Musicfest Rolls Into Canada Day Week With Two More Shows at Del Crary Park

By Scott Arnold

Neon Nostalgic headlines Wednesday's Canada Day concert while the Good Lovelies return to Peterborough on Saturday, with local musician Ty Wilson opening the evening on the Cogeco Future Sound Series stage.

local talent ty wilson will open musicfest from the side stage on saturday beginning at 6:30pm in del crary park (photo via tywilsonmusic.com

One week into its 39th season, Peterborough Musicfest is already riding plenty of momentum.

An estimated 10,000 people packed Del Crary Park for opening night on Saturday as Gowan returned to the stage, kicking off another summer of free concerts along the waterfront.

an estimated 10,000 people were at del crary park on saturday for the kickoff to the 39th season of peterborough musicfest (photo courtesy peterborough musicfest)

"It was an incredible way to kick things off," said Peterborough Musicfest Marketing and Communications Manager Raff Melito. "I think everyone who attended thought it was an incredible show."

The opening weekend also featured a 50-50 jackpot of more than $5,000 and a well-received side-stage performance from local artist Irish Millie.

Now, Musicfest is getting ready for a busy week with two concerts and some extra programming for Canada Day.

Through a partnership with the City of Peterborough, entertainment will begin much earlier than usual on Wednesday. Performers will take the stage at Del Crary Park from 1 pm until 4 pm as part of the city's Canada Day festivities before the evening concert takes over.

The night's headliner will be Neon Nostalgic, returning to Peterborough after making a strong impression during their first appearance at Musicfest last summer.

"They were so well received," said Melito.

The group brings an interactive live music experience featuring videos and plenty of familiar songs from the 1980s and 1990s, along with a few Canadian favourites to help celebrate the holiday.

A few days later, the music continues with another hometown favourite.

The Good Lovelies return to Del Crary Park on Saturday night for their first Peterborough Musicfest appearance since 2014.

"We're so excited to have them back," said Melito.

raff melito and ty wilson at del crary park ahead of saturday’s show which will feature wilson on the side stage at 6:30pm (photo by scott arnold)

Before they take the main stage at 8 pm, local musician Ty Wilson will open the evening on the Cogeco Future Sound Series side stage beginning at 6:30 pm.

For Wilson, the opportunity to perform at Musicfest is a full-circle moment.

"It's been a dream to be able to play Musicfest," he said. "Some of my first concert experiences were down here at the park."

Wilson has been busy over the past year, releasing a new record in January and continuing to build momentum with radio airplay and performances across the province.

"Lots of new music on the way, lots of festivals happening this year and excited to keep rolling," he said.

The Peterborough performance also comes during a busy summer schedule that includes stops at the North of Nowhere Festival in Lindsay and the Crooks Rapids Country Music Festival in Hastings.

Despite playing in more places these days, returning home to perform in front of a local crowd still means plenty.

"I've always got great memories of Musicfest and I'm excited to get back here and play," Wilson said.

He expects plenty of family and friends to be in attendance and hopes local music fans will come out early to catch his set before settling in for the Good Lovelies.

musicfest merchandise is now available for purchase at the wednesday and saturday shows at del crary park (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest

Along with the music, visitors this week can also check out Peterborough Musicfest's new official merchandise booth, featuring hats, hoodies, stickers, temporary tattoos and limited-edition t-shirts.

Following the busy Canada Day and Saturday schedule, free concerts will continue every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer at Del Crary Park.

Want to enjoy one of this week's concerts from some of the best seats in the park? We're giving away a pair of VIP tickets. The winner will receive two reserved seats in the VIP section directly in front of the stage. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for contest details and your chance to win.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Trespassing With a Knife; Suspect Subdued Prior to Police Arrival

A 26-year-old Peterborough man was arrested for trespassing at night while holding a knife on Saturday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At approximately 10 p.m., Peterborough Police received a call from a resident stating that a man with a knife had been located at the rear of the residence. Officers arrived to the residence and located the accused being held on the ground by homeowner and neighbours. The accused had been disarmed prior to police arrival.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Trespassing at Night

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused was held for Weekend and Statutory Holiday court on Sunday.

