Peterborough Musicfest 50/50 Goes Year-Round Ahead of Milestone 40th Season

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Musicfest is keeping its 50/50 going through the off-season, giving supporters another chance to win while helping bring free summer concerts back to Del Crary Park in 2027.

Peterborough Musicfest is keeping the excitement going with its 50/50 draw now running year-round, with proceeds helping support the festival’s free summer concert series. (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

The festival has launched its first-ever off-season 50/50 draw following a successful summer that saw more than $120,000 in tickets sold.

During Musicfest's 39th season, 50/50 ticket sales reached $120,930, generating $60,465 in prize money for winning ticket holders.

That success has prompted Musicfest to introduce monthly off-season draws as it begins building toward its milestone 40th season in 2027.

“Our supporters made the 50/50 an incredible success this summer,” says Peterborough Musicfest Executive Director Tracey Randall. “Their enthusiasm helped us reach $120,930 in sales and award more than $60,000 to winners. We’re excited to keep that momentum going as we begin working toward a milestone 40th season.”

There is also some unfinished business from this summer.

Three winning 50/50 tickets have yet to be claimed from draws held during concerts featuring:

• July 15th: Tyler Joe Miller #100050036

• July 18th: Julian Taylor #70120011

• July 22nd: Matthew Good and His Band #80150049

Anyone who purchased tickets for those draws is encouraged to check their numbers.

The first off-season jackpot begins growing September 1st, with tickets available throughout the year.

For Musicfest, the 50/50 is more than just a chance to take home a prize. The festival's share of the proceeds helps support the free-admission summer concert series at the Fred Anderson Stage in Del Crary Park.

Musicfest brings nationally recognized artists and emerging performers to the waterfront each summer, drawing tens of thousands of music fans to Little Lake.

As a non-profit organization, the festival relies on fundraising, sponsorships, grants and community support to keep those concerts free and accessible.

With the 39th season now in the books, the year-round 50/50 gives Musicfest supporters a way to stay involved while the organization works toward its next big milestone.

Tickets for the first off-season draw are available at Musicfest5050.ca, where purchasers can also find complete ticket and draw information.

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

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Kawartha Gymnastics, S.O.S., Sherry Hill and 6ixty Wings

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Kawartha Gymnastics is expanding its reach with the launch of KG North, a new location in Bancroft.

The expansion will help ensure that children and families in Bancroft and the surrounding North Hastings community continue to have access to gymnastics programming close to home. The new location will also create opportunities through the connection between Kawartha Gymnastics’ Peterborough and Bancroft programs, supporting athletes and families across both communities. For more information, go to: http://www.kawarthagymnastics.ca/

A local Peterborough business is getting ready to celebrate a major milestone. S.O.S – Save Our Soles will mark its 20th anniversary on September 23, and the celebrations are already getting underway. Happy Birthday S.O.S.! For more information you can visit their website: www.shopsos.ca

Peterborough County has partnered with Sherry Hill of IntegrAlign, to offer a series of free, hands-on AI training sessions across the county.

The workshops are designed to help people build confidence using AI, with no technical background required. Five sessions will be offered at each stop, tailored to industries including construction and trades, small business, tourism and hospitality, health and wellness, and non-profits. The first session takes place September 16 in Keene, followed by stops in Bridgenorth, Millbrook and Norwood. For more information and to register, go to: https://events.ptbocounty.ca/ecdev

A new dining destination in Peterborough is officially celebrating its grand opening next month.

6ixty Wings, located at 110 Chandler Cres., will host its official Grand Opening on Sept. 25, beginning at 5 p.m. The locally operated restaurant has been serving the community since its soft opening six weeks ago and is now celebrating its official launch as part of the Peterborough business community. For more information, you can go to: https://6ixtywings.com/

Tickets are now available for the 2026 Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala, presented by Cogeco. Taking place on Thursday, October 22, at Kawartha Downs, the evening will celebrate the outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and organizations that help strengthen the Peterborough and Kawarthas business community. For more information and tickets, go to: pkchamber.ca.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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PHOTOS: A Taste of the East Coast Hits Chemong Lodge For Conman's Fifth Annual Lobsterfest to Support Oceans Initiative

Fresh Maritime crustaceans were grilled up and the drinks were free-flowing at Chemong Lodge for its Conman’s Fifth Annual Lobsterfest to Support Oceans Initiative on Sunday.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The event featured live music, a live pipe band from the Hastings & Prince Edward Regimental Association Pipe Band, alcohol tents, an ice cream station, a bouncy castle, fresh Maritime lobsters, a fireworks show and a silent auction in support of Oceans Initiative.

