Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 16 - 18

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 16 - 18!

Kawartha Downs and Impact Motor Sports Kawartha Smackdown Demo Derby

Together with Kawartha Downs Events we will bring an action-packed show which includes, figure 8 racing, stock trucks, windshield compacts and two man teams full-size V8. Watch as these stock, from the factory, compact cars smash and crash into each other until the final car is crowned the winner. The stock trucks put on a show seeing them bend and twist to look like bananas!

The two-man team V8 cars will manoeuvre and jockey for position to come out on top and take home the championship. Figure 8 racing will thrill you with their daring dash through the centre to complete their laps in record time!

There are activities for all ages, power wheels competition for kids 4-9, a pit party to meet the drivers and live music to entertain the audience.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Kawartha Downs Events for the Kawartha Smackdown.

When: June 17, noon - 5 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: $12.60 - $30.50

Live Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs

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 17, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

Live Music at Kawartha Downs

Stick around Kawartha downs as live music is happening right after the Kawartha Smackdown Demolition Derby.

When: June 17, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

26th Annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show At Lang Pioneer Village

Enjoy the Kawarthas’ original tractor show featuring power equipment displays, tractor games, vintage farm trucks, tractor and wagon rides, a tractor parade through the Village and more.

When: June 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre

Tickets: Free for children five and under, $7 children, $10 students and seniors and $15 for adults, $40 family pass (two adults and up to four children and youth)

Monster Spectacular at the Peterborough Memorial Centre

Monster Spectacular, Canada’s sports and entertainment spectacle - mixing the thrills and spills of motorsports, showmanship and the ultimate fan experience into incredible, action-packed live shows roars into the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 18th, 2023.

Excited in anticipation of sold-out shows across the country, fans will get the opportunity to see some of the biggest, baddest monster trucks on the circuit. The adrenaline will be pumping as the drivers compete in high octane side-by-side racing, freestyle competitions and unique driver skill contests.

Monster Spectacular electrifies fans with breathtaking stunts and the awesome power of the world’s most popular monster trucks, including Overkill Evolution, Black Stallion and more!

Joining this year’s lineup of monster trucks will also be fast, family-friendly events such as lawnmower races. Plus the heart-pumping excitement of a Motocross backflip.

When: June 18, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre

Tickets: $36.30 for children (12 and under) and $44.30 for adults

Peterborough Police Community Open House

The Peterborough Police Service is hosting a Community Open House at their headquarters.

Visitors can tour the station, watch demonstrations from various units including K9, ERT (rappel team), RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) and see many of the police vehicles. 

The Emergency Command Centre can teacher residents about policing as a career and enjoy ‘Coffee with a Cop.’  

GreenUP Peterborough will be in attendance to teach about bike safety.  

Station tours will run at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the back lot.  

When: June 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Police Station

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: June 17, 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: June 17, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Quaker Foods City Square

30 Craft Market at the Peterborough Public Library

Come see what local artisans have to offer at the Peterborough Public Library.

When: June 17, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Public Library

Tickets: Free

Peterborough Pathway of Fame Announces Class of 2023 Inductees

Pathway of Fame has announced the most recent group of Inductees for the Class of 2023 in Peterborough and District.

photo courtesy of pathway of fame, facebook.

The Pathway of Fame Peterborough & District is a not-for-profit organization first formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the Arts and Humanities. The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park in 1998.

Recent inductees include:

John Ambrose (Jack) Doris (Community Builder)

First elected to Peterborough City Council in 1967, John Ambrose (Jack) Doris subsequently represented his Monaghan Ward constituents for 39 years and served another six years as Mayor before stepping back from politics in 2014 – his legacy secure as someone who always had your back, and treated all with equal kindness and compassion.

Courtney Druce (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Before cancer tragically cut short her life at 27, Courtney Druce made it her mission to inspire and provide hope for others fighting their own battles – raising funds for, and bringing awareness to the important work of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name but a few benefactors of her empathy for others. Courtney Druce died April 27, 2016 just shy of her 28th birthday.

Sean Eyre (Cultural/Community Betterment)

From his radio broadcasting heyday as ‘Sunshine Sean’ to his co-founding of Rocklands Entertainment, to his relentless promotion of local artists – Sean Eyre’s love of his community has also encompassed service as a City alderman, not to mention one of the driving forces behind the 1998 founding of the Peterborough & District Pathway of Fame.    

