Truck & Tractor Pull Returns to Kawartha Downs With Five Scheduled Dates
/The Truck & Tractor Pull is returning to Kawartha Downs for four dates on July 22, 23, Aug. 4, Sept. 2 and 3, announced on Friday afternoon.
File Photo.
Peterborough Blogs
Get The Scoop on Local Attractions and Must-Try Experiences at the Visitor Centre
/Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre is hosting Get The Scoop; an event to highlight the region’s attraction and experiences on July 16.
photo by david tuan bui.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre is offering free Central Smith Creamery ice cream and opportunities to uncover local hidden gems in the City and County of Peterborough.
The event on Sunday will run from noon to 3 p.m. at the Visitor Centre (270 George St. N).
For more information visit the website.
Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; July 14 - 16
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photo courtesy of chemong lodge, facebook.
Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from July 14 to 16!
Lakefield Literary Festival
The next Lakefield Literary Festival will take place on July 14 and 15, 2023 in the Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School. Two authors will be presented on Friday evening; the Children’s Tent will offer its popular program on Saturday morning at Lakefield’s downtown Cenotaph Park; two authors will be presented on Saturday afternoon; and a headlining author will be presented on Saturday evening.
The festival will be presenting two authors on Friday evening, two authors on Saturday afternoon, and a headlining author on Saturday evening, with participating authors to be announced.
Admission to individual events will be $35, or $90 for a pass to all the events. In addition, the children’s tent will return to Lakefield’s downtown Cenotaph Park to offer its popular Saturday morning program.
When: All weekend.
Where: Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield)
Chemong Lodge Oysterfest
Chemong Lodge welcome’s you to join us for our 2nd Annual Oysterfest, presented by the Peterborough Business Network in support of the YMCA of Central East Ontario.
Oysterfest promises a day jam-packed with award winning Oysters shucked by 10X Canadian Oyster Shucking Champion Eamon Clark & his team, your favourite Primal Cuts & Dr J’s BBQ proteins, Beverage Stations from our amazing vendors, Charity Raffles, Attractions & Bouncy Castle for the kids, plus Central Smith Ice Cream.
It’s not a festival without some great Live Music- enjoy performances by Cary Shields and SJ Riley!
Your ticket will include 2 beverage tickets and your choice of:
-Half dozen oysters
-1/4 rack of ribs
-Pulled Pork Sandwich
-Brisket Sandwich, or
-Wagyu Hot Dog
Additional food & beverage tickets will be available for purchase on-site.
When: July 15, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Chemong Lodge (764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth)
League 1 Ontario Men's Home Game - Electric City FC vs North Mississauga FC
The Electric City Football Club Men’s Team host the North Mississauga FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.
When: July 15, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)
League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Vaughan Azzurri
The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Darby FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.
When: July 15 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)
Check out the Peterborough Farmers Market
Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.
Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians.
Every Saturday there is local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies and artisan wares.
When: July 15, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where: Morrow Park
4th Line Theatre Presents The Tilco Strike
The Tilco Strike recounts the year-long fight between 35 poorly paid women, and their male bosses at Tilco Plastics in Peterborough, Ontario, who were determined to crush the women and their union. The strike began in December 1965 over a $25 bonus and escalated into an epic battle between organized labour and strike-breaking employers. The women lost their fight, but changed labour relations in Ontario forever.
When: Various shows all weekend.
Where: 4th Line Theatre (9 Tupper St., Millbrook)
Watch Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs
Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.
Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.
The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.
When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.
The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.
When: July 15 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)
Backyard Summer Social Raises Nearly $42,000 in Support of Five Counties Kids
/This year’s Backyard Summer Social event raised $41,664 for Five Counties Children’s Centre on Friday.
photo courtesy of five counties kids.
All event proceeds go to the Centre’s Building Abilities for Life campaign, which directly benefits children in the community to receive treatment services. This includes providing priority speech language therapy and occupational therapy as quickly as possible to children and youth who need them.