The event honours the late Connor Brown, brother of Chemong Lodge owners Adam and Addison Brown. In 2018, Connor lost his life in a commercial diving accident. Chemong Lodge chose to support Oceans Initiative as a meaningful way to honour his memory and continue his legacy of connection to the sea.

The initiative's mission is to protect marine life and the ecosystems they depend on, and to share innovative science to guide conservation action, according to their website.

@ptbo_canada Fresh Maritime crustaceans were grilled up and the drinks were free-flowing at Chemong Lodge for its Conman’s fifth annual Lobsterfest to support Oceans Initiative on Sunday. ##fyp##news##ptbocanada##journalism##lobsterfest ♬ Tropical C - Worldwide Beatsnation

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PHOTOS: Kawartha Ribfest Brings the Heat and the Meat For Three Days at Healthy Planet Arena

Kawartha Ribfest fired up its grills, poured its drinks and got loud for Peterborough over three days for the first time at Healthy Planet Arena this past Friday through Sunday.

Oscar Pensa, Jack the Ribber manager, slathers some sauce over pork ribs on Ribfest's opening day. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The event featured four companies in Oak 87, Fat Boys Barbeque, Boss Hog’s and Jack the Ribber Barbeque firing up the grills and serving customers a variety of foods. The menu included pulled pork, ribs (pork and beef), beans, salad, chicken, and more.

Oscar Pensa, Jack the Ribber manager, said he looks forward to working Ribfest and being a part of a positive atmosphere.

“I just love seeing the smile on everyone's faces, I love hearing people come back and tell me how amazing the food is,” he explained. “It feels great to be able to provide some good food that isn't so easy to come by; it's nice to let everyone else experience what I get to experience every weekend.”

Pensa says he prepares his trailer two months in advance, working every day leading up to the Ribfest season. There is a lot of work and effort put into each event but he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“We set up on the Thursday and we're here for 17-18 days cooking food, making sure everything comes out amazing so it pretty much seven days a week for six months of a year,” said Pensa. “It's so fun, we love to do it.”

In addition to the rib stations, Ribfest also had a vendor village, other food and drink kiosks, live music, beer gardens and more.

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Break-and-Enter Charge Laid After Homeowner Returns Home and Discovers a Man Sleeping On Their Couch

A 53-year-old Peterborough man has been arrested and charged with break and enter after being discovered sleeping on someone’s couch on Sunday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 12:30 a.m., officers were called to the area of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre after a man advised that he had located someone sleeping on his couch after returning home. Officers located the male in the living room still asleep on the couch and placed them under arrest.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Break, enter a dwelling with intent to commit indictable offence

The accused is also bound by a probation order with conditions to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

They were further charged with:

• Fail to comply with probation order

The accused was released on an undertaking and scheduled to attend court on Nov. 17.

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Nominations For Rotary Club of Peterborough's 2026 Paul Harris Fellowship Ends Tuesday

Nominations for the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for 2026 in honour of the founder of Rotary International in 1905 end this Tuesday.

The 2025 Paul Harris Fellow Recognition recipients.

(From left to right) (Back Row) Kelli Grady, Betty Halman-Plumley, Margaret Hamilton, Catherine Hanrahan, Wendy Swain, Elwood Jones, Don Watkins, Maureen Crowley, Mary Smith

(Front Row) Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

According to Rotary, the Fellowship recognizes local individuals for their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area and the world at large. It is considered the highest honour Rotarians can give.

Nominations in the following categories can be submitted online. Nominees may be Rotarians or non-Rotarians. On behalf of each recipient, both Rotary Clubs will donate $1,000 USD to the Rotary International Foundation.

Categories include:

• Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community. 

• International Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant contribution toward to betterment of the communities in other parts of the world, and/or leadership toward work peace and understanding. 

• Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent wit Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

• Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions toward to youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

• Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

• Club Service: To recognize a Peterborough Rotary Club member for their outstanding service and dedication. 

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha are celebrating the recipients at a joint Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

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Peterborough Petes Reassign 17 Players After First Preseason Game

After the Peterborough Petes’ 3-2 preseason win over the Sarnia Sting on Friday night, the team reassigned another 17 players on Saturday.

Colton Lapierre (left) was one of the 17 reassigned players following the first preseason game. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

The following is full list of reassigned players:

• Theo Finch

• Declan Ready

• Nolan Gerow

• Jonny Brooks

• Keegan Shirley

• Mason Quinn

• Colton Lapierre

• Sam Black

• Owen Knight

• Brandt Rooyakkers

• Joseph Szarka

• Harrison McLean

• Marcus Sulug

• Daniel Tout

• Tyson Cartier

• Cole McLennan

• Ethan Cosker

“As we progress further into the preseason, we’ve had to make some more very difficult decisions,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “These decisions are never easy, especially when you see the hard work and commitment that each player has put into camp. We will continue to monitor the development of these players moving forward for future opportunities with the Peterborough Petes.”

