TASSS Students Bringing 'The Wizard of Oz' Musical To Life After Three-Year Hiatus

After being unable to cast a theatrical production for three years, students of Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) are back on the stage, putting on ‘The Wizard of Oz’ musical scheduled with four public shows in June.

TASSS students Izzy Lloyd (left) and Aimee Simmons (right) playing Tin Man and Scarecrow in a rehearsal for their musical production of The Wizard of Oz. 50 students are involved in the production with actors in Grades 11 and 12 while Grade 10 students work as stage hands. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The school was unable to put on a play for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a long hiatus, the students are eager to get on stage and perform before a live audience according to Michaela Hetherington, TASSS music director.

“The anticipation and the excitement is really building as we get closer,” she said.

Roughly 50 students are involved in the musical production. Grade 10 students are stagehands while Grades 11 and 12 are performing in the production.

Auditions began back in February and students have been working tirelessly to be ready for showtime in June.

“We have students that help out on their first and second-period spares when they don't have class, lunchtime rehearsals and after school,” explained Hetherington. “They've made costumes, set pieces and painting. If you can think of something that goes into a production, they've done it.”

The production is directed and choreographed by Bryanna Ostrander who is also an instructor at Imagine Studios. Justin Hiscox is the music supervisor of the production.

Dates for the shows are as follows:

• June 1, 7 p.m.

• June 2, 7 p.m.

• June 3, 2 p.m.

• June 3, 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased through School Cash Online or at the door at TASSS for $20.

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Grade Six Student Earns $10,000 Grant For Habitat For Humanity From National Writing Contest

Grade 6 student Ellyot W. earned Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region a $10,000 grant after being announced as a runner-up in the Meaning of Home national writing contest.

Ellyot read her story during the ground-breaking ceremony of Habitat’s phase two project on Leahy’s Lane. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The contest encourages students in Grades 4-6 to share what home means to them through a short essay or poem.

Students were asked what the ‘Meaning of Home’ is to them and 12,265 students were entered into the contest. Ellyot was one of nine runner-ups with her entry ‘What Home Means To Me.’

“I’d like to congratulate Ellyot for her participation and incredible efforts in supporting affordable housing in her community,” said Susan Zambonin, Habitat CEO. “Her winning $10,000 grant will go towards building 12 new affordable homes on the very ground in which she stood and read her winning entry on Tuesday morning. Because of her hard work and heartfelt story, we can help more local families and individuals have access to safe and affordable homeownership.”

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Peterborough DBIA Are Hosting Memorial Cup Petes Watch Parties At Quaker Food Park Square This Weekend

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (PTBO DBIA) is hosting free outdoor Peterborough Petes Memorial Cup Watch Party events at Quaker Food Park Square for this weekend, announced on Thursday.

Both games are being streamed on a 16-foot mega screen from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. with puck drop at 6 p.m. on their respective days.

The Peterborough Petes open their Memorial Cup against the Western Hockey League champion Seattle Thunderbirds this Saturday. They’ll continue their schedule with the Western Hockey League host team Kamloops Blazers.

The free Community Watch Party’s live-streaming event includes an interactive kids zone, small vendors market with food and snacks and a beer garden.

“Our team at the DBIA is so excited to be organizing Memorial Cup games this weekend,” said Hillary Flood, Peterborough DBIA vibrancy manager. “Peterborough is brimming with hometown pride for our OHL Champions and we want to keep the momentum going.”

Fans are asked to bring their own chairs or can purchase from any of the vendors. Those attending are encouraged to wear to dress for the weather and proudly wear their Petes apparel.

“As the Petes go on to compete for the Memorial Cup, we are beyond excited to see the Quaker Foods City Square light up again this weekend as the crowd of hometown fans gather together to cheer on the Petes in Kamloops,” said Burton Lee, Petes executive director of business operations. “Our organization is delighted to see the outpour of community support for the Petes this season, and can’t wait to see the continuation of that amazing energy at the downtown community watch parties.”

The Peterborough DBIA had previously hosted a watch party for Game Five of the OHL Championship that eh Quaker Square. It was also the site for the Petes Championship Celebration Event on Monday.

The City of Peterborough is providing financial support to the DBIA to host the community watch parties. 

"The Peterborough Petes’ magical run continues as they compete for the Memorial Cup,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I’m looking forward to seeing Quaker Foods City Square filled with fans, watching the games together, cheering on their Petes. The community spirit has been brilliant.”