Charlie Gregory (Barb Bell Humanity Award Recipient)

Charlie Gregory’s photographic essays of the homeless have not only afforded the viewer a window into the harsh realities of the unhoused, but his images reveal the humanity of those who exist on the fringe. A self-described “watcher of folks who live on the edges of society,” Gregory has made it his selfless mission to both document, and offer support for the marginalized. As part of his advocacy, the proprietor of ‘Lumpy Bikes’ donates refurbished bicycles to those in need. His only ask: “That I take your picture.”

Stephanie and John MacDonald (Cultural/Community Betterment)

This Peterborough couple’s compelling, and vast contributions to the betterment and well-being of their community run the gamut, with the list of organizations having benefitted from their involvement, drive and passion as long, as it is impressive – all while serving as selfless and dedicated lifelong educators who each rose to the position of school principal. John MacDonald passed away at the end of 2022, in his 83rd year.

David McNab (Samaritan)

Having fully earned his status as global citizen, retired Peterborough County OPP constable David McNab continues to play a key role in the settlement and integration of Syrian refugees into the Peterborough community, displaying the same selfless compassion for others that fuelled his long involvement with Cops For Cancer and countless local organizations and initiatives.

Mike Melnik (Media)

As the popular morning host for ‘KRUZ’ AM and FM before his retirement from the airwaves in 2012, Mike Melnik’s welcoming and distinctive voice started the day for thousands of listeners. His passion for the community, and his capacity for instantly putting his guests at ease was a gift that translated into a coveted spotlight for countless events, causes and organizations – Easter Seals, and its annual telethon among them.

Cathy Rowland (Dramatic Arts)

A staunch champion of the Peterborough arts scene and in particular the involvement, and creative works of our community’s youth, Cathy Rowland founded the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS and served as lead writer of the Ontario Applied Design and Arts curriculum – in addition to writing, producing and directing numerous theatrical productions.

Jeannine Taylor (Media)

A self-made entrepreneur of close to 30 years, KawarthaNOW founder, CEO and publisher Jeannine Taylor was first out of the gate locally in terms of recognizing, and acting upon the emergence of the Internet as a media communications platform, having since leveraged her experience and influence to mentor other women in business.   

Greg Wells (Entertainment)

As a two-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most sought-after record producers in the world, Los Angeles-based Greg Wells has never forgotten his Peterborough roots – honouring and celebrating the City’s rich musical heritage by devoting his time and considerable skills to the furtherance of homegrown talent.

Inductees are chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by an anonymous committee comprised of community citizens having no current association whatsoever with, or connection to, The Pathway of Fame. The Nominations Chair is tasked with appointing a new Selection Committee each year, the members of which are confidential and never revealed to The Pathway of Fame.

Induction ceremonies are held each September at the Showplace Performance Centre. This years’ induction for the Class of 2023 will return to the main stage Saturday, September 9 at 10 a.m. and is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Past inductees are welcome. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

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Children's Performers Splash 'N Boots To Perform At 34th Annual Peterborough Folk Festival

Juno Award-winning children’s performers Splash’N Boots are making their way to the 34th annual Peterborough Folk Festival at Nicholls Oval Park for Aug. 20, announced on Tuesday.

Each year, Peterborough Folk Festival welcomes more than 12,000 people to Peterborough and the surrounding region. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Folk Festival.

“The much-loved Children's Village is one of the most popular aspects of Peterborough Folk Festival, with family-friendly activities like crafts, face-painting and children's performers all weekend long on the dedicated Children’s Stage,” sayid Rob Davis, Folk Festival chair. “We can't wait to see the Yellow and Blue Crew kids parade from the Children's Village to enjoy Splash'N Boots on the Main Stage.”

The Festival is a four-day celebration of music, culture and community. It kicks off at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on August 17th and various downtown venues on August 18. Nicholls Oval Park weekend events have free admission.

“It’s a collective experience for us and the audience. Our goal is always connection – bringing kids closer to their families and also to each other,” explains Boots.

“Our hope is that our music will connect and also inspire kids to stand up tall in who they are and know that they are always loved,” said Splash. “Unique and inventive, they constantly strive to create opportunities for parents and children to share moments.”

For more information, how to get involved as an artist, volunteer or vendor or to donate, visit www.peterboroughfolkfest.com.

