, we’re trying to support the community,” said Carruthers. “Fisherman and anglers respect the conservation side of the waters while giving back when we can.”

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Monster Spectacular To Roar Into The Memorial Centre This June

Monster Spectacular, Canada’s sports and entertainment spectacle - mixing the thrills and spills of motorsports, showmanship and the ultimate fan experience into incredible, action-packed live shows will perform at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 4 and 5.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Fans will get the opportunity to see some of the biggest, baddest monster trucks on the circuit. Drivers will compete in high octane side by side racing, freestyle competitions and unique driver skill contests.

Driving will be some of the world’s most popular monster trucks, including Bounty Hunter, Red Baron and more. oining this year’s lineup of monster trucks will also be fast, family-friendly events such as lawnmower races and Motorcross.

Tickets are on sale starting Friday, March 11th at 10 a.m. online at www.memorialcentre.ca, over the phone at 705-743-3561 on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The Box Office is open for in-person sales from Wednesdays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Prices range from $36.30 to $75 plus tax. This show is not recommended for children under 2.

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Electric City Culture Council Highlights Events Supporting Black Creators During Black History Month

To mark Black History Month, Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has put together a list of resources to help honour and inform about the legacy of Black Canadians, to support Black causes and Black creators, and to celebrate some of the art being created by Black artists in Peterborough and across Canada.

The founder of the Black Lives Matter movement presence in Canada and Black Lives Matter – Toronto, Sandy Hudson. Hudson will speak at The Trent Student Centre on Friday.

Below are links to events happening in Peterborough to commemorate Black History month, compiled by EC3:

Celebrating Black Joy with Sandy Hudson, founder of BLM Canada. At the Trent Student Centre, hosted by the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) and Black Student Support.
Feb. 18; 12 p.m.

Adult Book Club discusses Gutter Child by Jael Richardson. Presented by the Peterborough Public Library.
Feb. 22, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Diversity & Allyship in the Conservation and Environmental Industry. Live virtual panel discussion, Fleming College.
Feb. 24, 12 - 1 p.m.

Journey to Justice - Film Discussion. Hosted by the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough, via Zoom
Feb. 25, 7 - 8 p.m.

3rd Annual Black History Month Blowout. Held by Black Lives Matter Nogojiwanong (OPIRG).
Feb. 26, details TBA

Local black creators highlighted include:

Black Girls Chatter. Podcast featuring "just a couple of black girls keeping the conversation going.”

Borderless Records. Peterborough-Nogojiwanong based DIY label and collective.

Local collections and organizations include:

Community Race Relations Committee Peterborough. A resource hub for educators, employers, students, youth, and anyone looking for info on race, anti-racism, and anti-discrimination.

Black Lives Matter (BLM) - Nogojiwanong Chapter, in partnership with OPIRG.

Peterborough Public Library presents reading lists, events and more for Black History Month.

Trent Arthur Newspaper has published a series of articles throughout Black History Month, including "The erasure of Canada's racism in public school curricula" by Alicia McLeod; "Canada, the land of equality, diversity, and racism" by Sutton Hanna; and "No black educators" by Shaela McLeod.

EC3 also highlighted films and books that highlight black writers, directors, actors and creatives:

To read:
Borderless Discussions w/ Muna & Sahira Q. A late night roundtable discussion about gender, race, art, performance, community, intersectionality, and so much more. Part of the 2021 Borderless Music & Arts Festival in Peterborough.

Subjects of Desire. (2021). Jennifer Holness, Canada, 103 minutes.

The Porter. TV series (2022-), premiering on CBC Television February 21, 2022.

Learn to Swim (2021), Thyrone Tommy, Canada, 90 minutes.

Bringing Overlooked Canadian Black History to the Fore. The Agenda with Steve Paikin, TVO, February 7, 2022.

To read:
Black Lives Matter Reading List. From the Peterborough Public Library.