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Jr. C Lakers One Win Away From Advancing to Next Round

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are one win away from advancing after opening their first-round playoff series with back-to-back wins over the Huntsville Hawks.

The Jr C. lakers have a chance for the sweep on friday at 8pm at the pmc when they host the huntsville hawks for game 3 of their playoff series (photo via facebook @peterboroughjrclakers

Peterborough earned an 8-4 victory in Game 1 at the Healthy Planet Arena on Saturday before picking up an 8-7 road win in Game 2 on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Braden Hockaday picked up the win in net in the opener, while Chase Brown earned the victory in Game 2.

The Lakers led 8-3 in the third period on Sunday before Huntsville scored four times to make things interesting. Kyson Campbell's goal with 5:52 remaining stood up as the game winner.

The series returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game 3 on Friday at 8 pm. A Lakers victory would send Peterborough to the second round.

Game 1 points: Ryder Perry (3G, 2A), Braxtin Howard (4A), Kennen Withers (2G), Patrick Curtain (1G, 1A), Hayden Heigh (1G, 1A), Charlie Evans (1G), Quinn Jacobs (1A), Bobby Crowe (1A), Kyson Campbell (1A), Jared Martinell (1A).

Game 2 points: Braxtin Howard (4G, 4A), Hayden Heigh (2G, 2A), Kyson Campbell (1G, 3A), Patrick Curtain (1A), Ricky Bevan (1A), Brady Higgs (2G, 2A), Damon Buttus (2G, 2A), Hunter Crawford (1G, 2A), Carson Frasier (1G, 2A), Jacob Barney (2A)

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Registration to Open For Fleming College's Fall Continuing Education Courses This Thursday

Online registration for Fleming College’s fall continuing education courses opens this Thursday.

File Photo.

The Fall 2026 intake features courses and certificate programs including Health and Community Services, Environmental, Business, Languages and Skilled Trades. 

Fleming’s Continuing Education full course and program offerings and registration are available online.

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Peterborough Petes Forward Adam Levac Selected 108th Overall In the NHL Draft By the Detroit Red Wings

It was an 18th birthday to remember for Peterborough Petes forward Adam Levac, as the Detroit Red Wings selected him 108th overall in round four at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, N.Y. on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Levac becomes the second Pete to be drafted in the 2026 NHL Draft, with Adam Novotny being taken 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night.

“It’s an honour and a dream come true to be selected in the NHL Draft by the Red Wings,” exclaimed Levac. “This is a great birthday gift and I’m excited to be able to enjoy it with all of my family.”

The Levac family celebrating Adam’s 18th birthday during his draft party. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Embrun, Ont. native was originally selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 85th overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection from the Eastern Ontario Wild U16s. In two seasons with the Petes, Levac has played in 117 games, scoring 17 goals and 32 assists for 54 points. This past season, Levac put up 44 points in 60 games. He also finished second on the team in scoring during the playoffs, recording four points in six games.

“On behalf of the Peterborough Petes, I’d like to congratulate Adam on this amazing accomplishment,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “This is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work, dedication, and character shown by Adam throughout his time in Peterborough. I’d also like to congratulate Adam’s family and recognize our coaches and staff for the role they played in helping him reach this milestone.”

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Regional Businesses Gather to Launch Peterborough Aerospace and Defence Cluster

There were 60 representatives from businesses, educational institutions and partner organizations gathered to officially launch the Peterborough Aerospace and Defence Cluster (PADC) on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The PADC is a regional network focused on supporting the growth of Peterborough’s aerospace and defence sectors and supply chains. 

The inaugural meeting brought participants together to explore opportunities to strengthen the local supply chain and position the region as a competitive location within Canada's aerospace and defence industries. 

During the meeting, participants formally established the PADC and identified key priorities, including workforce development. Attendees shared information about their organizations and explored opportunities for future collaboration. 