The Petes have their first home preseason game this Thursday against the Sting. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The game is streamed on the Petes YouTube channel.

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United Way Peterborough Unveils Campaign Cabinet for 85th Anniversary and Official 2026 Campaign Launch Date

By Scott Arnold

A team of 17 Peterborough-area community leaders is getting ready to rally neighbours together as United Way Peterborough & District prepares to launch its 2026-27 Community Campaign.

Members of United Way Peterborough & District’s 2026-27 Community Campaign Cabinet are ready to help lead the organization’s 85th anniversary campaign. (Photo courtesy of United Way Peterborough & District)

Led by campaign chair Tiffany Arcari, the new Community Campaign Cabinet brings together representatives from businesses, organizations and sectors across Peterborough City and County.

The campaign's theme is “Certified Neighbours,” celebrating the people who step up for one another and recognizing that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger community.

Arcari said the people around the table share a commitment to the community and a desire to help.

“I am incredibly grateful for this team of Certified Neighbours. Every person around that table said yes because they believe in our community, care about their neighbours, and want to help make our community stronger,” she said.

The 17-member cabinet includes community ambassadors as well as representatives from local businesses, health care, education, government and other organizations.

Members are:

• Tiffany Arcari, campaign chair

• Darcy Bonner, community ambassador

• Arti Chinchalkar, community ambassador

• David Dickson, community ambassador

• Coby Fewings, Scotiabank

• Sheridan Graham, County of Peterborough

• Trista Greer, For the Love of Marketing

• Johanna Hawkshaw, YourTV

• Greg Kidd, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board

• Evan Lyons, Peterborough Regional Health Centre

• Laken MacFarlane, City of Peterborough

• Thomas Piggot, Lakelands Public Health

• Amanda Pinder, RBC

• Paul Rellinger, community ambassador

• Balkaran Singh Sathi, Sathi Law

• Jeannine Taylor, KawarthaNOW

• Scott Whiteis, Work Happier

Following the cabinet's first meeting, Arcari said she was struck by the willingness of the group to come together around a common purpose.

“I left our first cabinet meeting with a full heart. There is something really special about sitting around a table with people who genuinely care about this community, who understand the challenges we face, and who are willing to step forward and say, ‘I am here, how can I help?’”

The cabinet will help United Way connect with workplaces, community members and local leaders throughout the campaign, raising awareness and support for programs and initiatives addressing challenges facing people across Peterborough City and County.

This year's campaign is also a milestone for United Way Peterborough & District, which is celebrating 85 years of bringing people together to strengthen the community.

The campaign officially gets underway with a launch event on Thursday, September 17th, from 12pm to 2pm at Healthy Planet Arena.

Presented by Miskin Law, the event will include lunch, an opportunity for community and business leaders to connect, and the reveal of United Way's 2026-27 fundraising goal.

Tickets are now available online for those who want to join the community campaign launch.

As the 85th anniversary campaign gets underway, United Way plans to recognize the people and partnerships that have helped strengthen the community over the years while turning its attention to the needs that remain.

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

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Riverview Park and Zoo Mourns the Loss of Beloved Serval Ali

By Scott Arnold

A familiar face at the Riverview Park and Zoo has passed away, with staff and visitors saying goodbye to Ali, a serval cat who was just shy of her 23rd birthday.

Ali was a longtime resident of the Riverview Park and Zoo, arriving in Peterborough in 2010 and becoming a familiar face to zoo visitors and staff. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Park and Zoo)

Ali arrived at the zoo in 2010 after being donated by the Toronto Zoo, and quickly became a familiar and popular animal with her distinctive markings and personality.

Her time at the zoo also included an unexpected challenge. In 2020, Ali broke her right front leg in a fall and ultimately lost the leg. She adapted to life on three legs and continued to thrive, remaining a favourite among zoo staff and visitors.

Ali spent more than 15 years at the Riverview Park and Zoo, where her distinctive markings and personality made her a favourite among staff and visitors. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Park and Zoo)

For much of her time at Riverview Park and Zoo, Ali shared her space with two other servals, Friday and Kabala. Kabala arrived at the zoo in 2001 and passed away in 2018, while Friday arrived in 2004 and remained at Riverview until her passing in 2023. After both of them passed away, Ali spent her final years alongside Torty, the zoo's African spurred tortoise.

Ali was a longtime resident of the Riverview Park and Zoo, arriving in Peterborough in 2010 and becoming a familiar face to zoo visitors and staff. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Park and Zoo)

Servals typically live about 10 to 12 years in the wild, while those in captivity can live beyond 20 years. Ali was just shy of turning 23 when she passed away.

