Peterborough Poutine Feast Returns to Morrow Park For With Four Days of French Fry Fun

With over 30 poutines to choose from, the Peterborough Poutine Feast is back and underway at Morrow Park in a four-day event from Thursday to Sunday.

David Conway, Poutine Feast emcee (left) and Bailey McGlennon (right) featuring a poutine from each vendor at Peterborough Poutine Feast. Some options included a lobster poutine with hollandaise, a smokin’ BBQ Brisket Poutine and General Tso’s Poutine as part of 30 different kinds spanning four vendors. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event has free admission. It runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Four poutine vendors are at this year’s event such as Smokin’ Carnivore, Fat Les’s Chip Stand, Groovy Gravy and The Tragically Chip Wagon.

Mrs. Mini Donuts, Trin’s Treats and Heavenly Dreams were other food vendors at the event. Mini donuts, cotton candy, ice cream and other sweets were available for purchase.

Smokin' BBQ Brisket Poutine from Smokin' Carnivore. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Lobster Poutine (left) and a Classic Poutine from Fat Les's Chip Stand.

Maple BBQ Pulled Pork Poutine (left) and Butter Chicken Poutine (right) from Groovy Gravy

General Tso's Chicken Poutine from Tragically Chip Wagon.

Merchandise dealers are also at Poutine Feast such as clothing, jewellery, face painting, temporary tattoos and Bad Ass Den from Fenelon Falls were present.

Peterborough was one of the original locations of Poutine Feast’s tour before the tour expanded. The travelling food group is hitting over 20 cities with Peterborough as the third leg of its tour.

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Second-Annual I ❤︎ Beer and Taco Festival Returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre

In what could be a flawless combination, the second-annual I ❤︎ Beer & Taco Festival has returned to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on April 13.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The festival will contain beer, cider and spirit sampling, games, dancing and tacos.

Tokens are $2.50 and can be purchased on-site or online. They are used for food and drinks.

All general admission tickets include an official 10-ounce I ❤︎ BEER sampling cup. Session one will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. and session two will take place from 5 to 10 p.m.

Tickets start at just $9.99 for Session one and $14.99 for Session two (plus HST and Ticket Fees) and slowly make their way up to our regular ticket price of $18.01/$23.01 (plus HST and Ticket Fees)

The Peterborough Memorial Centre notes that this is a 19+ event. Please drink responsibly.

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19 Sweet Creations To Compete In Peterborough DBIA's Second-Annual Hot Chocolate Fest Throughout February

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (PTBO DBIA) has brought back its Hot Chocolate Fest for a second year as 19 sweet creations vye for the title of ‘Top Hot Chocolatier’ throughout February, announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday.

Agave by Imperial won teh inaugural event last year with their ‘Hot Churro-late’ consisting of Mexican hot chocolate made with cocoa and dark chocolate. It was served with two cinnamon and sugar-topped churros. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This year’s event runs from Feb. 1 to 29 with various hot chocolate drinks and hot chocolate-inspired menu items will be featured in Downtown Peterborough eateries for dine-in or take-out.

Several entries include ‘classic’ hot cocoa options, imaginative hot chocolates and even ‘h’adult’ versions with a cocktail twist.

Participants can plan their chocolatey adventure using the Hot Chocolate Trail Map online to scout out options before heading downtown.

New this year are four distinct categories with voting options for Top Hot Chocolate, Most Unique, Best Classic and Tastiest H’adult Chocolate 19+. The winning Hot Chocolatier will be determined by the most votes overall and will receive a handcrafted Hot Chocolate Trophy. Votes can be placed online.

Also new is an interactive digital rewards program will run to incentivize participation. Through the digital rewards app, festival goers will be able to win weekly prizes and gain access to exclusive ‘sweet deals’ during the month of February. Hot chocolate revellers earn ballots into four weekly draws by visiting hot chocolate locations and collecting ‘digital stamps.’ Every three stamps collected participants will earn themselves another ballot into the programs weekly giveaway draw for a $25 Boro Gift Card.

Those who download the app will also access exclusive ‘sweet’ deals and promotions provided by local businesses such as free samples of artisanal chocolate at Naked Chocolate, discounts on sweet treats, buy-one-get-one offers and more.