Launched through a collaboration between the City of Peterborough, The Loomex Group, ACF Associates, and Explorer Solutions, the PADC will connect manufacturers, suppliers, innovators, academic institutions, and government partners to support industry growth across the region. 

The PADC will help map and promote the regional supply chain, encourage collaboration among businesses, support workforce training and raise Peterborough’s profile as a destination for investment and innovation. 

The launch of the PADC is part of ongoing efforts to support local businesses, strengthen industry partnerships and create opportunities for long-term economic growth. 

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Applications Open for Starter Company Plus Program Offering Funding and Support for Local Entrepreneurs

By Scott Arnold

Aspiring and growing business owners in Peterborough now have an opportunity to access funding, mentorship and training through one of the region's most popular entrepreneurship programs.

Starter Company Plus Accepting Applications to Help Entrepreneurs Launch and Grow Their Business (photo courtesy of community futures peterborough)

Applications are now being accepted for the next cohort of the Starter Company Plus program, an initiative designed to help entrepreneurs launch new businesses or grow existing ones.

The program offers successful applicants up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding, along with business training, mentorship and networking opportunities aimed at helping participants build a strong foundation for long-term success.

The application deadline is Aug. 5 at 11:59 pm.

Organizers say the program goes beyond financial assistance by connecting participants with experienced business advisors who can help refine business strategies, strengthen financial planning and develop effective marketing plans.

Participants will also receive a six-month trial membership with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, providing access to networking events and business resources. In addition, entrepreneurs will have access to a conditionally pre-approved microloan of up to $20,000 through Community Futures Peterborough.

Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha, said programs like Starter Company Plus play an important role in supporting local entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and creating sustainable jobs throughout the region.

Community Futures Peterborough Executive Director Devon Girard said the continued interest in the program reflects the strength and momentum of the local small business community.

Past participants have also credited the program with helping them grow. Vanessa Wunderlich, co-founder of Lark & Lemon and a Starter Company Plus graduate, said the support and guidance provided through the program gave her and her business partner the confidence and tools needed to expand their business.

The program is open to applicants who are 18 years of age or older, are based in the City or County of Peterborough, and are either starting a new business or operating a business that is less than five years old.

Successful applicants will take part in training sessions throughout September and October.

More information and application details can be found through Community Futures Peterborough's Starter Company Plus website.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Petes Forward Adam Novotný Selected 24th Overall In the NHL Draft By the Vancouver Canucks

Peterborough Petes forward Adam Novotný finally had his name called when the Vancouver Canucks selected him 24th overall at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, N.Y., on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Logan Taylor and the Brantford BUlldogs.

Hailing from Kobylice, Czechia, he was originally selected eighth overall by the Petes in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He was the first Czech player taken in this year's draft and the first Pete.

Since 2002, he has been one of four Petes to record 30+ goals and 65+ points in a draft-eligible season, joining Nick Ritchie (2013-2014), Matt Puempel (2010-11) and Eric Staal (2002-03).

This past season with Peterborough, he scored 34 goals, the second-best behind Kieron Walton. He was fourth on the team with 31 assists and second with 65 points in 58 games. He tallied one assist in six playoff games.

Two seasons ago, the 2007-born forward featured in 41 games for Mountfield HK in Czechia’s top professional league, scoring one goal and adding two assists for three points.

He also featured in 10 playoff games for Mountfield, scoring twice. In 2023-24, Novotný played in 48 games for Mountfield HK U20, scoring 32 goals and adding 27 assists for 59 points. In 2023, Novotný made his debut in the Czech Extraliga with Mountfield, scoring in his first game and becoming the youngest player to score in the league at 15.

Novotný has also represented his home country of Czechia on the international stage at multiple levels. Two seasons ago, he featured in seven games for Czechia at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa, scoring once and helping his team win a bronze medal. He also represented his country at the 2025 U18 World Championships in Texas, scoring twice and adding four assists for six points in five games. 