With Ali's passing, the Riverview Park and Zoo is now without a serval, bringing the chapter of these distinctive wild cats at the zoo to a close, at least for now.

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

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Lakers Season Ends as Chiefs Capture Fourth Straight MSL Championship

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers’ season came to an end Sunday night with a 10-3 loss to the Six Nations Chiefs, who captured their fourth straight Everett Coates Trophy as Major Series Lacrosse champions.

The 2026 Peterborough Century 21 Lakers came up one win short of the MSL championship, finishing their season as league finalists. (photo courtesy of peterborough lakers via david pickering)

The Lakers entered Game 6 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre needing a win to force a seventh and deciding game, but the Chiefs built an early lead and held off every attempt to get back into the game.

Dhane Smith opened the scoring for Six Nations before Ian MacKay scored twice to put the Chiefs up 3-0. Chris Cloutier then made it 4-0 before Rob Hellyer got Peterborough on the board, scoring off a Ryan Lanchbury pass with 4:40 left in the opening period. Shayne Jackson restored the Chiefs’ four-goal lead with 48 seconds left, sending Six Nations into the second with a 5-1 advantage.

The Lakers needed a strong start to the second and got it from Braedon Saris, who scored on the power play just under four minutes in to cut the deficit to three. It was over 11 minutes until the games next goal, with Andrew Kew scoring for Six Nations to make it a 6-2 game. The Chiefs would strike again with 29 seconds left in the period but the Lakers would respond shortly after as Brad McCulley scored with just three seconds remaining, cutting the Chiefs’ lead to 7-3 heading into the third.

It was all Chiefs in the third with Kew opening the scoring just 2:03 into the period to restore a four-goal Six Nations lead. Ryan Smith added a power-play goal before Tyson Bell scored into an empty net with 2:50 remaining, putting the game out of reach and securing the championship for the Chiefs with a final score of 10-3.

Doug Jamieson made 38 saves for Six Nations, while Drew Hutchison made 55 saves for Peterborough in the loss. Nick Rose was anticipated to get the start for the Lakers but he was not a hundred percent and as game time neared, the team made the call to go with Hutchison between the pipes while Deacon Knott suited up as his backup.

For Lakers captain Robert Hope, the result was disappointing, but he said the team could still be proud of what it accomplished.

“I'm proud of our group,” Hope said after the game. “But again, coming up short is disappointing.”

Hope also pointed to the mistakes that proved costly against a Six Nations team that was able to capitalize on its opportunities.

“I just thought we made too many mistakes and they capitalized on theirs,” he said.

Despite the disappointment, Hope made sure to recognize the fans who stayed to salute the team following the final buzzer. He called Peterborough’s supporters “the greatest fans in lacrosse in the summer” and said their support remains a huge part of the Lakers’ tradition.

“It’s so important that we have that community support and it continues on,” Hope said.

Six Nations Chiefs goaltender Doug Jamieson is presented with the Johnny “Shooter” Davis Award by Johnny Davis Jr. after being named the MSL playoff MVP. (photo courtesy of MAjor Series Lacrosse via gary groob)

The championship was especially significant for Six Nations goalie Jamieson, who was named the Johnny “Shooter” Davis Award winner as the MSL playoff MVP after helping lead the Chiefs to their fourth consecutive title.

Jamieson, who was in net for all four wins in the series, said he knew Game 6 would require a strong effort after a series in which both teams had protected home floor.

“It was such a tight series,” Jamieson said. “Peterborough played great. Each team was winning at home, so we knew it was going to take a good effort tonight to come here and get it done.”

The Chiefs had been rotating Jamieson and Warren Hill every game but decided to put Jamieson in net on Sunday for his second straight start. Jamieson said he didn’t find out he would be starting until he arrived at the arena. “Usually I like to get a little more heads up” Jamieson joked after the game.

When asked about the goaltending rotation, Jamieson said he appreciated the approach and the trust between him and Hill. “Warren's been great all year. I just appreciate the dynamic we have and getting to only play every other game”.

Jamieson said the Tyson Bell empty net goal gave the team some breathing room late in the game and that’s when he started to taste the smell of victory. “I think when Tyson got that empty netter, it’s kind of like, okay, maybe we got it.”

For the Chiefs, the fourth straight Everett Coates Trophy, and 10th all-time, adds another chapter to what has become one of the league’s most familiar championship rivalries. Six Nations will now turn its attention to the Mann Cup, where the Chiefs will host the WLA champion Coquitlam Adanacs beginning September 11th for the Canadian championship.

The Six Nations Chiefs celebrate their fourth straight Everett Coates Trophy after defeating the Lakers in Game 6 of the MSL final. (photo coutesy of major series lacrosse via gary groob)

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

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