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Peterborough Police To Host a Community Open House This Saturday

The Peterborough Police Service is hosting a Community Open House this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their headquarters, announced on Tuesday.

Visitors can tour the station, watch demonstrations from various units including K9, ERT (rappel team), RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) and see many of the police vehicles. 

The Emergency Command Centre can teacher residents about policing as a career and enjoy ‘Coffee with a Cop.’  

GreenUP Peterborough will be in attendance to teach about bike safety.  

Station tours will run at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the back lot.  

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Photos: Opa! Greek Festival Booms After Three-Year Hiatus With Dance and Traditional Cuisine

Pork or chicken souvlaki, gyros, Greek salad, fries, pita and rice were the savoury food options available at the 2023 Greek Festival. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Over 2,000 people came and went at the return of the Greek Festival from a three-year hiatus, held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Sunday. Traditional Greek favourite meals such as souvlaki, gyros, baklava and Greek salad were served at the event. Dancing, a kids’ fun zone and live entertainment were the amenities offered during the festival.

Homeless Man Recovers Missing Barbeque For Local Restaurant; Business Owner Asks Public For Essentials To Donate

Homeless man Mike Noble selflessly recovered a missing barbecue for Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria and owner Taso Hatzianastasiou is asking the public to donate essentials to help the good Samaritan in a Facebook post created Thursday.

Noble beside the previously missing catering barbeque stored in the back of Taso’s. Facebook photo.

Hatzianastasiou had discovered his barbecue was missing last weekend and often uses it for catering. He says Noble discovered it at a ‘tent city,’ got into a fight and dragged it back to the restaurant for him according to a Facebook post.

This was not the first time that Noble has aided Taso’s. He often helps the restaurant on a regular basis according to Hatzianastasiou.

“Mike always helps me in the mornings with anything I need, cleaning, unloading my truck,” explained in the Facebook post. “He never asks for money, just food and clothes. I try to help him in any way that I can.”

Hatzianastasiou is asking that the public to donate items such as clothing (medium or large for shirts) rubber boots, running shoes (size 12), a tent, a sleeping bag and a pillow but reminds everyone that Noble does not have a lot of storage space available.

During Hatzianastasiou's public outreach, he wanted to help destigmatize any negativity toward homeless people, especially toward Noble. The latter has struggled with mental health issues and has been homeless for a few years said Hatzianastasiou.

“He’s a very good guy and gets approached by people in the wrong way because of his mental breakdowns,” he explained. “He’s a kind man. Polite and always trying to bring you up.”

All donations can be given to Taso’s which is located at 287 George St. N.

“My ultimate goal is to find this man a place he can live,” concluded Hatzianastasiou.

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City of Peterborough Community Activities for National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month 2023

Activities are being held throughout the community, including at City of Peterborough facilities, for residents to take part in National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month in June.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Highlights from the activities at City of Peterborough facilities:

Art Gallery of Peterborough

250 Crescent St.

• Exhibition: Special Project: Tea with the Queens, June 7 to June 29, 2023

• Opening reception for new exhibitions, June 7, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Afternoon Tea with the Queens, June 11 and 14, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and June 11, 13, and 22, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Indigenous Day Celebrations at Hiawatha First Nation: Art Gallery of Peterborough tent; June 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Peterborough Public Library

345 Aylmer St. N.

• PA Day Family Movie: Indigenous Cinema Shorts for Children, June 9, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

• Crafternoon: Beaded Rings with Malinda Gray, June 10, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Teen Book Club: Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, June 13, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunset Story Time with Betty Baker, June 16, 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Non-fiction Book Club: Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance by Jesse Wente, June 20, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Summer Solstice Story Time, National Indigenous Peoples Day at Millennium Park, 130 King St., June 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• 10 Indigenous Titles You Should Read this Month featured at the Seniors Showcase, Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., June 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

• 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.

• Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space, open during library hours

Peterborough Museum and Archives

300 Hunter St. E.

• ‘To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales’ exhibit, open during museum hours until mid-November

• Quillwork Workshops, June 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., registration required

• Pride Flag Scavenger Hunt, during open hours all through June

• Pride Craft based on the book ‘My Rainbow’ and Stories station, during open hours all through June

• Indigenous Day Kids Crafts, June 21, during open hours

• Interpretive tours of the ‘To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales’ exhibit, available June 21, watch for details on the Museum website and social media

The City of Peterborough’ s Public Art Program invites you to visit The Nogojiwanong Project

The Nogojiwanong Project, located at the south end of Millennium Park, was a collaboration undertaken in the spirit of kinship between local First Nations, Indigenous peoples, and the City of Peterborough in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20. Through the collaboration, this gathering space was created to encourage learning and reflection with a series of interpretive panels highlighting the evolution of local treaties and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. The “Gathering” provides the focal point for the space.

Michael Belmore’s, entitled “Gathering,” complements the panels and anchors the space. It consists of a grouping of glacial erratic boulders, carved, lined with copper, and fitted so that they sit slightly apart and seemingly radiate heat. The stones are embellished with the Treaty 20 Clan Totems or Dodems as they are called in Anishinaabemowin.

Nogojiwanong is an Anishinaabe word meaning “place at the foot of the rapids” and the name given to the gathering place, at the bottom of a turbulent stretch of the Otonabee River, renamed Peterborough by European settlers.

Millennium Park forms the present-day landfall and eddy along the western shoreline. It is also the site of the trailhead to the Chemong Portage – a six- or seven-mile historic footpath between the Otonabee River and Chemong Lake.

The Nogojiwanong Project location acknowledges these ancestral lands and the thousands of years the Michi Saagiig navigated this route between their winter camps and traditional fishing grounds at the mouth of the Ganaraska River on Lake Ontario.

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 9 - 11

photo courtesy of the peterborough dragon boat festival.

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 9 to 11!

Come out and cheer on the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival

Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival is a vital fundraiser for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, supporting world-class cancer and breast cancer screening.

Cheer on your friends, family and neighbours, participate in the moving breast cancer flower ceremony, come shopping, play games or enjoy some time at the Thirsty Dragon beer garden.

This fundraiser for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation (PRHC Foundation) supports world-class breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, and has raised over $3.9 million so far.

7 a.m. – Road closures in effect, barricades close

7:45 a.m. – Team Captains meeting by the Volunteer Tent

8 a.m. – Awakening the Dragon/Opening Ceremonies

8:30 a.m. – First Race Heats begin

9 a.m. – Vendors Village Market opens

9 a.m. – Family Fun Zone opens

11 a.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden opens

11:30 a.m. – McKenzie Cup Race followed by the Flower Ceremony

Noon to 12:30 p.m. – Lunch break

12:30 p.m. – Second Race Heats begin

3:10 p.m. – Divisional Finals begin

4 p.m. – Raffle winners announcements

4 p.m. – Last shuttle bus leaves Del Crary Park

4:50 p.m. – Awards Ceremony – Race Trophies Top Individual Fundraisers – At the bleachers

5:45 p.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden closes

When: Saturday, June 10, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Little Lake, Peterborough.

Join the Peterborough Business Social Club Tiki Party

Looking for some tropical fun without leaving Peterborough?

The Peterborough Business Social Club is opening up their Tiki Party to the public at Chemong Lodge to the public this Saturday, June 10th, starting at 5 p.m.

Join for cocktails, games, live music by Cary Shields, prizes and dancing! Fire up the barbecues as a family-style dinner and complimentary wine is being served on the patio!

Tickets are $150 a couple and you can get more details by emailing jamesway33@gmail.com. Come on out and enjoy a tropical paradise at Chemong Lodge with the Peterborough Business Social Club!

When: Saturday June 10, 5 p.m.

Where: Chemong Lodge

Chow Down at Greek Festival

Greek Festival for all!

Greek food, Greek music, Greek dancing will entertain festival goers in the back yard of the church.

Free admission.

When: Sunday, June 11, noon - 7 p.m.

Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

League 1 Ontario Men's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Hamilton United

The Electric City Football Club Men’s Team host the Hamilton United for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: Saturday, June 10 2-4 p.m.

Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)

Daniel James McFadyen at Jethro's Bar & Stage

Nova Scotia-based indie folk artist Daniel James McFadyen is bringing his national tour to Jethro's Bar & Stage (137 Hunter St. W) on Friday, June 9. 

It's been a busy time for Daniel, as he has just released his new single “Sunshine”, the lead track off his forthcoming EP. He recently performed in Halifax at the 35th annual East Coast Music Awards, where his 2022 single “Hot Sun” was nominated for ‘Best Song’ and ‘Rising Star Recording’.