“Downtown Peterborough is regionally renowned for its culinary scene. Culinary programs like our Hot Chocolate Fest provide a platform for our restaurants, cafes, and pubs to really show-off their gastronomic passion and innovation in a playful and engaging way,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager. “Every year we try to add our own innovative spin on program delivery, and I believe this year we’ve taken our hot chocolate program to the next level with the addition of our new digital rewards program. Incentivizing downtown visitation is what gives our downtown a competitive edge in the marketplace, and we are delighted to be offering exclusive perks, deals and prizes to festival goers.”

The following are the participating businesses and their entries:

1. Blackhoney Coffeehouse: Blackhoneycomb

Indulge in this decadent black honey-infused hot cocoa which is served up in an edible chocolate cup! Choose between a white chocolate cup infused with tangerine, or dark chocolate.The Blackhoneycomb is topped with velvety whipped cream and infused with even more black honey. Garnished with a chocolate honeycomb of your choice: white, milk or dark chocolate and dusted with edible gold.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

2. The Dirty Burger: Chocolate Forest H'adult Cocktail

A multi-sensory cocktail experience featuring cinnamon spiced, Belgian-style hot chocolate made with 1.5 oz of espresso vodka for a nutty and earthy kick. Ignite your taste buds with foresty notes of herbaceous lavender and vanilla, topped in a mountain of maple whipped cream and garnished with crushed honey comb and edible flowers.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

3. La Hacienda: Chocolate-Maple Champurrado

A spiced, warm, and creamy chocolate-based beverage that holds a special place in Mexican culinary traditions. Made with Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and its key ingredient, corn flour, for a thick and slightly gritty texture; sweetened with local Red Mill maple syrup. Our indulgent drink is infused with ancho pepper, which is the final touch for a warm, bold flavour. Served with traditional buñuelos, a thin, rosette-shaped, crispy fried pastry coated in cinnamon sugar.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

4. Kit Croissanterie & Café: Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate

A sweet hot cocoa with a zesty burst of citrus about it. Made with orange zest syrup and dark chocolate sauce topped with whipped cream and a healthy sprinkle of cinnamon, garnished with candied orange

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

5. Dreams of Beans: Hazelnut Infused Triple Chocolate

Indulge in this dreamy hot cocoa made with hazelnut chocolate sauce and white chocolate milk topped with whipped cream and milk chocolate shavings. Kick it up a notch with a shot Irish cream with whiskey, and optional espresso!

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

6. Turnbull Café: Raspberry Brownie Fudge

A delicious blend of rich dark chocolate infused with raspberries, topped with real whipped cream (well of course!) & layered with chunks of espresso fudge brownie & fresh raspberries, delicately drizzled in a blanket of pure chocolate sauce under a halo of cocoa snow. Comes in both Hot Chocolate and Mocha options.. Ask for a spoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

7. Black Horse Pub: Peanut Butter & Caramel Screwball

If you're looking for a hug in a mug that is cozy, sweet, decadent & smooth: this hot chocolate screwball is something to celebrate. This is a creamy, rich hot chocolate with sundae vibes and a bit of a kick: made with Screwball peanut butter whiskey and topped with whipped cream, marshmallows and peanut butter cups.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

8. Cork & Bean: Smores Hot Chocolate

Rich and velvety hot chocolate, topped with lightly toasted marshmallows, crumbled Graham cracker and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

9. Cork & Bean: Peppermint Hot Cocoa

A creamy and delicious hot chocolate with a candy cane twist - what better way to cozy up for winter! Featuring classic hot cocoa, peppermint syrup, steamed milk of your choice and topped with whip cream, chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint candy.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

10. Agave by Imperial: Mexican Hot Chocolate

Mexican hot chocolate made with masa corn, whipped cream, crushed chilies for a little extra kick and topped with homemade buñuelos.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

11. Speak Easy: Gimme S'more

The ultimate campfire-inspired drink. Steaming mug of ultra-whipped hot chocolate, crowned with fire-toasted marshmallows, and completed with a chocolate fudge-coated graham cracker cookie. We'll "toast" to that

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

12. Milk + Tea: Earl Grey Hot Chocolate

Cozy up with this rich tapioca hot chocolate drink blended with Earl Grey for a subtle hint of tea and lavender. Topped with a thick sweet and salty cream. Enjoy hot or cold!

