2024 PolarFest Running at Full Force For Selwyn Township
/Winter has never been more fun for Selwyn Township, as the 2024 PolarFest is in full swing for three days, beginning this Friday and ending Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.
Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough Becomes a Winter Wonderland For Snofest On Family Day Weekend
/Four fun-filled days of winter-themed activities are hitting Peterborough for this year’s Snofest starting Feb. 16.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
Snofest runs until Feb. 19. The full Snofest schedule of free activities is online at peterborough.ca/snofest.
“On behalf of Peterborough City Council, I am pleased to invite you to participate in the Snofest winter weekend carnival. With events and activities available to people of all ages and all stages of life, Snofest is a time for friends and families to get together and get outside for some winter fun,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It is important that we all remain active and engaged with our community during the colder months and Snofest offers an opportunity to do so while also having a wonderful time.”
Highlights of the schedule of events include a family swim night, the Snow Much Fun outdoor skating and snow play party at Quaker Foods City Square, the Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast presented in partnership with the East Peterborough Lions Club, a snowsuit story time provided by the Peterborough Public Library and the Peterborough Museum and Archives, a family skate on holiday Monday at Healthy Planet Arena and more.
Snofest Pete will be attending most events scheduled throughout the long weekend.
The Recreation and Parks Services Division, Peterborough Public Library, the Peterborough Museum & Archives and the Art Gallery of Peterborough will provide programming.
Participants are invited to bring their used batteries to the following events to be recycled to receive a free Snofest toque: Quaker Foods City Square skate event, Healthy Planet Arena skating event and Wellness Centre swim and pancake breakfast.
“The City of Peterborough is a leading municipal example for battery recycling and sustainability and has been a great partner since 2020,” said Joe Zenobio, Call2Recycle Canada president. “We are delighted to participate in Snofest and to support Peterborough’s community life and environmental initiatives. Together through our collective efforts we will continue to protect our environment and divert even more batteries from landfills.”
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Three Days Grace Drummer Neil Sanderson Named Grand Marshall For 2024 St. Patrick's Day Parade
/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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Photos: Grievers Seek Comfort and Reflect at Hospice Peterborough's 'Stars For a Dark Night'
/Grievers of lost loved ones could come to reflect and have their stories heard at Hospice Peterborough’s ‘Stars For a Dark Night’ held at Peterborough Square on Tuesday evening.
The event allowed anyone who had lost a loved one to share their story with Hospice staff, volunteers or other grievers (either privately or on an open mic). It also had expressive arts, quiet reflection and a live performance from the Hospice Singers.
Hospice volunteer Sarah Lewis said this event could not have happened at a more perfect time. She had lost her father to cancer in 2021 and felt the holidays last year were not the same without him.
“Because I had lost my father around Christmas time, it was a time of grieving and I wasn't in the Christmas spirit,” she explained. “I think this can be such a difficult time for a lot of people who have lost somebody important to them so having a community gathering where we're allowed to grieve together, not hold that in and share through art, I think, is absolutely beautiful.”
The drop-in event had anyone who stopped by write a name on a star (paper or wooden) of someone they commemorated and remembered. It was placed on a window at Peterborough Square with other stars.
“This is a celebration of honouring and remembering our loved ones, our people who have passed on,” said Lewis. “(It’s nice) Just to gather to share stories, strengthen hope, poetry, art and song together and grieve as a community.”
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Psychic Medium Matt Fraser To Make Live Readings At the Peterborough Memorial Centre For May 2
/America’s top psychic medium Matt Fraser will be hosting an up close and personal evening of live audience readings at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on May 2, announced on Monday.
Photo cpourtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Fraser is the star of the hit television series on E! Entertainment. He has hosted many live events and had several television appearances.
His readings frequently include names, dates and locations that people expect him not to know.
Fraser has garnered the attention of major media outlets nationwide including the New York Times, People magazine, FOX TV, NBC, ABCplus CBS Radio and others. He has guest-starred on several mainstream television series such as The Real Housewives, Botched, The Doctors, The Kelly Clarkson Show and more.
He has done readings for famous stars such as Gloria Estefan, Jenny McCarthy, Donny Wahlberg, Dorinda Medley, Karamo Brown and the Botched TV stars Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Paul Nassif.
Tickets are on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. in person at the PMC Box Office, by phone at 705-743-3561 and online at www.memorialcentre.ca. The exclusive pre-sale for PMC Scoop members is Thursday at 10 a.m.
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Runner's Life Seeking Skaters To Make World's Longest Conga Line At Peterborough Lift Lock
/Runner’s Life Ltd is calling all skaters in the area to create the world’s longest Conga line along the Lift Lock canal on Feb. 4.
File Photo.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Skaters of all skill levels are invited to participate. For every skater participating, a dollar will be donated to ComPassion Project.
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City of Peterborough Announces Road Closures For 2023 Santa Claus Parade
/The City of Peterborough is putting in road closures for the 48th annual Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade which is being held in downtown Peterborough this Saturday.
File Photo.
The closures allow for both staging and the parade procession according to the City.
The following road closures will be in place starting at 4 p.m.:
Antrim Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
Edinburgh Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
Dublin Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
London Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
McDonnel Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
Murray Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
George Street — Parkhill Road to Brock Street
Princess Street — George Street to Park Street
Aylmer Street — Lansdowne Street to Romaine Street
The parade will travel south on George Street, starting at McDonnel Street and passing in front of City Hall at 4:45 p.m. The Parade ends at Princess Street and participants disperse from Princess Street. A rolling road closure — supervised by Peterborough Police Services — will occur along George Street during the parade.
