Media Spell Out First-Ever Victory Over Rotarians To Promote Rotary Club of Peterborough's Kids 11th Annual Spelling Bee On May 3

To promote the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 11th Annual Regional School Spelling Bee for grade-school children, the media got their first win over the Rotarians in a friendly competition at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Monday afternoon.

Tiffany Arcari (right) effortlessly spells a word correctly to help Peterborough media defeat the Rotarians for the first time since it began in 2023. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Since 2023, media —including yours truly— has been pitted against Rotarians in a spelling bee competition, similar to what the kids will deal with.

Representing the local media were the Peterborough Examiner, The Tiffany Show/YourTV, KawarthaNow/Freq 90.5/Oldies 96.7, 100.5 Fresh Radio and PTBOCanada.

Tiffany Arcari of The Tiffany Show and Joelle Kovach of the Peterborough Examiner were the last two competitors standing to give the media their first-ever win against the Rotarians. The latter won in the head-to-head competition between the final contestants.

The kids event 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. at Fleming College on May 3.

Prizes for this year’s participants include week-long sessions at Camp Kawartha and Trent Excalibur Camp, Lazer Tag Parties at Zap Attack, gift cards for lessons at the Art School of Peterborough, Bikes and Art Supplies from Crayola.

The Rotary is asking any local schools in the region that want to participate or local businesses to sponsor the event to e-mail Spelling Bee Co-Chairs Mary-Anne Greco and Donna-Marie Fennel at spellingbee@peterboroughrotary.ca.

Editor’s note: I was eliminated in the fourth round last year with “legitimacy.” I was eliminated this year in the second round with “thoroughly.”

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 Launch "Igniting Emerging Leaders" to Support and Network Young Professionals

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is launching ‘Igniting Emerging Leaders – Young Professionals Group’ to help network young professionals under 40 at Shorelines Casino on Jan. 29.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The free event is open and intended for emerging business leaders under 40 to receive new opportunities to connect and develop through the Young Professionals Group. It runs from 7 p.m to 8:30 p.m.

The group will offer opportunities to connect, fun activities, and insightful speakers on relevant and timely themes such as building a personal brand in the digital age says Nigel Broersma, Chamber director of business development.

“We are thrilled to launch our new Young Professionals program, which is a direct response to feedback from our members,” he said. “This initiative will feature quarterly meetings that blend social interaction, networking, engaging activities, and a speaker series. It’s an excellent opportunity for young professionals to learn, grow their knowledge, and build meaningful connections within our vibrant and expanding business community.”

Registration is online. The Young Professionals Group will meet quarterly at a different regional business. Attendees will be allowed to grow their relationships, ask questions and learn new skills.

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.

City Opens Registration For Summer Day Camp Programs at the Kinsmen Civic Centre

The City of Peterborough has opened registration for its summer camp programs at the Kinsmen Civic Centre.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This is the first time summer camp programming has been offered at the Kinsmen Civic Centre. This new location gives the City’s Recreation and Parks Services division a chance to offer more programming to hundreds of campers throughout the summer.

Summer day camps at the Kinsmen Civic Centre include:

• Beach Party, July 7 – July 11

• Wild Zoofari, July 14 – July 18

• Pirates and Mermaids, July 21 – July 25

• Superhero Showdown, July 28 – Aug. 1

• Space Adventure, Aug. 5 – Aug. 8

• Dinosaur Daze, Aug. 11 – Aug. 15

• Dreaming of Disney, Aug. 18 – Aug. 22

These programs are also offered at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre on the same dates.

Summer and day camp programs are also at the Art Gallery of Peterborough and the Peterborough Museum and Archives, and sports programs are at numerous sites across the city.

Residents can sign up for summer camp programs by calling 705-742-0050 or visiting 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.

Kawartha Rotary Ribfest Cancelled Indefinitely

The Kawartha Rotary Ribfest is not making an appearance in 2025 and beyond.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a Facebook post by Kawartha Rotary Ribfest, they said the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha had advised that the event for 2025 and forward is cancelled.

The post cites that the event has ‘severely outgrown’ Millennium Park.

“Apologies to everyone to enjoyed and supported Kawartha Rotary RibFest,” in a statement made from the social media post.

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.