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

13. Boardwalk Lounge: Soon-to-be-Famous Chocolate Chip Hot Choc

Dive into this glorious, toasted marshmallow rimmed mug, filled with rich hot chocolate, cookie syrup, and topped with whipped cream and crumbs from Connor's soon-to-be-famous chocolate chip cookies. Yum yum!

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

14. La Mesita: Death by Chocolate

Sip on this deliciously rich, Mexican style hot chocolate that's spiced to perfection with cinnamon sugar and topped with a chocolate skull. Served with a churro donut for dunking.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

15. BOBO Tea: Cocoa Brûlée

Crack into this decadent drink made with loads of cocoa chocolate, fresh milk, brown sugar pearls and crowned with a hand-torched crème brûlée top.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

16. DR. J’s BBQ: Mint-Kissed PB&J Hot Chocolate

If hot chocolate and PB & J sandwiches had a baby, this would be their love child. Indulge in the richness of your favourite childhood snack that combines a rich hot chocolate base with a kiss of mint. Served with peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and a peanut cocoa dusting.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

17. The Vine: Teddy Bears Winter Picnic

If you go down in The Vine today, you're sure of a big surprise! This delightful white chocolate drink is made to order with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream, a healthy dusting of shaved dark chocolate and teddy grahams!

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

18. Tragically Dipped Donut: Choc Mocha + Hot Chocolate Donut Chocolate on Chocolate!

Indulge in the Tragically Dipped ultimate chocolate experience with their decadent chocolate donut. The donut pastry is filled with a velvety, chocolate ganache finished off with a cocoa dust - creating a rich symphony of textures and flavours. Hot Chocolate with a kick: This delightful drink is served up mocha style, made with homemade marshmallow, chocolate ganache, espresso, and milk. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

19. COMING SOON: The El P and Canoe Cafe

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Pescatarian Restaurant The Vine Captures Peterborough DBIA Mac + Cheese Champion Title

One Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) title was not enough for The Vine as they have been crowned the Mac + Cheese Champion from the month-long Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival.

This is the second DBIA food/drink title for the Vine less than one year in business. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This win is fresh off The Vine’s Caeser Fest crown back in August, less than a year after the pescatarian restaurant’s opening with their Kimchi Mac and Cheese.

“There’s no right or wrong way to make a mac and cheese and I think that's what makes this festival so special. The variety of flavour profiles you see in all the dishes are all unique and cater to different palettes. As a chef you can go traditional, or jazz it up and make it as crazy as you want,” said Tyrone Flowers, The Vine co-owner. “We’re so pumped to win and the thing is, mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and that’s what we specialize in here, so we are really proud to be recognized for that especially being a new business in the downtown.”

The Vine’s Kimchi Mac and Cheese winning entry. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

As this year’s winner, The Vine will receive a cheesy hand-crafted trophy, a sizeable donation to Kawartha Food Share in the restaurant(s) name and bragging rights for the year.

Second place was the El P’s Leek and Pesto Mac and Cheese followed by Crook and Coffer’s Croustade Macaroni au Fromage.

During October, 21 signature mac and cheese dishes were featured on local menus within the downtown restaurant scene for both dine-in and takeout as part of the month-long foodie competition.

Each participating restaurant competed for over 1,000 votes cast to become the Mac + Cheese Champion.

The winning recipe(s) from the previous year’s competition will be available online and a make-at-home recipe curated with local ingredients.

“Every year we see the chefs in our downtown business community take it to the next level and always surprise us with something new, exciting and drool-worthy,” said Amanda Bedford, DBIA marketing and communications coordinator. “We have an unmatchable culinary scene here in Peterborough and we’re so lucky to have that, everyone loves mac and cheese and I already can’t wait to dig into next year’s entries.”

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First-Ever Peterborough Caesar Fest Launches July 13

A contest of cocktail and culinary prowess begins in Peterborough this week with the launch of the first annual Peterborough Caesar Fest starting July 13.

Terry Guiel (left) and Julia Caes-her (right) showing off their Caesar creations. photo courtesy of the peterborough dbia.

Eleven restaurants, pubs and cafes are featuring their own unique and savoury homage to the classic Canadian cocktail, and will all be vying for glory in this spicy competition.