Dr. Afua Cooper. Speaker, scholar, historian, author, poet, performer, and social and cultural commentator. Published works include: Black Writers Matter; Dear Canada: Hoping for Home; A Fluid Frontier: Slavery, Resistance, and the Underground Railroad in the Detroit River Borderland; The Hanging of Angélique: the untold story of Canadian slavery and the burning of old Montréal

The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Toronto!. Adrienne Shadd, Afua Cooper, Karolyn Smardz Frost, Dundurn Press, 2009.

Beauty in a Box: Detangling the Roots of Canada’s Black Beauty Culture. Cheryl Thompson, Wilfred Laurier University Press, 2018.

Inspired by Black Lives Matter, over 40 Canadian artists record Freedom Marching. Rebecca Zandbergen, CBC News (web article), February 9, 2022.

Gutter Child: A Novel. Jael Richardson, HarperCollins, 2021.

Black Writers - A Reading List. Published by the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia.

So Since I’m Still Here Livin’: A YouTube Reader. Ed. Kelly Xio, Domain, 2021.

Sisters of the Yam: black women and self-recovery. bell hooks, South End Press, 1994.

Talking Back | thinking feminist, thinking black. bell hooks, Between the Lines, 1989.

Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement. Angela Y. Davis, Haymarket Books, 2016.

How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective. Keeyanga Yamahtta Taylor, Haymarket Books, 2017.

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Trent University to Hold 46th Annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering Virtually

A virtual gathering for the 46th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering for reconciliation through storytelling held by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University from Friday to Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering is an important annual event that connects students, community members and Elders,” says Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, FPHL director. “This year’s theme focuses on Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth, which seeks to honour the voices, histories, and narratives of all our nations through sharing stories and teachings from Elders and knowledge holders.”

Each year, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering offers an opportunity for attendees to share in Indigenous knowledge through workshops, presentations, and performances.

This year’s gathering features keynote addresses from National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Dr. Niigan Sinclair, Sylvia Maracle and Rick Hill, as well as an inspiring line-up of Elders and traditional knowledge keepers sharing their stories throughout the event.

Special for 2022, the three-day conference features an all-new Youth Panel featuring Shina Novalinga, Notorious Cree, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb, and Autumn Cooper discussing how Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth and social change are possible through education via digital and social media content creation.

Indigenous Insights, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering pre-conference will be held virtually on Fri. at 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in collaboration with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. T

his year’s event, Aging with Grace, is sponsored by the Provost’s Lecture Series for Reconciliation, featuring keynote speaker Cliff Whetung from Curve Lake First Nation and a panel discussion with Professor Emeritus Shirley Williams, Dr. Dan Longboat, and M.A. candidate Janette Corston to discuss their experiences combined with Cliff’s research.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Advanced registration for Indigenous Insights and the Elders Gathering is required.

Highlights of this year’s virtual events are listed below. Visit the Elders Gathering website to register and view the full schedule of speakers, workshops and presentations.

Pre-conference Indigenous Insights: Aging with Grace
Fri., Feb. 11, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

  • Keynote Address: Cliff Whetung, New York University’s Silver School of Social Work

  • Panel featuring: Dan Longboat, Shirley Williams, Janette Corston and Cliff Whetung

Day One: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Fri., Feb. 11, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Elders Opening Prayer: Elder Doug Williams and Elder Shirley Williams

  • Chief Welcome Addresses: Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations

  • Open Comments: Metis Nation Ontario, Trent University, City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, House of Commons and the Provincial Parliament of Ontario

  • Keynote Address: National Chief RoseAnne Archibald

  • Keynote Presentation: Dr. Niigaan Sinclair

  • Simultaneous Panels: Two Spirit and Women in Leadership Panel

  • Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel

Day Two: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sat. Feb. 12, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Keynote Address: Sylvia Maracle

  • Simultaneous Workshops:

    • Metis Finger Weaving and Inuit Throat Singing & Cultural Reclamation Urban Settings

    • Language & Drumming and Native Women’s Association

  • Youth Panel: Notorious Cree, Shina Novalinga, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb and Autumn Cooper

  • Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel

Day Three: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sun., Feb. 13, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

  • Keynote Address: Rick Hill

  • Closing Words, Gratitude and Prayers: Elders, Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies and FPHL

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Local Entrepreneur To Open This Weekend's PolarFest With a Bang

As PolarFest begins its three-day event this weekend, Adam Brown, Chemong Lodge owner will have his business kick off the opening ceremonies with a fireworks display on Friday night.

