‘Full of the Blarney’ Songs and Storytelling St. Patrick’s Day Event With Megan Murphy and Kate Suhr

/

Shake the winter blues and embrace the St. Paddy’s Day green with an original show of Irish themed stories and songs from storyteller Megan Murphy and singer/songwriter Kate Suhr on March 17 at the Showplace Performance Centre.

photo courtesy of the verandah society.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with two shows in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Suhr and Murphy will be joined by fiddlers Melissa Payne and Saskia Tomkins for the event, presented by The Verandah Society.

Tickets are $39 adults and $25 for youth, available online or by calling the box office.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough’s Got Talent Event in Support of Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

/

Kawartha Home and Health Care Services announces Peterborough’s Got Talent event in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada on April 21.

photo courtesy of Kawartha Home and Health Care Services.

The talent competition begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. at the Erben Bar and Eatery (379 George Street N). Tiffany Arcari will be the local guest emcee alongside a panel of three judges from the community.

The talent competition is divided into two categories; a youth competition for contestants 18 and younger, and the adult competition for participants 19 and older.

Participants will have an approximately 15 minutes to showcase their talent. Musicians, performers, comedians and local talented individuals are all invited to join the competition and create an amazing community event supporting MS Canada. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finalists in the youth and adult categories.

Patti Clancy, owner of Kawartha Home & Health Care Services discusses the inspiration for the event, “Our organization is always searching for ways we can better enrich the community that we’re a part of, and we are looking forward to working more closely with MS Canada on this new and exciting event. Drawing more attention to a wonderful cause and very much hoping we can make Peterborough’s Got Talent an annual celebration.”

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services is requesting the door cover be a monetary donation or “pay what you can”, and the event will include a 50/50 draw and door prizes with all proceeds going to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services is currently seeking applicants for the talent showcase in both the youth and adult categories. Registration forms can be requested online or by contacting the Kawartha Home & Health Care Services office by phone or in person at 320 Water St., Unit #72 between office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Kawartha Downs Announces New General Manager and Future Event Details

/

The ownership and management of Kawartha Downs has introduced the new full-time general manager of Kawartha Downs Daniel D’Ercole at a press conference on Tuesday.

new general manager Daniel D’Ercole. Photo by Felicia Massey.

A Southern Ontario native, D’Ercole brings a strong education in Human Resources, Sports, Entertainment and Marketing that is bolstered by an MBA from Schulich School of Business. Over the last six years, D’Ercole has honed his skills in finance consulting, brand development, customer satisfaction and marketing strategy in a variety of roles.

He has a particular love of sports, notably hockey, and had an impressive career in the Ontario Junior Hockey League before shifting his focus to the business of entertainment.

This summer, Kawartha Downs Events plans to surpass expectations set by last year’s groundbreaking season as a premier event and entertainment centre. On May 20, Kawartha Downs will host its annual opening day celebration. The Lions Club classic car show will begin in the morning of opening day, kids activities in the afternoon and multiple bands will perform before harness racing post time of 7 p.m. The monster truck show June 3-4 will be the largest in the area.

“2022 was a record-breaker for Kawartha Downs and the surrounding community, and we are very proud of our last summer’s events,” said Richard Weldon, president of Kawartha Downs. “We got straight to work planning an evening bigger, more exciting season in 2023.”

The Country Music Festival on Canada Day Weekend has been highly anticipated by locals, and the entire artist lineup will be announced in the near future.

Recently details for the first ever Kawartha County Fair have been solidified. The fair will be a multiple day event consisting of your classic midway experience, a huge tractor pull, demolition derby and a concert featuring at least four local bands and a headliner. Kawartha Downs’ signature fireworks show will be put on every night of the fair.

“It is evident how tight-knit the surrounding community is with Kawartha Downs, and I plan on strengthening that relationship,” says D’Ercole. “As general manger, my priority is to implement strategic initiatives that will create a connection with people and businesses, and a connection to this community.”

“I know this venue has the potential to host some of Ontario’s largest events, and it is my goal to make Kawartha Downs one of the most successful destinations for entertainment in Ontario,” he continued.

For more information visit the website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Family Day Long Weekend; Feb. 17 - 20

/

Family Day weekend fun for the whole fam!

Here are 7 things to do in Peterborough City and County from February 17 to 20.