“When we think about what makes a community vibrant it really boils down to people-power,” said Flood. “Vibrancy implies a place that is alive and active—a place where people naturally are drawn. Quaker Foods City Square has proven to be one of the most valuable spaces we have to gather as a community in times of celebration.”

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The Incredible Edibles Festival is Coming to Downtown Campbellford

Let food and fun collide at the 8th annual IncrEdible Edibles Festival on July 8 in Downtown Campbellford.

photo courtesy of the incredible eats festival.

The IncrEdible Edibles Festival returns to Downtown Campbellford on Saturday the 8th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Foodies from all over Ontario will gather to celebrate the tastes of Trent Hills and our neighboring vendors, from within 100 kilometres of Campbellford.

This event is free and family-friendly, with over 35 local food vendors, a beer tent, artisan market, children’s area, community zone, speakers, food demos and live music. Celebrating Trent Hills’ strong agricultural heritage and the abundance of our thriving community, the festival aims to entertain, educate and excite!

With everything from fresh produce to street eats, artisan sweets to small batch hot sauces, comfort foods to vegetarian fare, there is something to serve every palate. Vendors will serve up food to enjoy at the festival and bring items to take home. The school nutrition program will be putting their skills Into action at a booth and even our community gardens will be offering some local delicacies.

Cool off with a beverage from your favourite local brewery! In this year’s beer tent, we will be serving all the local brews: Church-Key, Fogorig, Longtooth, Focal and Rice Lake Cider.

Entertainment will kick off with a visit from Firelights Belly Dancing Troupe at 11 a.m. Thew main stage will host opening ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. then an afternoon of speakers and food demos. Starting at 4 p.m., a great line up of live local music will bring us into the evening: Dave Mowat and the Curbside Shuffle, The Lindsay Barr Band and The Melissa Payne Band.

The Children’s Area will feature The Grain Discovery Zone from Grain Farmers of Ontario, Maple the Milking Cow from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Storytimes with the Library, crafts and straw bale building among other activities. The Flourishing Communities Zone is an interactive space where visitors can meet and talk with people working on local food and sustainability initiates.

To learn more about Incredible Trent Hills and the Incredible Edibles Festival, visit the website.

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Peterborough Lakers Start "Drive For Five" With Home Opener Set For June 8

It will be their third game of the season but Peterborough Century 21 Lakers’s ‘Drive for Five’ has their home opener against the Brampton Excelsiors scheduled for June 8 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers will have played two road games prior to their home opener with their first game against the Excelsiors on June 1 and Brooklin L.C. on June 7.

The following is the Lakers’ regular season schedule:

• June 1 - @ Brampton 

• June 7 - @ Brooklin

• June 8 - vs. Brampton 

• June 11 - @ Cobourg

• June 13 - @ Six Nations

• June 15 - vs. Cobourg

• June 22 - vs. Six Nations 

• June 25 - @ Brampton

• June 29 - vs. Brampton

• July 6 - vs. Cobourg

• July 13 - vs. Brooklin

• July 11 - @ Six Nations

• July 20 - vs. Six Nations

• July 23 - @ Cobourg

• July 27 - vs. Brooklin

• July 26 - @ Brooklin

The Lakers plan to unveil a new jersey design, address player/staffing changes, mascot Leo the Lion’s retirement and home opener events at a press conference this Saturday at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Fans are invited to attend the event running from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday.

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; May 26 - 28

photo courtesy of the Peterborough New Horizons Bands

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from May 26 to 28!

Meet the author!

Trent Valley Archives will be hosting ‘Author! Author!’ a Meet the Author event at The Mount Community Centre May 27 with featured authors Rosemary McConkey, Bob Reid and Elwood Jones.

The free event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. will also feature the music of Allan Kirby and his Backwoodsmen sharing some of the tunes from their recent CD, ‘Cross Cut.’ This features many classic folk songs from the area, some of which were referenced in Dr. Alan Kirby’s ‘Fowke Songs’.

There will be refreshments and discussion, as well as a chance to buy the books and to have them autographed.

More information is available on TVA’s website or by calling 705-745-4404.

When: May 27, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough)

Opening of the Legacy Space - Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack fund

The Peterborough Public Library will be celebrating the opening of the Legacy Space on May 27 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.