When: Friday, June 9 6 p.m.

Where: Jethro’s Bar (137 Hunter St. W)

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

New Stages Theatre Presents ‘SWEAT’ by Lynn Nottage

New Stages presents a one-night-only staged reading of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, an unforgettable play for unprecedented times.

Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize, SWEAT is a chilling and timely play that tells the story of a group of colleagues in Pennsylvania whose fortunes rapidly decline between 2000 and the 2008 financial crisis. A devastating account of American industrial collapse and the racial and class tensions that shatter the surface when people are desperate. A must-see for Peterborough audiences.

The cast includes: Christopher Allen, Andrew Chown, Beau Dixon, Kait Dueck, René Escobar Jr., Catherine Fitch, Tony Munch and Ordena Stephens-Thompson.

Content Advisory: This play contains themes of racism and uses words that are offensive and demeaning, including the n-word. Recommended audience: 14+.

When: Sunday, June 11 7:30 p.m.

Where: Market Hall

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 10 7-10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)

The Annual Father’s Day Smoke and Steam Show is Back at Lang Pioneer Village

The Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s 2023 event season kicks off on Sunday, June 18 with the 26th Annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show.

photo courtesy of lang pioneer village museum.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, treat dad to a nostalgic Father’s Day filled with tractors and powerful equipment.

Watch as local collectors bring to life some of the oldest antique tractors and steam engines around as they compete for over 20 awards including Best Unique Exhibit, Best Display and Lang Pioneer Village’s Choice.

Watch as tractors try to balance on a tilted platform as fast as possible or maneuver through an obstacle course while balancing a tin can on a stick. View displays of smoke and steam collectibles, hit and miss engines, antique tool collections and more. The tractor games, including lawn tractor races, begin at noon.

Throughout the Village, learn about the many ways power was generated in the 1800s. See the Shingle Mill in full operation powered by volunteers and antique engines. Enjoy a variety of historic demonstrations including spring-pole lathe, broad axe hand hewing, natural dyeing, spinning, grinding at the Grist Mill and more. Hop on board a tractor and wagon ride and tour the historic village in style. Take some time to pause and enjoy live music by Glen Caradus & Fiddling Jay. Check out the model train display brought by the Ganaraska Railway Modellers and Jim Burchell. Kids can take part in some old-fashioned games in the schoolyard and make a paper whistle to take home. Don’t forget to visit the farm animals, on loan from Harley Farms for the summer.

Demonstrators and visitors can enjoy a pancake breakfast (served while supplies last) in the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (additional fee applies). Refreshments and sweet treats will be available for purchase throughout the day at the Keene Hotel, or stop by Ben’s Kettle Corn who will be popping up fresh kettle corn. The Keene Lions Club food truck will also be onsite selling BBQ goods and there will be fresh Empire Cheese curd available for purchase in the Cheese Factory. If you haven’t already over-indulged in delicious treats, take part in the pie-eating contest on the Village Green.

The day will conclude with a tractor parade through the historic village beginning at 3 p.m.

Admission to the 26th Annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14) and free for children under 5.

Family admission is also available for $40, which includes 2 adults and up to 4 youths (ages 5-14). Visitors may purchase admission in advance via the Museum’s online shop, but advance purchase is not required. For more information, visit the website.

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QUAKERborough Releases New Commercial Highlighting Plant Employees in the Peterborough Community

Quaker Oats (PepsiCo Canada) has released a new commercial for the QUAKERborough brand, which includes employees from the local Quaker Plant at 34 Hunter St. W.

Photo courtesy of citizen relations PR.

“In 1902, Peterborough welcomed Quaker into the proud community we now like to call QUAKERborough – a place with great food and welcoming neighbours who make you feel right at home,” says Logan Chambers, Senior Director of Marketing with PepsiCo Canada. “Acknowledging the warmth and support that Quaker has received over the years, the brand is on a mission to personally welcome newcomers to the city with open arms with the help of our dedicated plant employees and the New Canadians Centre in Peterborough.”

The process started in April of this year, when Peterborough’s New Canadians Centre advertised a casting call on social media for a family new to the community.

Now two months later, the commercial shows the QUAKERborough van driving around the community, and assisting the new family in moving a couch into their home.

To view the full commercial, visit the link.

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