Rotarians Defeat Media To Promote Rotary Club of Peterborough's Kids 10th Annual Spelling Bee For May 4

The Rotarians got the last laugh and word in over the local media in a promotional spelling bee competition at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Monday afternoon.

Donna-Marie Fennell of the Rotary Club attempting to defend her spelling bee title in the promotion Media versus Rotary competition. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several media members —including yours truly— participated in the event to promote the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 10th Annual Spelling Bee which will take place at the Whetung Theatre at Fleming College on May 4.

The competition is divided into two groups. The Junior Division for Grades 4-6 runs at 9 a.m. and the Senior Division for Grades 7-8 starts at 1 p.m.

“We’re hearing from teachers at participating schools that kids are very determined to make it to regional bee and they are focusing intently on studying their practice words,” said Catherine Hanrahan, spelling bee committee chair.

The event is being broadcast on YourTV Cogeco.

The top three spellers in each division will win prizes, trophies and more.

“We’ve had a number of local businesses come forward with some really generous prizes like a week at Camp Kawartha or a week at Trent Excalibur Camp, a party at Zap Attack and lessons at the Art School of Peterborough,” said Hanrahan. “We also have two bicycles generously donated by Canadian Tire on Lansdowne and Realtor Rebecca Quinn from Century 21 United Realty.”

Every participant will receive a grab bag with items like Family Swim Passes for the YMCA, Train Passes for Riverview Park and Zoo, free games from Zap Attack, handmade toys from Leslie Covert and silly putty from Crayola. The winning students' schools will also be eligible for bursaries from the Rotary Club of Peterborough for literacy projects.

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

Second-Annual City Nature Challenge To Run From April 26 to 29

The second annual community bio-blitz will occur in Peterborough from April 26 to 29 as part of the global City Nature Challenge competition.

A bio-blitz is a survey that identifies wildlife with the goal of understanding the biodiversity of a location. Nature observations can be uploaded using the iNaturalist app and posted to the Peterborough project page. All the city's wild and naturally occurring plants, animals and insects are eligible as nature sightings. Wildlife observations will be tallied at the end of the competition to determine the winning community in Canada.

On April 26 and 27, the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Field Naturalists will host guided nature walks at GreenUP Ecology Park, located at 1899 Ashburnham Dr., both days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will feature family-friendly nature walks for all residents to learn how to make nature observations while exploring the park. Walks will be approximately 60 minutes, with the first tour at 11:30 a.m. and the last at 1 p.m. Guided tours depart from the event booth at the GreenUP Ecology Park Pavilion.

Event schedule

Friday, April 26

• 11 a.m.: Opening remarks with Councillor Joy Lachica, Co-Chair of Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management portfolio, Peterborough Field Naturalists and Dylan Radcliffe, Chair of the Peterborough Environmental Advisory Committee

• 11:30 a.m.: Walk and Talk about Pollinators with Carlotta James, Monarch Ultra

• 1 p.m.: The Natural and Cultural History of Little Lake, the Otonabee River and Meade Creek with Otonabee Conservation

Saturday, April 27

• 11 a.m.: Opening remarks with Mayor Jeff Leal

• 11:30 a.m.: Meet the Trees of Ecology Park with Vern Bastable, Peterborough GreenUp

• 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Children’s Activity Hub with Susan Chow, Trent University

• 1 p.m.: Discovering Nature in Early Spring with Drew Monkman

More information about how to participate in the City Nature Challenge is on the event web page at peterborough.ca/nature.

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

Bobcaygeon Brewing Company Invites Public to Celebrate Its Ninth Birthday On Saturday

There have been nine years of flowing taps for Bobcaygeon Brewing Company which will celebrate its birthday this Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. at its Peterborough Brewery and Taproom at 649 The Parkway.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) RICHARD WOOD, BOBCAYGEON BREWING COMPANY PRESIDENT; CHRISTIAN HARVEY, ONE CITY PTBO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; KATIE HARTING, MCTHIRSTY’S BARTENDER AND MATT CAMPBELL, BOBCAYGEON BREWING COMPANY VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES ENJOYING THE FIRST-POURED BLACKBERRY RASPBERRY GOSE FROM THE TAP that was launched on Oct. 7, 2022. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The brewery will offer nine unique cask selections featuring one-time-only variants of classic Bobcaygeon styles such as Cottage Lager with Lime, Dockside Red Ale with Black Currant, and Double Dry Hopped Northern Lights.

The Brewery is also doing four beer releases with two brand new beers:

• ‘Lansdowne Fog,’ which brings Earl Grey tea and vanilla over a classic English Ale base*

• ‘Hibernate,’ a Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Ale*

• ‘Firefly Belgian Wheat’

• ‘Birch Bark White IPA’

*denotes new beer

The event features live music from TJ Shirk (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and James Higgins (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) and savoury New Zealand pies from Kia Ora Pies.

The back of the brewery will open its rain-or-shine beer garden for the day and the production side of the brewery will be open for the public to view and tour.