You can follow along as they build the space, plan the launch, and develop programs and collections to support their commitment to ReconciliACTION on the the Legacy Space webpage and on social media channels.

Legacy Spaces are safe, welcoming places where conversations and education about Indigenous history – and our collective journey towards reconciliation – are encouraged and supported. They also serve as symbols and reminders of the important work each of us needs to undertake in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

When: May 27, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Public Library (345 Alymer St. N, Peterborough)

Crescendo: Kawartha Youth Orchestra

Kawartha Youth Orchestra presents Crescendo: A Concert to Conclude the season featuring the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Youth Orchestras.

When: May 28, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: All Saints Anglican Church (235 Rubidge St., Peterborough)

Tickets: $20 at the door, children 5 and under free (cash and credit cards accepted)

League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC VS Woodbridge Strikers

The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Woodbridge Strikers for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: May 27, 2 p.m.-4 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: May 27, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

Feast on the Farm at Lang Pioneer Village

Feast On the Farm is a unique event series that brings together chefs, purveyors and food lovers!

Indulge in creations by some of the best chefs in Ontario serving up incredible food inspired by the innovation, hard work, and creativity of local farmers. This intimate event allows foodies from across Ontario the opportunity to indulge in culinary creations by some of the best chefs in the province.

Featured Chefs include: Chef Brad Watt, Chef Tyler Scott, and Chef Lisa Dixon

Every ticket includes a selection of dishes curated by participating chefs, a variety of beverages from local purveyors, a behind-the-scenes experience, and a $25 Feast On Gift Voucher that can be redeemed at participating Feast On restaurants.

When: May 28, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Where: Lang Pioneer Village Museum (104 Lang Rd., Keene)

Tickets: $125 (plus taxes and fees)

Concert for Cool Cats and Dogs

Come to the Peterborough New Horizons Bands "Concert For Cool Cats and Dogs" on May 26 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Church in Peterborough. 

Proceeds shared with the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society. For more information go to nhbpeterborough.com or email pnhb.music@gmail.com

When: May 26, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Where: Calvary Church (1421 Lansdowne St. W, Peterborough)

Tickets: Tickets sold at the door for $15, children under 10 free.

Live Harness Racing

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: May 27, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

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

Omemee Woman Hosting Fifth Annual Heart Health Awareness Campaign With Four-Day Spin-A-Thon and Walk-A-Thon

Omemee’s Annie Smith is raising heart health awareness for a fifth straight year through Annie’s Pace Global Adventure (APGA) in a four-day event beginning this Friday.

File Photo.

Smith is hosting a walk-a-thon and spin-a-thon at All the Right Moves Fitness Studio in Omemee, encouraging those to ride a bike or walk with her — for as long as people wish — as she attempts to go 80-120 km on a treadmill during the four-day span from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A barbecue fundraiser is also being held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

APGA encourages participants to take control of their heart health by being active for one hour a day. Over the course of the four-day event, participants are invited to share online what activity they are doing that day to stay active and keep their hearts healthy.

“Your life is worth one hour a day,” said Smith.

The campaign has people participating all over the world in countries such as Hong Kong, Scotland, Greece, the USA, Switzerland, Australia and more.

“It’s about the world, it’s about creating the healthy habit,” said Smith.

The proceeds go towards the Test Your Limits (TYL) Initiative at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research at UHN in Toronto. The funds help in research for heart failure and transplantation.

The fundraiser’s goal is to raise $6,500 this year, trying to raise $25,000 over five years.

Smith is a Personal Trainer and group fitness instructor for 28 years. She was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis, an invisible, rare, incurable and life-threatening disease, in 2016. Her physical capabilities have become limited ever since.

Her campaign encourages others to post their heart stories and/or weekend activities on Smith’s Facebook or Instagram page while tagging themselves during the event.

To join AGPA visit the Facebook group. To donate click here.

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City of Peterborough Celebrates National Public Works Week

The City of Peterborough is celebrating National Public Works Week which started on Sunday and finishes this Saturday, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Public Works staff work around the clock maintaining infrastructure for transportation, parks and grounds, water, wastewater and stormwater treatment, public buildings and spaces, solid waste, environmental protection and right-of-way management, emergency management and first response according to a press release.

This year’s theme is ‘Connecting the World Through Public Works.’ It highlights how workers connect us physically, through infrastructure and inspirationally, through service to their communities, whether as first responders or daily workers carrying out their duties with pride.