From July 13 to the 31, a variety of Caesar cocktails and Caesar-inspired dishes will be featured on local menus throughout the downtown just in time for summer patio season. During Caesar Fest, participating restaurants will seek to please the masses and gain votes to claim the title of Caesar Fest victor. Festival goers will vote online for their favourite ‘Caesar’ and at the end of July, only one will reign supreme. 

With a variety of versions available, foodies and cocktail lovers alike will be able to explore a world of innovative caesar-inspired menu exclusives. The Caesar Map will help participants scout out their favourite spots for sips and snacks over the course of the Caesar Fest program.

The winning restaurant will receive a hand-crafted Caesar Fest trophy and the adoration of their patrons and competitors.

“Caesar Fest is a really fun and new way to bring the continuous, multi-site food fest model into the summer patio season”, says Shivaan Burke, programs and engagement coordinator for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. “Involving numerous businesses from across the downtown delivers benefits to multiple neighbourhoods at the same time, all while giving patrons the chance to explore some unexpected creations based on a Canadian classic. Downtown revellers can spice things up by making this a cocktail crawl and feel good about getting home safely thanks to our partnership with Y-Drive. We hope that Caesar Fest will give folks the opportunity to discover some new downtown favourites and enjoy the summer on some great patios.”

The Peterborough DBIA has also contracted local performance artist Julia Caes-Her to animate the program. They will be downtown Peterborough promoting Caesar Fest, toasting the competition and partaking of the spoils. 

For more information on how to participate in the first annual Peterborough Caesar Fest visit the website.

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The Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival is Coming to Town This Saturday

The Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival returns this Saturday, July 8 to Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield.

file photo.

Enjoy a day of jazz music, colourful works for sale by artisans and crafters, local food and beverage vendors.

The grooving begins at 11 a.m. at 20 Concession Street and finishes up at 10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person with tickets available for cash only at the gates

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own water bottle for use at the on-site water refill station and cutlery.

A shuttle bus will be available for free on Saturday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with stops at Trent University, the Lakefield District Public School and the Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival.

Visit the website for details.

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Ennismore Shamrock Festival’s Truck and Tractor Pull Returns July 23

After a 4-year hiatus the Annual Truck & Tractor Pull is returning to the Ennismore Shamrock Festival on Sunday, July 23.

file photo.

The Truck & Tractor Pull will take place at the Robert E. Young Recreation Complex (553 Ennis Rd.) and kicks off at noon.

Admission is $10 per person and children 12 years of age and under are free. This is a licensed event and food vendors will be available trackside.

For those interested in pulling, weigh-in and registration runs from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and you must supply your own hitch.

Classes are listed below:

Local Classes:

Local Vintage Tractor 4,500lb

Local Vintage Tractor 5,500lb

Local Vintage Tractor 6,500lb

Local Vintage Tractor 9,000lb

Local Gas Truck 6,500lb

Local Diesel Truck 8,500lb

Local Highway Tractor

Demo Pull

Sanctioned OTTPA Classes:

Single Engine Modified Tractors 6,100lb

Hot Stock 4x4 Trucks 5,600lb

Vintage Tractors 5,750lb

Modified Tractors 8,000lb

“We are very excited to welcome back the Truck & Tractor Pull to the Ennismore Shamrock Festival once again. With both local classes and OTTPA sanctioned classes, there is something for everyone,” says Londa Junkin, chair of the Ennismore Shamrock Festival Committee. “We wouldn’t be able to pull off this event without the help of our volunteers and sponsors. We are so grateful for their continued support.”

Check out the website for a schedule of events, sponsorship, vendor and volunteer information and more.

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Broken Social Scene Announced As Headliners of the Peterborough Folk Festival 2023

The Peterborough Folk Festival have announced the band Broken Social Scene as the headliners of this year’s festival August 19.

photo courtesy of the peterborough folk festival, facebook.

Throughout their two-decade run, Broken Social Scene have achieved all the markers of modern indie success—rave reviews from Pitchfork, invites to play Coachella and Lollapalooza, multiple Juno Awards and Letterman appearances, and name-drops in Lorde songs. And their victories have ultimately been Toronto’s as well – through the establishment of a record label (Arts & Crafts) and a music festival (Field Trip) that became rallying points for the local scene and nurtured the next generation of indie upstarts.