“We know that the earlier a child can get into these programs, the better their outcome, which is why community support for our kids and families is so important,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties. “We live in a very generous community, and the support shown us at our Backyard Summer Social is yet another example of people coming together to help our kids and families.”
This year’s edition of the Centre’s gala fundraising event was a hybrid effort, with some activities moved indoors due to the threat of rain. That change didn’t impact the excitement and enthusiasm, say organizers, as attendees were still able to enjoy music, food, entertainment, live auction, door prizes and fun activities including axe throwing, petting zoo, lacrosse shootout and old-fashioned picnic games.
“The Backyard Summer Social is aimed at putting the fun into fundraising, and we were able to do that successfully again in 2023 despite the wet weather,” adds Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development with Five Counties. “We’re very appreciative of all the support we had this year and are already planning ahead for the next Backyard Summer Social on June 22, 2024, so mark your calendars!”
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 Weekend; June 30 - July 2
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Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this Canada Day weekend from June 30 - July 2!
Peterborough Canada Day Parade
This year’s theme for the parade is “Happy Birthday Canada” and a huge birthday cake will be provided by Morello’s Your Independent Grocer to share with parade attendees.
Pre-parade activities start at 10 a.m. with a bike decorating contest, activities and giveaways including Canada Day temporary tattoos and flags at Confederation Square.
Peterborough Pop Ensemble will perform the national anthem around 10:30 a.m. at City Hall. The parade starts at noon at City Hall.
When: July 1, 10 a.m.
Where: City Hall & along George Street
Tickets: Free
Live Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs (Cancelled)
See horses and drivers in the sulkies race around a five-eighths mile track at Kawartha Downs. Bet on your favourite horses and enjoy the dining experience while you see the horses circle the track.
When: June 30, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs
Tickets: Free
Kawartha Country Music Festival
See Dean Brody, Jade Eagleson, The Reklaws, James Barker Band and Sacha at the Kawartha Country Music Festival in a two-day event!
When: July 1 - 2, 5 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs
Tickets: $83+
League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Alliance United FC
The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Alliance United FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.
When: July 2, 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Fleming College
Tickets: $15 - $30
Quaker Canada Day Breakfast
This Canada Day, join Quaker at Quaker Foods City Square to enjoy a complimentary breakfast to kick off your celebrations with the Peterborough community.
Start your day with Canadian-made Quaker favourites and have the opportunity to purchase your own QUAKERborough clothing and accessories with proceeds supporting Food Banks Canada. Everyone is welcome!
When: July 1, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m..
Where: Quaker Foods City Square
Tickets: Free
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy at Peterborough Musicfest
Peterborough Musicfest lifts the curtain on its 36th season on Canada Day helping thousands celebrate Canada Day by presenting fiddle music duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy.
When: July 1, 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Del Crary Park
Tickets: Free
Peterborough Farmers Market
Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.
Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians.
Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!
When: July 1, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where: Morrow Park
Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market
We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.
The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.
As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.
When: July 1, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Quaker Foods City Square
Canada Day Fireworks Over Little Lake
As part of Canada Day celebrations, a fireworks display will be held over Little Lake on Saturday, July 1 following the Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park featuring Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy.
Residents are reminded to follow all on-street parking regulations that may be in place in the area, including calendar parking where applicable. Please ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.
When: July 1, 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Little Lake
Tickets: Free
Canada Day Parade Hits the Peterborough Streets For July 1
/The Peterborough Canada Day Parade is in full swing for 2023 as it will begin at City Hall and end at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday.
File photo.
This year’s theme for the parade is “Happy Birthday Canada” and a huge birthday cake will be provided by Morello’s Your Independent Grocer to share with parade attendees.
Pre-parade activities start at 10 a.m. with a bike decorating contest, activities and giveaways including Canada Day temporary tattoos and flags at Confederation Square.
Peterborough Pop Ensemble will perform the national anthem around 10:30 a.m. at City Hall. The parade starts at noon at City Hall.
“Join us along George Street to cheer on the parade floats and the always popular display of kids riding their bikes decorated for Canada Day,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Thank you to the organizing committee for bringing us together as a community to celebrate Canada, reflecting the diversity of our great country.”
