26 Kids Get Holiday Shopping Spree With Peterborough Police Service's 18th Annual CopShop This Thursday

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The holidays are coming a little early for 26 local children as the Peterborough Police Services is hosting its 18th annual CopShop at Lansdowne Place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Twenty-six deserving children will enjoy a limo ride from school and be partnered with a Peterborough Police Officer. The officers will serve as personal shoppers for the kids and each will receive a $200 Gift Card to shop around.

“We are very excited that this program is returning as it’s always been an event our officers look forward to,” says Mike Peckham, Detective Constable, Peterborough Police Service. “This year we have about two dozen officers and civilian members volunteering their time to build positive relationships and spend time with our young people in a fun way.”

“It’s impossible not to be inspired by these incredible kids” says Helen Edwards, Property Manager for Lansdowne Place. “I still remember the very first time we hosted CopShop, it was magical and continues to be our favourite day of the year.”

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'Christmas By Candlelight' Hits Lang Pioneer Village To Get In the Holiday Spirit

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Lang Pioneer Village is celebrating a traditional pioneer Christmas with ‘Christmas by Candlelight’ for Dec. 7 and 8 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty Photography and Lang Pioneer Village.

The village is being lit with candles, lamps and lanterns. The nights feature horse-drawn wagon rides, campfire stories, old holiday treats, photo shoots and Christmas carols.

Events and activities include holiday treat samples, reindeer games, meals, raffles and more.

Sunday at 7 p.m. will feature a live nativity complete with animals and a choir by the Keene United Church.

Lang Pioneer Village is requesting one or more non-perishable food item(s) to donate to the Otonabee South Monaghan Food Cupboard (drop off in the Museum Shop).

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Get Ahead On Holiday Decorations With Oake Family Tree Farm Opening Weekend Beginning This Saturday

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For holiday lovers who cannot wait to put up their decorations, the Oake Family Tree Farm is having its opening weekend starting this Saturday.

The farm is located at 2474 Sherbrooke St. W. in Cavan and operates from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trees are available every weekend until Christmas.

Pre-cut balsam or Fraser firs cost $80 or you can cut your own tree for $75 on a cash-only basis (all prices include HST).

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough Launch Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser At Lansdowne Place

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough has launched its annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Station at Lansdowne Place from Dec. 9 to 24.

Photo courtey of Peterborough Bigs.

The fundraiser is for youth mentoring programs run by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

The station is above the stairs at Lansdowne Place and is staffed entirely by volunteers. They offer gift wrapping with a recommended donation based on the gift size.  

Throughout the campaign, the station will host appearances by local government representatives including Mayor Jeff Leal, MPP Dave Smith and MP Michelle Ferrari.

“This holiday season, we’re proud to help the community add a special touch to their gifts by making a meaningful difference for youth in our community,” says Zoe King, Peterborough Bigs executive director. “Every donation supports brighter futures and stronger mentorship opportunities.”

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City of Peterborough to Have Fireworks Display For Canada Day

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As part of the Canada Day celebrations, a fireworks display will be held over Little Lake from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 1following the Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park.

File Photo.

The concert features the Road Apples, a tribute to The Tragically Hip. The City of Peterborough provides the fireworks display. 

Before and during the fireworks display, Crescent Street near the T-wharf will be temporarily closed. Access to local traffic will be maintained.

Residents are reminded to follow all on-street parking regulations in the area, including calendar parking where applicable. Please ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.

Residents are asked to respect their neighbours and fellow residents when using fireworks in the City of Peterborough.

City by-laws allow for the use of family or casual fireworks in the City on private property. Fireworks cannot be discharged on City property. Larger exhibition-style fireworks displays require a permit.

While fireworks displays may be permitted, residents who use fireworks must follow the Noise By-law and be aware of safety precautions. Fireworks can also disturb pets.

Using fireworks can be dangerous, causing injury or property damage. Peterborough Fire Services provides the following safety tips when using fireworks:

  • Only adults who are aware of the hazards and have read the label should handle and discharge fireworks.

  • Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.

  • Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.

  • Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.

  • Do not discharge fireworks in windy conditions.

  • Keep sparklers away from children, as they are extremely hot and pose a risk of burns and eye injuries.

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Three Days Grace Drummer Neil Sanderson Named Grand Marshall For 2024 St. Patrick's Day Parade

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A true rockstar will lead the 21st Annual Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17 as Three Days Grace drummer Neil Sanderson has been named this year’s grand marshall, announced at The Venue on Thursday afternoon.

Neil Sanderson, Three Days Grace Drummer said he is roughly one-third Irish mixed with Scandanavian/Dutch heritages. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sanderson is best known for his work with Three Days Grace but has done work with Peterborough’s Thousand Foot Krutch and My Darkest Days. He has spent over two decades in the music industry, winning awards from Juno, Billboard Music and Loudwire Music with Three Days Grace.

The announcement was made by organizer Tim Burke who wanted to continue bringing in high-profile big names to the event after last year saw former sports anchor Dan O'Toole as the grand marshall.