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Birthday Surprise Turns Into $16 Million Windfall for Cavan Woman

By Scott Arnold

What started as a birthday ticket check turned into a life-changing moment for a Cavan resident who is now $16 million richer.

Darlene of cavan is $16 million richer with a lotto ticket bought at giant tiger in peterborough (photo courtesy of OLGC)

Darlene M. of Cavan is celebrating a massive win after claiming a $16 million prize in the LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball Draw on May 30.

The 63-year-old retiree discovered her good fortune on her birthday while checking her ticket using the OLG app.

Darlene said she immediately ran into the house to tell her sister and needed to make sure what she was seeing was real.

The shock didn't end there. After sharing the news with the rest of her family, she said everyone was left in disbelief by the life-changing win.

As she begins planning for the future, Darlene says some of the money will go toward paying bills and buying a new truck. She also hopes to help her children purchase a home.

Giving back is also high on her list of priorities. Darlene said she plans to support animal welfare initiatives that are important to her.

The winning ticket was purchased at Giant Tiger on Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough, adding another big lottery win to the region in recent weeks.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough DBIA Invites Community to Cheer on Team Canada This Sunday at Soccer Watch Party

By Scott Arnold

A giant outdoor screen, free parking and plenty of red and white are all part of a community watch party happening in the heart of downtown Peterborough this weekend.

the dbia will host a watch party to watch the canadian soccer game on sunday (photo courtesy of peterborough dbia)

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is transforming the City Square at 215 Charlotte Street into an outdoor fan zone for Team Canada's opening knockout-round match of the world's largest international soccer tournament.

The free event takes place Sunday, June 28, with Canada taking on South Africa at 3 pm.

Fans can start arriving at 2 pm to grab a spot before kickoff. Admission is free and no registration is required.

The watch party will take place in the City Square, the same location that serves as the downtown skating rink during the winter months. Organizers are encouraging people to bring lawn chairs, get comfortable and enjoy an afternoon of soccer with friends, family and fellow fans.

organizers are hoping the community will come together to cheer canada during their soccer game on sunday (photo courtesy of peterborough DBIA)

Free parking will also be available at the nearby King Street Parkade, making it easy for visitors to walk over to the square.

The event is designed to bring the community together around one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

"We want everyone to find places to enjoy together, see these big events and really experience these things as a community," said Connor English, Programs Manager with the DBIA.

While the match itself is the main attraction, organizers are also encouraging people to make a day of it downtown.

Within a few blocks of the City Square, visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés before kickoff. Whether it's grabbing a sweet treat, picking up takeout or simply taking a stroll through the downtown, the DBIA hopes people will take advantage of everything the core has to offer.

"Downtowns are made for this kind of thing because there's so much vibrancy and so much to enjoy," said Amanda Bedford, Marketing and Communications Manager with the DBIA. "Instead of just sitting on your couch and watching the game, you can enjoy it with your community."

connor english and amanda bedford are hoping for a big crowd to cheer on canada at the city square on sunday (photo by scott arnold)

The watch parties are being presented by the Peterborough DBIA in partnership with the City of Peterborough and Peterborough Tourism, whose support has helped make the community events possible.

Canada is one of the host nations for this summer's international soccer tournament, and organizers expect excitement around Team Canada's matches to continue throughout the competition.

Additional Team Canada watch parties may be added if Canada advances to later rounds.

Even after Canada's tournament run ends, soccer fans will still have another chance to gather downtown. The international soccer tournament final will be shown at the City Square on Sunday, July 19 at 3 pm, with the competing teams still to be determined.

the city square on charlotte will be the scene for sunday’s soccer watch party as the community rallies around canada (photo courtesy of peterborough dbia)

Updates on additional watch parties, programming and spectator information will be shared on The Boro's social media channels. Residents can follow The Boro on Instagram and Facebook at @TheBoroPtbo or visit TheBoro.ca to view the events calendar, explore the downtown business directory and stay up to date on future match screenings.

For now, the message from organizers is simple: wear your red and white, bring a chair and come cheer on Team Canada together in downtown Peterborough.

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Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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