Road closures
Temporary road closures for the event will occur along the route on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as follows:
Dublin Street – from the east side of Aylmer Street to the west side of Water Street
London Street – from the east side of Aylmer Street to the west side of Water Street
McDonnel Street – from the east side of Aylmer Street to the west side of Water Street
Murray Street – from the east side of Aylmer Street to the west side of Water Street
George Street – from the south side of Parkhill Road West to the north side of Brock Street
George Street from Brock Street to McGill Street is being treated as a rolling road closure with sections closed just before the parade arrives at each section and each section reopened as the parade clears that section.
Transit detours
Peterborough Transit will have route detours in place for Route 2 Chemong during the rolling road closure and Route 6 Sherbrooke while George Street is closed.
Parking restrictions
On-street parking restrictions in the downtown area will be in place on Saturday due to the parade. People are encouraged 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.
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. Please ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.
Cogeco will be broadcasting the parade live from City Hall on YourTV.
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Elizabeth Fry Society's Anti-Stigma Day Raising Awareness and Education On Substance Use
/Creating a dialogue and education on substance users was the mission for the Elizabeth Fry Society's Anti-Stigma Day that was held at Millennium Park on Monday afternoon.
Alana Parisien, EFry housing manager (LEFT) and Chelsey McGowan, EFry peer services manager (RIGHT) with "Stigma Ain't It, Bestie," and "You Matter" buttons for their 2023 Anti-Stigma Day for those who use substances. This is the third annual event by the Society that began back in 2021 and runs every June 26. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.
The event is always held on June 26 and runs alongside the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.’ It supports the war on drugs and helps destigmatize those who are struggling while using substances.
Anti-Stigma Day is one way of creating awareness and dialogue to help bring an understanding of those dealing with substances according to Alana Parisien, Elizabeth Fry Society housing manager.
“They're combatting the stigma that's been perpetuated from the war on drugs which is kind of the historical day,” she explained. “Historically, it supports the war on drugs which we know is failing our community and perpetuating stigma.”
John Howard Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Peterborough AIDS Resource Network and Peterborough Public Health among several other organizations were present with tents and kiosks at the event. They range from free giveaways, educational activities, a free listening session, games and information sessions.
One of the stigmas that those dealing with substances are the words and negative connotations behind them according to Parisien.
“I think a lot of stigma that we see, just typically in our community could be around the language that folks use,” explained Parisien. “Saying stigmatizing words like ‘junkie’ or narratives that are ‘why can't they get jobs?’ or ‘why can't they get well?’ or commenting like that, maybe just maybe a lack of understanding.”
Rather than raising judgment, opening a dialogue with compassion for those suffering is the proper way to approach the stigmatized said Parisien.
“Treat everybody like you would treat your own brother,” she explained. “If it's something you don't understand necessarily, maybe take some time to talk to someone as you would your neighbour to understand what they're going through each day.”
Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 23 - 25
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file photo.
Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 23 to 25!
Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival at Trent University
Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival (NIFF) is an unjuried, uncensored festival for independent Indigenous performers in theatre, dance, music and comedy. Participants send in applications and are chosen by lottery. Performers receive 100% of the box office proceeds. NIFF is proud to be a member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals.
NIFF is committed to providing a space for people to experience and embrace the arts and community with an extensive commitment to the development and transmittal of cultural knowledge and creative practice.
When: All weekend
Where: Trent University
Five Counties Backyard Summer Social
The Backyard Summer Social will be in full bloom on Saturday, June 24, as it returns for a second year to Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough. The inaugural event held in 2022 raised more than $45,000 for critical, high-demand treatment services for children/youth at Five Counties. Now the Centre’s signature fundraising event is back with music, food, entertainment, fun activities and more as it offers a high-end gala experience for adults with a fun summer twist.
“Our Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only gala event that celebrates the arrival of summer, lets you be like a kid again, and allows you to swap out the tux, gown and heels for T-shirt, shorts and sandals all the while supporting a great cause,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties. “Our initial Backyard Summer Social was a smashing success, and we plan to make it even bigger, bolder and better in 2023!”
Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social are now on sale for $125/person. Tickets are available online or through Five Counties (email development@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300). Along with a charitable tax receipt, each ticket purchased to the Backyard Summer Social includes all food, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities, and a chance to win fantastic door prizes.
People attending the Backyard Summer Social on June 24 can look forward to:
Fantastic food/fare catered by La Mesita, SKH Catering and Loaded Pierogi.
Sweet treats from Central Smith and Flossophy.
Drinks from Rolling Grape and Brock Street Brewery.
Musical performances by Irish Millie and the Boogie Time Ramblers.
Live auction and door prizes.
Axe throwing, lacrosse shootout, inflatable jousting, old-fashioned picnic games and more.
Behind-the-scenes tour of Five Counties’ Peterborough location.
When: Saturday June 24, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough
Beatlemania at Market Hall
Join us at The Market Hall in Peterborough for a truly unforgettable show! The Beatles – From early Ed Sullivan to Let it be, you’ll get all the hits. Experience a live Beatles show through all eras of their career, live on stage with their high energy, impeccable musicianship, showmanship, and humour.
The Liverpool 4, Canada’s Tribute to The Beatles has been delighting audiences for nearly two decades with their live high energy performance! They have played thousands of shows across North America including appearances with Global TV morning show, Maple Leaf Gardens, Universal Pictures, The British Isle’s shows as well as countless theaters and festivals.
The show performance is 2 acts with a 20-minute intermission. It must be seen to be believed. Come together and sing and dance along, clap your hands, stomp your feet, or just rattle your jewelry!
When: Saturday June 24, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.
Where: Market Hall
League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Darby FC
The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Darby FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.
When: Saturday, June 24 noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)
Check out the Peterborough Farmers Market
Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.
Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians.
Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares.
When: Saturday June 10, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where: Morrow Park
Peterborough ComicCon
Admission : $5 for Adults . Children 12 and under are Free !!
TICKETS: Online ( Eventbrite ) & at the door.
If you purchase your ticket online you will get a Free comic book at the door.
FOOD DONATIONS:
Please bring non-perishable food items for your local community food bank and get entered to win some fun prizes.
One raffle ticket will be given for each item.
<< maximum 10 per person >>
The following items are in high demand and are greatly appreciated :
VENDORS: A variety of vendors will be selling comic books, new & vintage toys, jewelry, DVD's, anime, prints, and a variety of other awesome geek stuff . There will even be some Artists & Authors present with their own art , books and comics. Visit their booths and get some unique items and even some free autographs!!
BUYING: Some vendors will be buying. Bring your unwanted comic books , toys, video games and anything else you are looking to clear out and go home with some extra cash!!
When: Saturday, June 24 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: The Venue
Tickets: $22, and $11 for students, under-waged and artworkers.
Watch Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs
Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.
Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.
The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.
When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.
The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.
When: Saturday, June 24 7-10 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrated Throughout the Peterborough Community
/To mark National Indigenous Peoples Day on Wednesday, several activities are being held throughout the community, announced by The City of Peterborough.
File Photo.
“National Indigenous Peoples Day is cause for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation commission and to renew our commitment to fulfill them."
The following are events from City of Peterborough facilities:
Peterborough Public Library
National Indigenous Peoples Day:
Summer Solstice Story Time, National Indigenous Peoples Day at Millennium Park, 130 King St., Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
10 Indigenous Titles You Should Read this Month is featured at the Seniors Showcase, Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
Other upcoming events marking National Indigenous History Month:
Tween Book Club: Barren Grounds by David Robertson, June 22, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday Film & Discussion: Voices Across the Water, June 23, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Adult Book Club: A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt, June 27, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space, open during library hours
Peterborough Museum and Archives
Interpretive tours between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. of the exhibition ‘To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales’ exhibit
Quilling workshops will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This registered program is full, but visitors are encouraged to drop in to see the work being completed.
Art responses activities for all ages.