“Dan was amazing last year and I couldn't ask for a better guy to do for us what he did for us in Peterborough,” he explained. “Neil came to mind. I talk to him occasionally and I asked him on Facebook. Within a day or less, he got back to me and it wasn't him saying, ‘Yeah, I'll do it,’ it was, ‘Thank you so much for asking me, I'd be honoured.’”

Sanderson confirmed the feeling Burke mentioned and was grateful for the opportunity, considering the worldwide success he and O’Toole have had in their respective careers.

“I've been lucky that from such a small town, we've been able to have the reach and audience that we've had on a global level. We look at that today and we feel blessed and we never take that for granted because it's amazing to see that world in that capacity” explained Sanderson. “I feel like I have a lot of big shoes to fill with over the years of great parade marshalls and I'm just going to do the best that I can.”

Sanderson’s mother would bring him to several parades when he was younger, such as the St. Patrick’s Day and Santa Claus parades, with several fond memories. During his adult years, he celebrated from dusk until dawn as he said with a chuckle but highlighted the upbeat and diverse music scene he would experience during St. Patrick’s Day.

“There's a lot of great live bands playing and that's what's really cool,” explained Sanderson. “I love live music and this city is rich with it; the music here is pretty eclectic.”

There are 77 entries in the parade so far but Burke says he is looking for more and sponsors.

“I can't believe how big it's growing,” said Burke. Last year, we had 87 so this year I'd like to hit maybe 100. It'd be pretty incredible to hit 100. I'm not sure if Peterborough parades have ever had 100 entries before so let's knock wood, luck of the Irish and all that stuff, let's do it.”

To register for the parade, visit the parade’s website and apply until March 1.

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 event, a 5k run along George Street will occur to raise money for Right to Heal to help those with mental health and addictions.

To sign up for the run, contact Dave Dame of Runner’s Life at 876-8960. Donations can be given online at Right to Heal’s website.

A flag-raising will occur at City Hall on March 10 to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.

For more information, contact Tim Burke at (705) 875-2542.

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Auto Connect Sales Raises Animal Adoption Awareness During the Holidays With Adopt Advent Calendar

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Auto Connect Sales launched an animal adoption awareness campaign during the holidays with an ‘Adopt Advent Calendar’ to help the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) find homes for several pets.

Elias (left) was one of 25 animals showcased in the advent calendar and is having holiday fun with Watson (right). Photo by Mark Dizon.

There were 25 animals from PHS showcased in total, with one animal featured daily on Auto Connect’s Instagram account.

Of all the animals posted, 15 of the 25 pets found homes before Christmas according to a Facebook post.

“We didn’t get these animals adopted. I think the calendar helped get exposure to the Humane Society,” said Cheryl Watson of Auto Connect Sales. “I was very happy that idea was very well received. I think the community liked it.”

Watson had the idea of starting the calendar after attending a PHS gala. Animals were present at the event for anyone attending to interact with.

“I fell in love with a dog and I couldn’t stop thinking about them,” explained Watson. “I thought I had to get this dog adopted. That was my goal.”

Auto Connect staff met with the animals at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre for a photo shoot for the advent calendar.

“It was such a magical day,” said Watson. “Everybody was having a fantastic time. The Humane Society was so encouraging, supportive and eager to help get this done. It was a perfect joint effort.”

The remaining ten animals that were showcased are still up for adoption.

“Even if we can get one or two animals adopted, it was worth it,” said Watson.

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Hometown PTBO: Pete Dalliday and PTBOCanada Send Off the Holidays With the Weber Brothers

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This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday and PTBOCanada want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays as we finish off the year with some music from The Weber Brothers.

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City of Peterborough Launches New Holiday Display Map

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The City of Peterborough has launched a new interactive Holiday Display Map to celebrate the festive season with the community with outdoor lighting displays and decorations on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Community members and visitors are invited to explore neighbourhoods lit up for the holiday season using a guide created by the City’s Geomatics and Mapping program area.

Whatever holiday or celebration you are marking with your display, the City encourages everyone to share their festive spirit with the community.

Residents and businesses can submit their addresses to be included in the 2023 Holiday Lighting Map by uploading at least one photo and associated requested information through an online form.

Displays must be visible from a public location such as the street or sidewalk. Submissions to the map will be accepted until Jan.1.

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City to Host Tree Lighting Ceremony At Quaker Foods City Square This Friday

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The City of Peterborough is getting into the holiday spirit by hosting a community tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The Peterborough Singers Choir will perform seasonal songs before Mayor Jeff Leal flips the switch to turn on the lights illuminating the 35-foot-tall tree.

Weather pending, the Square skating rink will be open for skating for the first time this season.

“Quaker Foods City Square brought a tremendous amount of energy to the downtown last winter with thousands of people enjoying the new outdoor skating rink,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The tree will add to the festive spirit and vibrancy. I look forward to celebrating the season with the community at the upcoming tree lighting event.”

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