Broken Social Scene is described as living proof that underdogs are most effective when travelling in a pack, that mass audiences can be led into uncharted waters through collective enthusiasm, and that the better world we all dream of begins with community.

“Inclusivity, belonging and community are at the heart of Peterborough Folk Festival,” says artistic director Ryan Kemp. “I can barely express how thrilled we are to have this iconic Canadian band take the main stage as the PFF 2023 headliner on August 19th.”

This will be Broken Social Scene’s first-ever performance in Peterborough. Earlier this month, Kemp shared that internationally-acclaimed Celtic singer/songwriter Loreena McKennitt will headline the main stage of the 34th annual Peterborough Folk Festival on Sunday, August 20.

"We’ve been building momentum with our festival partners, sponsors and volunteer-run board to create a memorable event for everyone in Peterborough and across the region to enjoy. It’s incredible to have this come together with the announcement of these fantastic performers,” he continued.

The 2023 Peterborough Folk Festival kicks off with ticketed concerts on Thursday, August 17 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Friday, August 18 at the Gordon Best Theatre, followed by a free weekend of music, food and performance on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20 at Nicholls Oval Park. Organizers will be making additional announcements during June, including the complete line-up of performers and PFF’s Emerging Artist of the Year.

For more information about PFF 2023, including how to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer, or vendor, visit the website.

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The Borderless Music & Arts Festival Is Back at The Gordon Best Theatre

The Borderless Music & Arts Festival 2023 is set to feature a line-up that celebrates local artists & cultural diversity through soulful music, poetry, dance and community at the Gordon Best Theatre starting June 23.

photo courtesy of The Borderless Music & Arts Festival.

Since 2016, the Borderless Music & Arts Festival has been a multidisciplinary arts showcase that centres women, BIPOC, intersectional identities, multiculturalism, and inclusive community-building with a mosaic of music, dance, visual art, drag, poetry, comedy, circus and film. For over 6 years, Borderless artists have brought an amazing wealth of diversity, culture, collaboration, innovation and excitement to the City.

Borderless Festival 2023 Begins

Friday, June 23:

Poetry by Robyn Pierson

Dance performance & workshop by Mintu Maria James

Music by:

The Colton Sisters

Will Ward

Harbhajunkie

Shahrazi

Featuring a pop-up booth by Indigenously Infused.

Saturday, June 24:

OMBIIGIZI

Singing Wild Rice Girl (Missy Knott)

Will Ward

Danny Taro

photo courtesy of The Borderless Music & Arts Festival.

Tickets available at the door and through borderlesshearts.ca. For more information, check out the website.

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The Ennismore Shamrock Festival & Truck and Tractor Pull is Back Starting July 21 This Summer

The Ennismore Shamrock Festival is returning to the Robert E. Young Recreation Complex from July 21 to 23 in Ennismore.

photo courtesy of the ennismore shamrock festival.

Friday, July 21:

The Ennismore Shamrock Festival starts off with an age of majority dance featuring a DJ and music from Melissa Payne at the Quarry Golf Club in Ennismore. The show begins at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance or for $15 at the door.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at:

• Selwyn Township Municipal Office (1310 Centre Line, Selwyn)

• The Quarry Golf Club (447 Tara Road, Ennismore)

• Sullivan's General Store (476 Ennis Road, Ennismore)

• Jesse's Tap & Grill (583 Robinson Road, Ennismore)

Saturday, July 22:

Saturday is a Free Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with many free children's activities including bouncy castles, petting zoo, Beavertails, snow cones and more. Enjoy an all-day BBQ, local vendors and community information booths.

Sunday, July 23:

The Annual Truck & Tractor Pulls will be held Sunday, July 22nd beginning at 12

Noon. Admission is $10 per person, children 12 years of age and under are FREE.

Food vendor and a licensed refreshment tent will be available trackside. Anyone interested in pulling can check out the website to view the classes and registration times.

Attendees can check out the Shamrock Craft Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday only. This indoor craft show features 100+ vendors. Admission is $2 per person and children 12 years of age and under are free, with all proceeds going to the Shamrock Festival.

All Weekend Long:

The annual Garage Sale and Street Curling hosted by the Ennismore Curling Club (555 Ennis Road, Ennismore) will take place all weekend on Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information on this upcoming festival, visit the website.

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