 

Kick off the festivities at Snofest

The Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre will be hosting a free Fun Swim with special guest Snofest Pete!

Bring your family and friends for a free fun swim, admission rules still apply: 

  • Swimmers age 15 and under are required to wear wrist bands for Fun Swims. 

  • Children under 10 must be supervised in the water by an adult age 16+ (maximum of 3 children to one adult).

  • Swimmers must be 42” tall and are required to pass swim test to use the slide.

  • The maximum capacity for this swim is 175 (therapy pool 44 persons max); access cannot be guaranteed if capacity is met. 

When: Friday Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

 

Five Counties’ Winterfest

Five Counties’ Winterfest has in-person events at the following locations:

  1. Feb 18 – Lansdowne Place Mall (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

  2. Feb 19 – Lindsay Square (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

  3. Feb 20 – Peterborough Memorial Centre (2:05 p.m.) – tickets are on sale through Five Counties for $15 each with all proceeds supporting the kids!

There are tons of auction items available on the website, as well as virtual events over Family Day weekend.

More information: Here

 

Cheer on your Peterborough Petes against the Sudbury Wolves

Watch the Peterborough Petes take on the Sudbury Wolves at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Tickets: Available online

When: Monday Feb. 20, 2:05-4:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St.,

 

Tebey with special guest Five Roses

The Venue, Modo Live and Pure Country present Tebey – Shotgun Rider Part II Tour with special guests Five Roses at The Venue.

When: Friday Feb. 17, 8 p.m-2 a.m.

Where: The Venue, 286 George St N.

Tickets: $25 available online

 

Outdoor Skating Downtown Peterborough

Enjoy some outdoor skating at the Quaker Foods City Square or the Peterborough Lift Lock.

Please check the City of Peterborough website daily to see if skating at the canal and Quaker City Foods Square is open or closed.

Where: Charlotte St. (Quaker Foods City Square) and Hunter St. E (Liftlock)

 

Come see Grease on the Showplace stage!

Join the 1959 senior class of Rydell High with Danny Zuko, Sandy Dumbrowski, the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies as they sing and dance their way through such memorable songs as "Summer Nights," and "Greased Lightnin'" at the Showplace Performance Centre. With an eight-year run on Broadway and innumerable school and community productions, Grease remains among one of the world most popular musicals.

When: Saturday Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St N.

Tickets: $28.50 available online

 

Crafternoons Winter Sweater Wreath event at Peterborough Public Library

The Library’s registered Crafternoon program features guided creative projects you can complete at the Library. Set aside an afternoon to craft and learn new skills along the way.

Banish the winter blahs and create a colourful, cozy winter wreath, to bring some cheer to your front door.

Tickets: Available online

When: Saturday Feb. 18, 1 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St N.

Peterborough Musicfest Announces Joel Plaskett Fundraiser Performance at Market Hall

/

Peterborough Musicfest announces that Canadian singer-songwriter Joel Plaskett will be performing at Market Hall on Feb. 23 as a fundraiser for the 2023 summer concert season. 

photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest.

The Nova Scotia native gained traction in the early 1990’s as a member of the alt-rock band Thrush Hermit. Come the new millennium, he started touring under own name back by his band The Emergency. All the while, he has been busy in studio on his many self-produced albums. 

Plaskett’s latest recorded project, 44, is described as his “most detailed musical weave” to date. A box set comprised of four 11-song albums connected visually and thematically, the collection serves up an imaginative rumination on slowing down; but still growing up in a rapidly accelerating world.

Plaskett also oversees the console at his New Scotland Yard recording studio in Dartmouth, where he has partnered with Halifax mainstay Taz Records to offer a curated selection of records for music fans. 

Accolades have numbered many for Plaskett, a Juno Award recipient who has also been honoured by the East Coast Music Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia. He’s also been shortlisted twice for nomination for a Polaris Music Prize.

Ticket’s for Plaskett’s Market Hall performance can be purchased for $45 at the box office, or ordered online. Proceeds from this event will go directly to Peterborough Musicfest’s 36th season this coming summer in Del Crary Park.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

INSPIRE Announces First Annual International Women’s Day Event in Peterborough

/

INSPIRE is hosting their first annual International Women’s Day event on March 8 at the Waterfront Holiday Inn in Peterborough; seeking to inspire local women through the theme of equity.  