This is a family-friendly event featuring outdoor lawn games and non-alcoholic options.

For those wishing to sample the various beers on offer, tickets are $15. They include a limited edition sampling glass and two drink tokens which can be kept. Additional tokens will be available for purchase on site.

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

National Youth Week Events in Peterborough From May 1 to 7

The City of Peterborough and community organizations are hosting National Youth Week from May 1 to 7.

National Youth Week is a movement that celebrates youth and their active participation in their community. Each year, the City’s Recreation and Parks Services Division partners with various organizations to host a wide range of activities for youth to promote National Youth Week and encourage youth participation in community programs. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Events include a First Friday Art Crawl, an expedition to Jackson Park to learn about birds, create a needle-felted Baby Yoda and play drop-in sports.

The entire lineup of free events for youth 10 to 19 is available online.

Events will occur at various locations including the Peterborough Museum & Archives, the Peterborough Public Library, the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, Jackson Park and Downtown Youth Space.

National Youth Week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of providing youth with opportunities to lead, innovate and inspire according to Councillor Lesley Parnell, Community Services (Recreation and Parks, Fire Services, and Arenas) Portfolio Co-Chair.

“Beyond promoting activities for youth, it’s a time for us to reflect on how we, as a community, can better support the next generation to make Peterborough a more inclusive, vibrant and forward-thinking city,” she said. “Our City is committed to nurturing the dreams and capabilities of our young people.”

“Our youth play an essential role in social and cultural life of our city,” said Councillor Gary Baldwin. “Their insights and enthusiasm are the key to our community’s continued growth and prosperity.”

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

Circus Antics of Cirque LuzDalia Hit Peterborough Memorial Centre On May 19

Circus show Cirque LuzDalia will entertain the masses at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on May 19 at 1:30 p.m., announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The 90-minute family-friendly show consists of acrobats, daredevils, aerialists, comedians and more.

For anyone arriving early, families can experience the kid's fun zone with face painting, play with circus toys and savour delicious circus treats before the show begins.

Just 10 minutes before showtime, join the circus in the ring for the ultimate kids' all-access pre-show experience. Children can get up close and personal with the magic behind the scenes.

Attendees will also have the chance to indulge in delectable circus treats and take home unique souvenirs, immersing themselves in the enchanting world of Cirque LuzDalia.

Prices range from $17.50* - $200.00*
*All ticket prices are subject to applicable fees and taxes. Prices are subject to change

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

YWCA 'Walk a Mile In Their Shoes' Fundraiser Returns to Peterborough On May 24

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk A Mile In Their Shoes returns on May 24 to raise funds for YWCA programs and services helping women and children recover from gender-based violence.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

The YWCA is asking everyone to dig out your red shoes, grab your friends, family or colleagues and join them at Confederation Park for a walk around downtown Peterborough. Check-in for participants will open at 11 a.m. and the walk will begin at noon.

Participants can sign up as solo walkers or with a team. Local groups and businesses are encouraged to join and challenge others to a fundraising contest.

Registration for the event is $40 for a limited-time Early Bird rate. The fee includes lunch at the event, a custom water bottle and a t-shirt.

Proceeds support the YWCA's Journey of Care, which encompasses each of the signature programs and services offered to the women, children and gender-diverse people it serves.

Registrants can go online to create their personal fundraising page or sponsor someone with a donation.

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

Peterborough Chamber to Host Warden's Breakfast For County Updates

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Warden’s Breakfast to hear updates from Warden Bonnie Clark at Lang Pioneer Village Museum on April 23 from 8 to 10 a.m.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The Warden will discuss recent endeavours and future aspirations for Peterborough County. Updates on the County's progress and exciting prospects are also being revealed at the breakfast.

Warden Clark will be preceded by guest speaker Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy at the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus. She will discuss the ‘7 in 7+’ regional housing plan.

The ‘Countynental’ breakfast features food showcasing baked goods and savoury samples from establishments such as The Nutty Bean, Elmhirst's Resort, Stuff'd Lakefield, Three Roads Farms, The Cheesy Fromage, Jesse's Tap and Grill, Millbrook Mercantile, Cross Winds Farm and Fairlife.

Tickets can be found online.

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

35th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby a Go Starting April 27

The 35th annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby is ready for another big year as it returns from April 27 to May 5, announced on Friday.

BUMSTEAD (LEFT) CAUGHT WALTER AFTER HIS THIRD CAST NOT A HALF AN HOUR INTO THE DERBY last year. HIS STEPFATHER JUSTIN DESBARBIEUX (RIGHT) DID IT two years ago, FIVE DAYS INTO THE EVENT. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

“Back by popular demand are early bird registration prizes, goody bags, a hot dog lunch for the kids, and sponsored tagged fish with cash prizes for anglers of all ages to win,” said David Ryrie, OFAH youth education manager.

The youth derby kicks off on April 27 for children 15 and under. It includes 500 tagged trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes.