“We have an outstanding group of Public Works professionals working for the City of Peterborough, and I can’t thank them enough for the important work they do for the citizens of Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I encourage everyone to take a minute to express your appreciation to Public Works staff this week with a quick word of thanks or a wave.”

“In addition to the day-to-day operations, Public Works staff play an essential role in emergency management efforts, responding to dangerous weather events,” said Councillor Dave Haacke, the Chair of the City’s Public Works Portfolio. “During last year’s Derecho storm, Public Works first responders worked around the clock clearing the streets, sidewalks and trails of downed trees and debris, enabling access for emergency personnel. Their work in the initial days after the storm and ongoing efforts in the months following the storm are to be commended.”

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Peterborough Petes Headed to Kamloops Memorial Cup in B.C.; First Game Scheduled For Saturday

After winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions on Sunday, May 21, the Peterborough Petes have officially qualified for the 2023 Memorial Cup. 

The Peterborough Petes had their Championship Celebration Event at the Quaker Food Park Square on Monday, a day after winning the OHL Championship. photo by Samantha Bianco.

The 2023 Memorial Cup takes place in Kamloops, B.C. starting on May 25, with the Championship game scheduled for Sunday, June 4. The Petes’ first game is on Saturday against the Western Hockey League champion Seattle Thunderbirds. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT.

The Petes Memorial Cup schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, May 27 @ 6 p.m. EDT - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL Champion) @ Peterborough Petes

• Sunday, May 28 @ 6 p.m. EDT - Kamloops Blazers (Host) @ Peterborough Petes

• Tuesday, May 30 @ 9 p.m. EDT - Peterborough Petes @ Quebec Remparts (QMJHL Champion)

• Thursday, June 1 @ 9 p.m. EDT - Tie-breaker*

• Friday, June 2 @ 10 p.m. EDT - Semi-Final

• Sunday, June 4 @ 10 p.m. EDT - Final

*If necessary

All games will take place at the Sandman Centre and are broadcasted on TSN and RDS, and over the radio on Freq 90.5, Oldies 96.7 and Classic Rock 107.9.

Fans who are interested in travelling to Kamloops to cheer on the Petes at the Memorial Cup should note that the team does not have any game ticket, travel or accommodation packages available to extend to fans. Those that are interested are strongly encouraged to arrange tickets through the Sandman Centre or other official sources before making travel arrangements as capacity is limited in Kamloops. 

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Dwayne Gretzky, Glass Tiger and Melissa Payne Among Many Announced For 2023 Musicfest Lineup

Several recognizable acts such as Dwayne Gretzky, Glass Tiger and Melissa Payne have been added to Peterborough Musicfest announced at their lineup release event at the Silver Bean Café on Wednesday morning.

Tracy Condon, Peterborough Musicfest board chair (left) with Tracey Randall, general manager (right) as the free concert series releases their lineup for this year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Five dates are listed as ‘to be announced’ as acts have been sought out are booked but require funding of roughly $125,000 to finalize everything, according to Tracey Randall, Musicfest general manager.

“Three bands are on hold until we see the funding and then we'll see how much extra I have because sponsorships are still coming in,” she said.

Randall anticipates funding from the provincial government as Musicfest typically receives $80,000 from them annually however the funding is usually given in June.

The concerts will remain at Del Crary Park despite being dismantled earlier this month. Musicfest will continue the temporary solution that was used last year according to Randall.

“We're still meeting with the City of Peterborough but they've rented the same temporary stage that we had last year,” she said.

The following is this year’s lineup for Musicfest:

• July 1: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

• July 5: Dwayne Gretzky

• July 8: Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy

• July 12: Five Alarm Funk

• July 15: TBA

• July 19: Jesse Cook

• July 22: TBA

• July 26: Little River Band

• July 29: Melissa Payne & Friends

• Aug. 2: TBA

• Aug. 5: British Legends Tribute (Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney & Freddie Mercury)

• Aug. 9: Glass Tiger

• Aug. 12: TBA

• Aug. 16: TBA

• Aug. 19: Tim & The Glory Boys (with special guest TBA)

Peterborough Musicfest’s Diner’s Book is available to aid in providing funds for the concert series. The book has coupons for 56 restaurants for $25. It is a $600 value that allows the user to ‘buy one entrée, get the second half price.’

Diner’s Books cost $25 and are available at the customer service desk at Lansdowne Place, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism office on George St. or online.

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