The six workshops at this event will be facilitated by inspiring female community leaders Angie Ross, Anne Taylor, Erica Richmond, Rose Terry, Rebecca Turland and Lindsay Dixon. An Artisan’s Market, featuring the works of 25 local makers, will be set up to give participants the opportunity to connect with local artisans. Megan Murphy; talented Peterborough Actor, Filmmaker, Author and Comedian will have the reins as the Emcee and Host for the day. 

The event features talks by Ashley Lamothe; winner of the PKCC 2022 President’s Award and CEO of Creative Kwe, Keynote Speaker Susan Aglukark, O.C., LL.B, Award Winning Inuk singer-songwriter and will be Emcee/Hosted by Peterborough actor, filmmaker, author and comedian Megan Murphy.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 of ‘equity’ is one of INSPIRE’s core values. Building on this theme, INSPIRE has created a unique and purposeful event which encourages participants to celebrate themselves and the strong women, young girls and nonbinary individuals in our communities.

INSPIRE says that tickets have been shared with local community partners, ensuring that all who wish to join have the opportunity to participate. Tickets can be purchased online at an Early Bird Price of $60 until Feb. 18.  

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Ukrainian Christmas Celebration Held at Peterborough Square This Saturday

/

The Ukrainian Community of Peterborough and the Kawarthas (UCPK) is holding a free Ukrainian Christmas celebration at Peterborough Square this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

City Hall was lit in yellow and blue as a symbol of unity and support for Ukraine on March 1. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The celebration also known as Rizdvo falls every Jan. 7 every year according to the Julian Calendar and Orthodox Church.

The free family-friendly event features authentic Ukrainian food, music, carolling, colouring books for children and traditional craft workshops.

Performing at the event is a joy string quartet playing music with children and adult volunteers singing carols throughout. ‘Carol of the Bells’ is one of the featured songs and is based on the famous Ukrainian Christmas Carol ‘Shedryk’ by Nikolai Leontovich.

A fundraiser is being held to support UCPK during the event. Vendors are selling items such as fresh baked goods by Ukrainian community members, candles and Ukrainian-themed goods. Donations can also be made online by emailing ucpk.ca@gmail.com.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

10 Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Dec. 16 - 18

/

Photo courtesy of Braden Glasbergen.

There is just one weekend until Christmas!

With a variety of events and activities in Peterborough City and County this weekend, there is sure to be fun for the whole family.

 

Visit with Santa and support SickKids at Dr. J’s!

Santa Claus is coming to Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, raising money for SickKids! Get your photos taken with Santa from noon to 6 p.m. with a $5 donation. Gift wrapping will be available from Dec. 16 to 18 from noon to 6 p.m. with a donation of your choice.

When: Sun. Dec. 18, 12 p.m.

Where: Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, 282 Aylmer St. N, Peterborough, Ont.

 

Hang out with the donkeys at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary

Come to the Donkey Sanctuary for a curbside visit and meet the animals! These visits are free, however donations are gratefully accepted by the sanctuary.

Personal tours are offered on Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon. There is a maximum of five people (including children) and is $20 a person. Be sure to email the sanctuary to schedule your tour in advance!

Email: primrosedonkeysanctuary@gmail.com

When: Sun. Dec. 18, 1 p.m.

Where: Primrose Donkey Sanctuary, 1296 Bowmanton Rd. RR 4 Roseneath, Ont..

 

Enjoy the ‘Seasons of Ravenwood’ holiday display and food drive!

Extravagant Christmas displays are back at the Glasbergen’s as they invite the public to tour their grounds and support their “Fill the Sleigh” food drive in support of St. Vincent de Paul.

Walkways are created to guide visitors through their front lawn to view the display filled with ornaments, lights, signs and more. The family has requested everyone not to touch the decorations because of its fragility.

Anyone driving by is also requested to stop and see the display to not disrupt traffic flow and for everyone’s safety.

When: Fri. Dec. 16, 6 p.m.