Adam Brown, Chemong Lodge owner (left) with Charlie “Woodchuck” Andolek (right) with one of several ice sculptures. The pictured sculpture is incomplete but is a three-dimensional hockey goalie. Photo by Kirtus Evoy.

The event will run from Fri. to Sun. in several townships such as Selwyn, Lakefield and Bridgenorth. Scheduled events include a candlelight skate, ice sculpture show, pancake breakfast and a spaghetti dinner.

"It's an exciting weekend in the fact in the timing of some restrictions being lifted and that we're able to kick on with PolarFest," said Brown. "It's all the great things we can do outdoors and in our within our community and an opportunity to encourage people to get out."

The Lodge will have free coffee, hot chocolate and some treats available during the opening festivities. The fireworks are done by Supernova Fireworks.

The following is a list of events for PolarFest:

Friday

  • 7:30 p.m. - Outdoor Opening Ceremony - Chemong Lodge (764 Hunter St. Bridgenorth) - Kick off PolarFest lakeside with a fireworks show by Supernova Fireworks

  • 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Skate (Ticketed Event) - Ontario Speed Skating Oval (3358 Lakefield Rd. Lakefield) - Hundreds of lights will guide your way around the Oval! Register for your time slot by visiting ontariospeedskatingoval.com

Saturday

  • All Day - Ice Sculpture Show - Cenotaph Park (Bridge St. and Water St. Lakefield) Cenotaph Park will sparkle with exquisite ice sculptures by talented sculptors.

  • All Day - Ice People Ice Sculptures - Heritage Park (804 Ward St. Bridgenorth) Using ice from Chemong Lake, The Ice People will fill the park with ice sculptures.

  • 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. - Drive-Thru Pancake Breakfast - Causeway Christian Assembly (1307 Yankee Line, Ennismore) - FREE

  • Noon to 3:00 p.m. - Nordic Day - Ontario Speed Skating Oval - Stop by Adventure Outfitters (1828 8th Line, Lakefield) to grab your equipment, head to the Oval and enjoy the trail groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

  • 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Drive-Thru Spaghetti Dinner - Bridgenorth United Church (832 Charles St. Bridgenorth) - Adults: $12 / Children 7 and under: $7

  • 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Skate (Ticketed Event) - Hundreds of lights will guide your way around the Oval! Register for your time slot by visiting ontariospeedskatingoval.com.

Sunday

  • All Day - Ice People Ice Sculptures - Heritage Park (804 Ward St. Bridgenorth) Using ice from Chemong Lake, The Ice People will fill the park with ice sculptures.

For a full schedule of events and details, click here.

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Doors Open Peterborough Seeking New Committee Members

The Doors Open Peterborough Steering Committee that plans and runs its annual events are looking for new members to join its team announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of City of Peterborough.

Doors Open Peterborough is a city-wide event in which private and public heritage buildings open their doors (either physically or digitally) to the public for viewing free of charge. Funding for the program is approved by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC).

Peterborough’s event is coordinated by the City of Peterborough as part of Doors Open Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust. The event is a great opportunity for community engagement and education about the City’s built heritage.

As a committee member, individuals will gain valuable skills and experience. Since meetings are held virtually, reliable access to a telephone or computer with an internet connection is essential.

To apply, interested individuals can fill out the volunteer application form online at www.peterborough.ca/heritageevents to indicate your specific skill set and interests. Applicants who cannot access the online application are asked to please call 705-742-7777 ext. 1491 for a hard copy of the form. The deadline for applications is March 4 at 4:30 p.m.

All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Applicants will be contacted individually for a short interview and information session.