The big fish prize of $1,000 cash will go to whoever catches Walter, a rainbow trout estimated to weigh between six and eight pounds.

Travis Parker and Justin Desbarbieux have caught Walter three years in a row. Desbarbieux’s stepson, Benjamin Bumstead, caught it in record time last year, less than half an hour.

The second and third-place grand prize fish ‘Rosie’ and ‘Berty’ are each worth $200 cash plus a free registration to OFAH day camp. The fourth grand prize (appropriately named ‘Kayak’) wins a sit-on kayak and paddle.

The all-ages derby will run from April 28 through May 5. For the third year, it will include tagged fish with cash prizes sponsored by local businesses.

“We still have fish in need of a local sponsor that will both challenge anglers and offset the cost of the stocked Trout for the youth derby,” said Ryrie.

Registration is required for all participants. Admission is $15 for the first child, $10 for siblings and $25 for adults. Purchase tickets online or in person at both Peterborough Canadian Tire locations.

The fish are being released into the canal on April 24 at 1 p.m.

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

Earth Week Events For City of Peterborough

The City of Peterborough will celebrate Earth Week with three key initiatives to raise awareness of protecting the environment which will start on April 22.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The three initiatives are The Great Community Litter Clean-up on April 27 and 28; the City Nature Challenge on April 26 and 27; and the kick-off to the City’s 2024 tree planting program. 

“Peterborough has a great number of individuals and organizations that are committed to the wellbeing of our environment,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “There is work happening year-round to reduce greenhouse gases and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Earth Week is a time to come together to take action for the betterment of our planet. We hope you can be part of Earth Week 2024.”

Great Community Litter Clean-up April 27 and 28 

On April 22, Earth Day, Mayor Jeff Leal and council members will promote the upcoming Great Community Litter Clean-up on April 27 and April 28. Each year, community organizations and neighbourhood groups organize litter cleanups, especially around Earth Day, as part of their efforts to protect the environment. Community members are welcome to attend the announcement at 1 p.m. at the Beavermead Park Pavilion, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.  

Everyone is invited to join the international movement, with local community groups, families, friends and neighbours organizing a litter clean-up in their favourite park, green space, trail or forest. 

Groups can register their Great Community Litter Clean-up location on the City’s website to receive a free litter clean-up kit and arrange a designated time and location for Public Works staff to collect the garbage. Registered groups can pick up the kits at the Public Works office at 791 Webber Ave. during business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

To celebrate everyone participating in the Great Community Litter Clean-up, groups are encouraged to post photos to social media using the hashtag #PtboLitterAction and tag @CityPtbo. The City will share the group’s photos to showcase how our community respects and protects the environment.

In addition to being unsightly, litter can damage the environment by posing a poison risk or choking risk to wildlife and leaching toxins into our waterways. 

“We’re happy to be working in collaboration with engaged community organizations to protect our creeks, wetlands, greenspaces and public spaces from the harms of trash, litter and hazardous waste,” said Councillor Joy Lachica. “Earth Day mobilizes over a billion people annually in environmental protection efforts and I’m proud that Peterborough is part of the movement.” 

“We encourage everyone to take an hour or two with family and friends on the weekend to celebrate Earth Day and our love for the wonderful green spaces that make Peterborough shine,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. “Communities across the country will be hosting days of action focused on cleaning up public spaces and protecting the environment.” 

Glad Canada will support the Great Community Litter Clean-up by supplying garbage bags to the City of Peterborough. 

City Nature Challenge Community Bio-Blitz April 26 and 27 

The City of Peterborough is hosting a community bio-blitz on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, to record the diversity and abundance of local wildlife in Ecology Park, 1899 Ashburnham Dr., and nearby areas, including Beavermead Park and Farmcrest Park. Both days, free, guided nature walks are planned.  

Residents are invited to participate in the four-day City Nature Challenge throughout the weekend, from April 26 to April 29.  

The City is partnering with the Peterborough Field Naturalists , who will lead the bioblitz throughout the two days. Specific group searches, such as bird, plant, mushroom and insect counts, are planned.  

This will be Peterborough's second year participating in the event, which is aligned with the City Nature Challenge, a global competition to record nature sightings in communities worldwide. The observations will be confirmed and tallied as part of Peterborough's official submission to the City Nature Challenge. Winning communities for the highest number of wildlife observations will be announced by the City Nature Challenge in May 2024. 

Details on how to participate in the City Nature Challenge are online at peterborough.ca/Nature.  

City tree planting  

The City’s 2024 Urban Forestry Plan includes planting 1,000 new trees along City streets and in parks as part of its commitment to managing the urban forest. Street trees are part of the City's green infrastructure system and provide essential benefits to the community. They improve air quality, minimize noise and dust, and reduce stormwater runoff. Trees also benefit individual property owners by increasing property values and decreasing heating and cooling costs. 

The City spring tree planting season will kick off during Earth Week, weather permitting. 

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