Event volunteers will be available to remove barricades to allow for local access for residents and emergency vehicles along side streets. All road closures are expected to be over by 7:30 p.m.
No on-street parking is permitted on George Street between McDonnel Street and Princess Street starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Parking staff will be on-site to issue parking tickets and help ensure cars are relocated. Any vehicles still parked on George Street at 3 p.m. will be towed to the Reid Lot on 350 Reid St.
The City encourages anyone watching the parade to park in the King Street Parkade at 202 King St., the Simcoe parking garage at 190 Simcoe St. or municipal surface lots at the following locations:
Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St.
Reid Lot at 350 Reid St.
Surface lot at 365 Aylmer St.
Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N.
Downie Lot at 336 Downie St.
Parking in municipal lots and parking garages is free on weekends. Any parking fees voluntarily paid during December will be donated to Kawartha Food Share.
The City reminds residents to follow all on-street parking regulations that may be in place in the downtown area, including calendar parking where applicable. Ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.
Starting at 4 p.m., Peterborough Transit routes will detour around George Street between Parkhill Road and Brock Street.
During the rolling road closures as the parade progresses down George Street, the following routes will be detoured:
#2 Chemong
#4 Weller
#6 Sherbrooke
#22 Blue Community Buss
#23 Red Community Bus
A Peterborough Petes game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre in the evening starts at 7 p.m. With the Santa Claus Parade affecting traffic in the area, people attending the game are encouraged to plan for extra travel time when getting to the game. Paid parking at the Memorial Centre opens at 4 p.m. and the arena doors open at 6 p.m.
Drivers are reminded to obey all on-street parking restrictions including calendar parking, where applicable.
With increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic expected, everyone is reminded to leave extra time and use caution while travelling downtown on Saturday.
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Third-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering
/Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its third-annual Darkness To Light for community members impacted by suicide and overdose on Dec. 21 at Rogers Cove.
Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.
The outdoor sunrise gathering marks brighter days ahead after the solstice which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight.
Julie Brown — who led last year’s event — is returning to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises on the winter solstice morning.
The event will be rain, snow or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event but are encouraged to pre-register. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m. as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.
“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last two ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “All are welcome to join us at Rogers Cove on the morning of December 21st and we would encourage people to come for 7:30 a.m., have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.”
Donations can be made to the event and proceeds support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough.
“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment,” said Julie Brown.
“We are very grateful to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director.
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Lansdowne Place Release Holiday Event Lineup Beginning Nov. 18
/UPDATE: 2:14 p.m. 13/11/23
Lansdowne Place has released its holiday lineup activities involving Santa Claus and Black Friday beginning on Saturday.
File Photo.
“This year’s holiday lineup at Lansdowne Place inspires holiday memories and embraces the spirit of giving," said Patrick Fleurantin, Lansdowne Place marketing manager. “From interactive Santa experiences and photos, to unparalleled holiday shopping and family-friendly activities, our events are created for our guests and community to enjoy.”
Visit Lansdowne Place for events including:
Storytime with Santa - Every Wednesday, beginning Nov. 22 through Dec. 13, families are invited for Storytime with Santa to enjoy timeless holiday tales by the fireplace. This family-friendly event is free for all to attend. To welcome Santa, Lansdowne Place will host a special Storytime with Santa event, PJ and Pancakes, on Saturday beginning at 8:30 a.m., which will include storytime following Santa’s descent from the chimney and a pancake breakfast. Registration for PJs and Pancakes is $10 per child, with all proceeds supporting the Peterborough Humane Society. Register for a timeslot by visiting landsdowneplace.com.
Photos with Santa – At Center Court from Saturday through December 24, guests can visit Santa’s Cottage and capture their special holiday moments.
Silent Santa - Santa photo opportunities for those with sensory sensitivities will be available every Sunday beginning Sunday through Dec. 3, starting at 10 a.m. before the centre opens. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Ontario.
Baby's First Christmas - Parents are welcome to bring infants born after Dec. 25, last year, for a Baby’s First Christmas photo experience with Santa, including a complimentary 5x7 photo. Baby’s First Christmas occurs every Monday from Nov. 20 through Dec. 18.
Paws n’ Claus - Every Tuesday and Thursday evening from Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., guests are invited to bring their pets for photos with Santa. Lansdowne Place will be accepting pet toys and treats onsite for donation to the Humane Society.
Black Friday - Lansdowne Place will be open for extended hours on Black Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 24.
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Best Things to do in Peterborough This Weekend: Nov. 10 to 12
/Don’t know what to do this weekend? Don’t worry, we have you covered.
Photo/The Arkells
Friday
‘All Shook Up,’ the latest performance from St. James Players, opens Friday at Showplace Performance Centre. The musical is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and features the songs of Elvis Presley. The show runs Nov. 10 to 12, and Nov. 15.
Saturday
Comedian Andrew Finlan hosts Keep’n It Campy Variety Show fundraiser at Market Hall, 7:30 pm. The show includes performances by Peterborough’s top artists in the areas of stand-up and sketch comedy.
The Arkells take the stage at the Peterborough Memorial Centre along with special guest K.Flay. The concert begins at 7:50 p.m.
Sunday
7th annual Christmas Craft Show takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Morrow Building. Admission is $2, free for children under 12.
Home for the Holidays Gift and Vendor Market is a one-day free event featuring local artisans. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It takes place at Stonehouse Hall.
The Peterborough Petes host the Brantford Bulldogs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Puck drop is 4:05 p.m. For tickets, CLICK HERE.