In accordance with the City of Peterborough - COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy, all volunteers are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their beginning their volunteer role.

For more information, please visit the Doors Open Peterborough web page: www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/peterborough

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4th Line Theatre Digital Festival Of Light And Dark Program Has Been Announced

4th Line Theatre has announced the programming for the second annual Digital Festival of Light and Dark, on Monday.

MOSUN FADARE IN 4TH LINE THEATRE'S 2018 PRODUCTION OF BEVERLEY COOPER'S THE OTHER: A STRANGE CHRISTMAS TALE DIRECTED BY KIM BLACKWELL. PHOTO BY WAYNE EARDLEY - BROOKSIDE STUDIO.

The Festival has provided 10 regional artists with micro-grants to create five-minute digital showcases of their work, and will launch on Jan. 24.

The Festival enables audiences to engage with the artists’ creations from the safety of their own homes, through 4th Line’s digital gallery. The Festival is free of charge to watch.

“We wanted to support local artists. That was the genesis for the idea which ultimately became the Festival of Light and Dark,” said Kim Blackwell, managing artistic director. “These short, digital pieces will be a chance for 4th Line audiences to explore the nature of light and dark through the work of regional artists.”

The projects encompass a myriad of artistic styles from experimental music to abstract painting to short film and more. The topics and issues explored include the synesthetic experience of nature; fear of the dark; and finding the light within during the darkest times.

In ‘Letters in Me’, an Adaptation by Nadia Affolter Lee, a woman writes a letter to depression. Through movement and dialogue, she breaks free and finds light and strength from within, realizing she wants there to be a tomorrow.

Senior Moment by Jack Chesla focuses on a senior couple that have a not-so-sweet solution to a potential package thief in town.

In Every Other Weekend by Mike Moring an all-too-brief weekend visit comes to an end and a father and son are each confronted by their own fear of the dark.

To view the rest of the line up click here.

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St Patrick's Day Parade Cancelled Third Year In A Row

The 2022 St Patrick’s Day parade in Peterborough has been cancelled, announced on Tuesday.

This will be the third year the parade has been cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.

In 2020 organizers waited until two days before the event to call it off. Almost two years into the pandemic, this year they have made the call over two months in advance.

In a Facebook post organizers wrote ‘We have decided that it wasn't in our communities best interests to hold the parade this year.’

They also noted that they have full intentions to host the parade in 2023.

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Township Of Selwyn PolarFest Ready To Make A Splash In February

Selwyn Townships annual PolarFest will happen Feb. 4 - 6.

File Photo.

PolarFest is an outdoor family fesetival hosted every year by the Township of Selwyn. This year due to COVID-19 there are some alterations, but the festival will still happen.

The Opening Ceremony fireworks will be hosted Lakeside at Chemong Lodge at 764 Hunter Street, Bridgenorth, on Feb. 4.

A free pancake breakfast will be hosted at the Causeway Christian Assembly (1307 Yankee Line, Ennismore) on Feb. 5. The event is free, but donations are welcome.

Ice sculptures will be on display at Cenotaph Park, Lakefield and Heritage Park, Bridgenorth. The Ice People of Bridgenorth, Ennismore and Lakefield will be on site at Heritage park on Feb. 5 and invite children to join them in creating their own ice sculptures.

Adventure Outfitters of Lakefield will be providing those interested the opportunity to experience a variety of Nordic Winter Sports. Those interested can visit Adventure Outfitters located at 1828 8th Line, Lakefield and be fitted for the proper equipment.

The speed skating oval in Lakefield will be open for use, as well as trails for cross country skiing and snoeshowing.

The Snowman Challenge will happen all weekend. Participants can build their own and post to Facebook using the hashtag #snowmanchallenge and #polarfest. A prize will be awarded to the best, most creative snowman.

For more events and details click here.

From Feb. 6 - 13 Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield Rotary will be hosting the 42nd Annual Polar Plunge virtually. The Polar Plunge raises funds for local charities and the Rotary Club. Donations are split evenly.

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