CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show Returns to Peterborough Memorial Centre On March 30

The biggest party in fishing is coming back to town as the CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show is hitting the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Morrow Building on March 30.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre

The event will be vending gear from top brands, participating in the famous tackle swap, expert seminars and meet-and-greets with celebrity anglers.

Early Bird tickets are $13.60 plus applicable fees until Jan. 1. Afterwards, they are $16.60 plus applicable fees.

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Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Tree Lighting Ceremony This Saturday

Quaker Foods City Square is becoming a hub for the holidays and community as for a second straight year, they are hosting a tree-lighting ceremony and market event on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will partner to host this year's event.

“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink.,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community.”

“The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer.”

Tree lighting ceremony activities include:

• Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music

• Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger

• Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles

• Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre presents promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign

• Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life

The tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. when Mayor Leal will turn on the lights.

The event also kicks off the outdoor skating season in the Square. Depending on weather conditions, the refrigerated skating rink is anticipated to be open through the winter months.

City staff are currently preparing the site and monitoring conditions to ensure safe ice.

Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square.

Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all downtown municipal parking spaces, including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until Dec.31.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers sponsored the parking initiative with all voluntary parking fees going towards Kawartha Food Share.

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Registration For City of Peterborough's Winter Programming Has Opened

Registration has opened for the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Recreation and Park Services winter programming.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can begin registering for winter recreation and aquatics programming held at the Wellness Centre. Public registration for all other programs opens Wednesday at 7 a.m.

Registration can be completed online, in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre or by calling 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.

Activities include Learn to Skate programs, line dancing, children’s dance and fitness classes, Jiu Jitsu, Taekwondo and Judo. Registered pickleball, birthday party packages and personal training programs are also available.

This year, beginning Sunday, the City is expanding Shinny Hockey to include a new pay-as-you-play women’s program.

Family Stick and Puck is a new drop-in program that allows caregivers to help children ages three to 13 practice and develop skating, stick handling, and passing skills. It begins on Feb. 8.

Stop N’ Play is available for Sport and Wellness Centre users, providing caregivers with time to use the fitness centre, pool or sports facilities.

Older adults looking for a place to socialize, try a workshop and learn new games can check out the schedule of events at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Most programs begin during the second week of January and run from four to 12 weeks.

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Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Tree Lighting Ceremony For Second-Straight Year

Quaker Foods City Square is becoming a hub for the holidays and community as for a second straight year, they are hosting a tree-lighting ceremony and market event on Dec. 14 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will partner to host this year's event.

“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink.,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community.”

“The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer.”

Tree lighting ceremony activities include:

• Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music

• Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger

• Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles

• Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre presents promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign

• Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life

The tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. when Mayor Leal will turn on the lights.

The event also kicks off the outdoor skating season in the Square. Depending on weather conditions, the refrigerated skating rink is anticipated to be open through the winter months.

City staff are currently preparing the site and monitoring conditions to ensure safe ice.

Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square.

Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all downtown municipal parking spaces, including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until Dec.31.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers sponsored the parking initiative with all voluntary parking fees going towards Kawartha Food Share.

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New Animal Showcased at Riverview Park and Zoo's 'Wild Winter' This Saturday

The Riverview Park and Zoo is celebrating the holiday season with its ‘Wild Winter' event which starts at 11 a.m. this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo

Meet the Keeper sessions will be held throughout the day to introduce a new animal into the zoo. They also plan to make an announcement at the otter exhibit.

Riverview is accepting donations of children’s toys for the Children’s Foundation and non-perishable food items for Kawartha Food Share.

The gift shop will offer hot chocolate (by donation). It also offers holiday shopping and animal adoptions.

The schedule is as follows:

• 11 a.m. – Meet the Keeper – Caribou

• 1:30 p.m. – Otter Enrichment & Announcement

• 2:30 p.m. – Alpaca walk

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'Christmas By Candlelight' Hits Lang Pioneer Village To Get In the Holiday Spirit

Lang Pioneer Village is celebrating a traditional pioneer Christmas with ‘Christmas by Candlelight’ for Dec. 7 and 8 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty Photography and Lang Pioneer Village.

The village is being lit with candles, lamps and lanterns. The nights feature horse-drawn wagon rides, campfire stories, old holiday treats, photo shoots and Christmas carols.

Events and activities include holiday treat samples, reindeer games, meals, raffles and more.

Sunday at 7 p.m. will feature a live nativity complete with animals and a choir by the Keene United Church.

Lang Pioneer Village is requesting one or more non-perishable food item(s) to donate to the Otonabee South Monaghan Food Cupboard (drop off in the Museum Shop).

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Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough Reveal Rebel Awards Recipients

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough (EFRY) unveiled its Rebel Awards recipients ahead of its eighth-annual Rebel With A Cause fundraising event at Showplace Performance Centre on Nov. 27.

Photo courtesy of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough.

EFRY says the ceremony honours outstanding local individuals and organizations who have engaged in advocacy and action to address issues of criminalization, challenged practices in the criminal justice system, and worked towards gender equity.

There are live performances by Peterborough’s Babe Chorus and Poet Laureate Ziysah von Bieberstein. A silent auction, a 50/50 draw and a photo booth are fundraising efforts that will be at the ceremony. This year, all proceeds raised will support the Morning Drop-in Program at Trinity Center. 

The 2024 Rebel with a Cause Award recipients are; 

• Cheyenne Buck, Drop-in Program Coordinator- One City Peterborough

• Kelli Marshall, Indigenous Enrollment Advisor/ Dancer - First Peoples House of Learning

• Jocelyn Enright, Community Engagement Coordinator, Kawartha Sexual Assault Center

This year, EFRY is introducing two new awards categories that highlight the work of community partners and businesses that work thoughtfully and creatively to support and uplift vulnerable communities experiencing challenges associated with mental health, addiction, homelessness and criminalization.

The Inaugural recipients we are honouring this year are:

• PATH Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes - Radical Audacity Award

• Arising Collective- Business Excellence Award

Tickets are available online or at the Showplace Performance Centre Box Office at 290 George St. N. Tickets include a light dinner and refreshments.

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Lakefield Farmers’ Market's Annual Holiday Market Runs On Dec. 1

The Lakefield Farmers’ Market invites everyone to shop local and celebrate the season at its annual Holiday Market held at the parking lot beside The Village Inn in Lakefield on Dec. 1.

Locally made gits from Otonabee Apiary. Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

The market will contain a variety of local products, including freshly backed goods, knitwear, VQA wines, local meats, honey, maple syrup, hot sauces, handmade dog treats, prepared meals nd more.

“Our Holiday Market has become a beloved tradition, and we’re thrilled to host it again this year,” said Stacey Sullivan, Market Manager. “It’s a great opportunity for customers to visit their favourite vendors, find unique holiday gifts and since it’s on a Sunday, it’s perfect for those who can’t attend our regular Thursday market.”

Participating vendors include: A1 Gluten Free Gals, Buns & Sweets, Grandma Needled It, Jen’s Home Baking, Jess’s Kitchen, La Mesita Restaurante, Leahy Stock Farm, Otonabee River Crat Co., Ontario Cheese Union, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Purple Tongue Hot Sauce, The Doggery, The Jam Cupboard, Wagner Maple Products, Washburn Island Soaps, and Yellow House Bees & Otonabee Apiary (Vendor list subject to change).

The Holiday Market runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Fourth-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its fourth-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 held 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 three 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 am, 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 can be used to 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, Executive Director of Hospice Peterborough.

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