Public Invited to Attend Mayor’s New Year’s Levee On Jan. 12

The public is invited to join Mayor Jeff Leal and City Councillors on Jan 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canadian Canoe Museum, 2077 Ashburnham Dr., for the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“2025 will be an important year for the City of Peterborough as we move projects forward, renew infrastructure, and deliver critical services,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Please join me and members of City Council for a cup of coffee, tea or juice, light snacks, and some discussion about our community and the exciting plans shaping Peterborough’s future.”

The Mayor’s New Year’s Levee takes place in the Event Room, located on the second floor of the Canadian Canoe Museum.

There is limited parking available at the museum. Free parking is available across the road at Eastgate Memorial Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr. and at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.

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.

CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show Returns to Peterborough Memorial Centre On March 30

The biggest party in fishing is coming back to town as the CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show is hitting the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Morrow Building on March 30.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre

The event will be vending gear from top brands, participating in the famous tackle swap, expert seminars and meet-and-greets with celebrity anglers.

Early Bird tickets are $13.60 plus applicable fees until Jan. 1. Afterwards, they are $16.60 plus applicable fees.

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.

Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Tree Lighting Ceremony This Saturday

Quaker Foods City Square is becoming a hub for the holidays and community as for a second straight year, they are hosting a tree-lighting ceremony and market event on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will partner to host this year's event.

“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community.”

“The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer.”

Tree lighting ceremony activities include:

• Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music

• Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger

• Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles

• Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre presents promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign

• Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life

The tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. when Mayor Leal will turn on the lights.

The event also kicks off the outdoor skating season in the Square. Depending on weather conditions, the refrigerated skating rink is anticipated to be open through the winter months.

City staff are currently preparing the site and monitoring conditions to ensure safe ice.

Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square.

Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all downtown municipal parking spaces, including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until Dec.31.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers sponsored the parking initiative with all voluntary parking fees going towards Kawartha Food Share.

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.

Registration For City of Peterborough's Winter Programming Has Opened

Registration has opened for the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Recreation and Park Services winter programming.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can begin registering for winter recreation and aquatics programming held at the Wellness Centre. Public registration for all other programs opens Wednesday at 7 a.m.

Registration can be completed online, in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre or by calling 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.

Activities include Learn to Skate programs, line dancing, children’s dance and fitness classes, Jiu Jitsu, Taekwondo and Judo. Registered pickleball, birthday party packages and personal training programs are also available.

This year, beginning Sunday, the City is expanding Shinny Hockey to include a new pay-as-you-play women’s program.

Family Stick and Puck is a new drop-in program that allows caregivers to help children ages three to 13 practice and develop skating, stick handling, and passing skills. It begins on Feb. 8.

Stop N’ Play is available for Sport and Wellness Centre users, providing caregivers with time to use the fitness centre, pool or sports facilities.

Older adults looking for a place to socialize, try a workshop and learn new games can check out the schedule of events at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Most programs begin during the second week of January and run from four to 12 weeks.

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.

Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Tree Lighting Ceremony For Second-Straight Year

Quaker Foods City Square is becoming a hub for the holidays and community as for a second straight year, they are hosting a tree-lighting ceremony and market event on Dec. 14 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will partner to host this year's event.

“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community.”

“The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer.”

Tree lighting ceremony activities include:

• Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music

• Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger

• Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles

• Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre presents promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign

• Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life

The tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. when Mayor Leal will turn on the lights.

The event also kicks off the outdoor skating season in the Square. Depending on weather conditions, the refrigerated skating rink is anticipated to be open through the winter months.

City staff are currently preparing the site and monitoring conditions to ensure safe ice.

Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square.

Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all downtown municipal parking spaces, including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until Dec.31.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers sponsored the parking initiative with all voluntary parking fees going towards Kawartha Food Share.

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.

New Animal Showcased at Riverview Park and Zoo's 'Wild Winter' This Saturday

The Riverview Park and Zoo is celebrating the holiday season with its ‘Wild Winter' event which starts at 11 a.m. this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo

Meet the Keeper sessions will be held throughout the day to introduce a new animal into the zoo. They also plan to make an announcement at the otter exhibit.

Riverview is accepting donations of children’s toys for the Children’s Foundation and non-perishable food items for Kawartha Food Share.

The gift shop will offer hot chocolate (by donation). It also offers holiday shopping and animal adoptions.

The schedule is as follows:

• 11 a.m. – Meet the Keeper – Caribou

• 1:30 p.m. – Otter Enrichment & Announcement

• 2:30 p.m. – Alpaca walk

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.