Where: 1723 Ravenwood Dr. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Cheer on your Peterborough Petes at the annual Christmas game

Join the Peterborough Petes at the Peterborough Memorial Centre as they take on the Kingston Frontenacs.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sat. Dec. 17, 7:05 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

See Dreamer the Supertramp Experience

DREAMER is the authentic re-creation of the legendary '70's rock band Supertramp. The 8-piece group of multi-instrumentalists perform all of the sounds used in the real Supertramp show, from sax, clarinet, trombone, vintage keyboards and the unmistakable Supertramp vocal sound.

The musicians were hand-picked for their expertise in capturing the often intricate arrangements of Supertramp's material, and are a strong compliment to the feature vocals of Roger Hodgson (performed by Emmy award-winning Phil Naro) and Rick Davies (performed by keyboard player & singer Rich Hamelin). Complete with projections and period style costumes, DREAMER will take you on a musical journey back in time!

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sat. Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Get cozy ‘Under A Winter’s Moon’ with Loreena McKennitt!

A series of seasonal concerts were held in a historic sanctuary in Loreena’s home base of Stratford, Ontario in Dec. 2021 and recorded live. She’s now releasing that magical concert as her 16th album with a two-week companion tour of Ontario. It is a captivating live performance rich with a miscellany of carols and tales that incorporates McKennitt's eclectic Celtic sound with elements of Indigenous oral traditions.

The evening will feature such favourites as “Coventry Carol”, “Good King Wenceslas” and the “Huron Carol” and include a special appearance by Ojibway artist and flautist Jeffrey Red George. The second set embodies Gemini Award-winning actor Cedric Smith with a reading of, A Child’s Christmas in Wales (in six parts). It is a moving and nostalgic piece of prose by the late Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.

Loreena will be accompanied by Caroline Lavelle on cello and recorders, Graham Hargrove on percussion, Errol Fischer on fiddle, Pete Watson on guitar and 12-string bouzouki and Cait Watson on Irish whistle.

All tickets purchased for the show’s original date will be honoured.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sun. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Enjoy activities for the whole family at the new Quaker Foods City Square

Despite the ribbon-cutting ceremony being postponed, the activities will still continue at Quaker Foods City Square. Activities are scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with outdoor skating, face painting and a DJ who will play music during the event.

The year-round space is located at the former Louis Street Parking Lot off the corner of Aylmer Street and Charlotte Street.

Please be advised that protests are scheduled to take place this Saturday at the Quaker Foods City Square.

When: Sat. Dec. 10, 11 a.m.

Where: Corner of Aylmer Street and Charlotte Street.

 

Get into the holiday spirit at Christmas Music Morning with the St. James Choir

Join for a special Christmas music morning at the St. James Choir’s Sunday service. Music Director Brian MacDonald and the St. James United Church choir will be belting Christmas tunes in-person and online with Twitch streaming!

When: Sun. Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m.

Where: St. James United Church, 221 Romaine St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Jam out with Between the Static at The Black Horse Pub!

Jam out with Between the Static with a night of classic rock at The Black Horse Pub. There is no cover for this event.

When: Fri. Dec. 16, 9 p.m.

Where: The Black Horse Pub and Restaurant, 452 George St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Drive-through the Merry and Bright Festival

The Merry & Bright Festival features almost one kilometre of light displays created by local individuals, businesses and organizations to raise donations and support the community.

The drive-through festival is a joint fundraiser for the Lindsay Agricultural Society, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes, BGC Kawarthas, Kawartha Food Source, Lindsay Lions Club and Heritage Christian School.

Tickets: Can be purchased online here or $20 cash at the gate.

When: Fri. Dec. 16, Sun. Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Lindsay Fairgrounds, 354 Angeline St. S, Lindsay, Ont.

8 Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Dec. 9 - 11

/

Photo courtesy of Farmhill Weddings and Events.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Get into the holiday spirit with a number of events in Peterborough City and County this weekend.

 

Have brunch with Santa and Kitchen Farmacy at Farmhill’s ‘Naughty or Nice Santa Brunch’

The event is back for the third year in a row at the Farmhill venue in Keene, in partnership with multiple local businesses.

Start the morning off with a moment with Santa Claus (Santa Brian), captured by Wild Lace Photography, then head in for a buffet-style, farm-to-table country brunch from Kitchen Farmacy.

Afterwards, enjoy a stroll around the farm or join in on a guided alpaca tour and take part in a mess-free kids’ Christmas craft.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sun. Dec. 11, 9 a.m.

Where: Farmhill Weddings + Events, 2709 Dillon Rd. Peterborough, ON.

 

Carole with the Donkeys at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary!

Come to the Donkey Sanctuary to meet the amazing animals and shop calendars and confectioneries. Complimentary refreshments are available. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted (charitable tax receipts available).

When: Sat. Dec. 10, 1 p.m.

Where: Primrose Donkey Sanctuary, 1296 Bowmanton Rd. RR 4 Roseneath, ON.

 

Join the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s Digital Publication Launch

Join the Art Gallery of Peterborough to launch their first digital publication documenting Brad Copping’s 2016 exhibition!

This digital publication offers a dynamic experience with image, video and audio, as well as writing by Spencer J. Harrison and AGP curator Fynn Leitch.

Celebrate the launch with a casual panel discussion about the project while exploring the digital site. Refreshments will be served in the Gallery Shop.

When: Sat. Dec. 10, 2 p.m.

Where: Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St. Peterborough, ON.

 

Get into the Christmas spirit at Charlea’s Riverside Gardens!

Celebrate the holidays at Charlea’s! There will be Christmas workshops, Christmas trees for sale, a makers market, food trucks and beverages, live music and more.

Food competitions will take place every Saturday, and Santa visits are every Sunday.

When: Sat. and Sun. Dec. 10, Dec. 11, 11 a.m.

Where: Charlea’s Riverside Gardens, 4115 County Rd. 32, Douro, ON.

 

Enjoy a magical holiday show at Showplace’s 19th annual A Cozy Christmas

The Foley Family and musical friends bring you the 19th annual Christmas concert. You'll hear favourite seasonal songs by Bridget Foley and the Gospel Girls (and guys), Sheila Prophet, Norma Curtis, Theresa Foley, Amelia Foley, Colleen Anthony (Foley), Victoria Yeh, Vera Vandermey, Danny Bronson, Steve Lynch and the Stage Cafe Band, Glen Carradus, Bob Trennum and so many more, all designed to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit.

All proceeds from this concert will be sent to a school in Africa that Foley works with to pay teachers salaries. There will also be a "Christmas Village" set in the Nexicom Studio where you can browse and purchase lovely hand crafted gift items and bid on silent auction items from many small businesses.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sun. Dec. 11, 2 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St. Peterborough, ON.

 

Jam out with Ty Wilson & the River Spirits with vanCamp & Caitlin Currie!

Join Ty Wilson & the River Spirits, vanCamp & the Skeleton Crew and Caitlin Currie for some indie, folk and country music at The Gordon Best Christmas show!

Tickets: Available online or $10 at the door.

When: Sat. Dec. 10, 8 p.m.

Where: Gordon Best Theatre, 216 Hunter St. W Peterborough, ON.

 

Be mystified at the Champions of Magic show!

Break away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with Champions Of Magic – an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects. Described by the press as ‘The Avengers of magic’ catch the only team of magicians in the world as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Fri. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. Peterborough, ON.

 

Do some Christmas shopping at the Community Christmas Market!

For two days only, the Bridge Youth Centre will be hosting a Community Christmas Market featuring local vendors and artisans to bless our community and create some Christmas cheer! This is a community event and all are welcome.

When: Fri. and Sat. Dec. 9 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: The Bridge Youth Centre, 256 Brock St. Peterborough, ON.

St. Patrick's Day Parade to Return After Three-Year Hiatus

/

The 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade has announced its return to Peterborough on Mar. 12 after a three-year hiatus.

Photo courtesy of Tim Burke.

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 parade, a raising of the Irish flag at City Hall will occur at 1 p.m. in honour of Irish week according to parade committee member, Tim Burke.

“We are very happy to once again be able to host Peterborough’s 20th St. Patrick Day’s Parade after a three-year break,” he said. “I look forward to seeing all the green and having an incredible time.”

The committee is seeking entries and participants to march in the parade. Roughly 80 entries have been entered by Burke says he wants as many as possible.

“I want this to be family fun and what Peterborough has enjoyed over the years,” he explained. “We welcome all families, charities, community organizations or businesses to please enter the parade and help us make this our 20th parade our biggest yet.”

To register to be in the parade, visit their website to apply. For more information, contact Tim Burke at (705) 875-2542.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.