Peterborough DBIA Brings Back 'Explore the Boro Scavenger Hunt' to Help Connect Trent Students to the Community

Starting this week, Trent University students will discover their campus and the Peterborough community through Explore the Boro, a scavenger hunt to help familiarize students with local shopping and leisure spots while also supporting downtown businesses, announced on Wednesday.

The annual event—originally launched in 2021 as the bingo event Discover Peterborough—highlights local shops, cafés, and restaurants, helping students feel more connected to their new home. Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Explore the Boro, co-hosted by Trent and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), encourages students to discover and engage with Downtown Peterborough.

“The excitement in Peterborough reaches a new level each fall as Trent students return to the city, bringing with them a vibrant energy that enriches our cultural, social, and economic landscape,” said Alison Scholl, senior manager, Community & External Relations at Trent University. “Explore the Boro offers a fun and engaging way for our incoming and returning students to immerse themselves in all that Peterborough has to offer.”

From Sept. 1 to 15, Trent students can participate in the scavenger hunt by completing missions via the Goosechase app. These missions range from snapping selfies at key landmarks to answering trivia questions. They allow students to earn points and discover hidden gems around campus and the city. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants. The student with the highest score will win a $1,250 Boro gift card, redeemable at various downtown businesses.

“Trent students invigorate our downtown, and this event strengthens the bonds between students and local businesses,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to continue this valuable partnership, providing students with opportunities to explore, engage, and contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy that makes Peterborough & the Kawarthas such a unique and welcoming destination.”

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Peterborough DBIA Hosting Inaugural Free 'Catch the Leprechaun' Scavenger Hunt For March

A mischievous band of pint-sized Leprechauns are invading local downtown pubs as Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has launched its ‘Catch the Leprechauns’ free scavenger hunt announced at Crook and Coffer on Tuesday.

Crook & Coffer co-owner John Clarke getting the Irish spirit on early pouring green beer for the DBIA’s inaugural “Catch the Leprechauns” free scavenger hunt. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Residents are encouraged to visit one of 13 participating pubs — with help of a Leprechaun Pub Map — to find five different leprechauns scattered throughout on a rotating schedule for the month of March. The first 100 people to complete the hunt will win “pints of gold” that include a piece of glassware from a local brewery, swag and even a few tricks according to Hillary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager.

“We have these historically charming pubs that are rebounded for their hospitality and their atmosphere so if we can bring people in for our Leprechaun hunt, it will tether people back to the community and celebrate the community pride of our local pub scene,” she said.

The following are the participating downtown pubs:

• The Black Horse Pub

• One Eighty Sports Pub

• The Dirty Burger Company

• Crook & Coffer

• The Only Café

• Jethro’s Bar + Stage

• Champs Bar And Grill

• McThirsty’s Pint

• Maple Moose Pub

• The Social Pub

• Bijoux Bar

• Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews

• Riley’s Pub

The leprechauns were crafted by local artist Brooklin Stormie. They were hand-felted and made to have their own look and personality.

“Working on this project was so much fun,” explained Stormie. “It was a nice re-entry into the world of textiles. I let each Leprechaun reveal themselves to me organically throughout the process. I can’t help but feel a motherly connection to these five little Faye creatures. I’m excited to see what adventure await these little chaps - my wayward sons.”

Each Leprechaun has its own backstory steeped in folklore and mischief and named after local breweries.

• Persian Murphy - Persian Empire

• Bobby McCaygeon - Bobcaygeon Brewery

• Petey O’Haven - Haven Brewing Co.

• Feilhem Falls - Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.

• Publican O’Leerie - Publican House Brewery

(from left to right) Persian Murphy, Publican O’Leerie, Petey O’Haven, Bobby Mc’Caygeon and Feilhem Falls having a grand ol’ time at Crook and Coffer while causing mischief. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Anyone of legal drinking age can join the scavenger hunt for free by downloading Goosechase, a mobile scavenger hunt app. Search “Catch the Leprechauns” or use the game code ‘5W9B4Z’ to join in on the hunt. Players earn points, by submitting live-capture photos of each Leprechaun they find along their travels.

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Winter Scavenger Hunt Encourages Youth To Get Outside

Stay Strong Be Positive PTBO is starting their Winter Scavenger Hunt a day early, on Thursday, due to upcoming cold weather.

Photo courtesy of Mark Westlake.

Stay Strong Be Positive PTBO was created in April 2021, during a COVID lockdown, by Mark Westlake.

“When the lockdown started, 6 of my buddies started our own 21 days lockdown challenge, to encourage each other to stay active,” said Westlake. ”We fired the group back up with the new lockdown. We want to encourage individuals and families to get outside and be active.”

The Winter Scavenger Hunt is for youth aged 10 - 16, and encourages them to get outdoors.

“Staying active and regular exercise improves mental health by reducing depression and anxiety. We did a scavenger hunt last year and the group members really enjoyed it.”

Westlake and his friends that make up the ‘21 Days Lockdown Challenge’ purchased Yeti products valued at $725 to be awarded to a participant at the end of the scavenger hunt.

He says they want to “Motivate the members to participate and get outside and visit some of our awesome local nature trails.”

To be entered into the draw participants, or their parents, must first join the Facebook group. When they post photos of all the items in the scavenger hunt they will be entered to win the prize.

Entries will be accepted until Sunday at 8 p.m.

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Trent University Aims to Make Everyone a Winner With Bingo Scavenger Hunt

Trent University students will get to experience Peterborough with Discover Peterborough Bingo, an interactive scavenger hunt hosted by the University, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (PKT) announced Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

From Sept. 7 and Oct. 22, Trent Students are encouraged to visit various locations around downtown Peterborough to complete a range of fun activities in an effort to complete two rows on their bingo card.

Once two rows are completed, students will be entered in a draw to win one of ten prize packs which include a $200 Downtown Boro gift card as well as prizes from the University, PKT and local businesses.

“Trent University is an integral part of the Peterborough community, and this partnership exemplifies our commitment to supporting local,” said Ruth-Ann Dafoe, Trent Community Relations manager. “We are excited for our returning students to explore and support the many great businesses and restaurants in downtown Peterborough through this initiative and contribute to the region’s prosperity.” 

“Trent students have always been fond of our downtown and its unique stores, services, culture and entertainment and we are certainly most appreciative of the life and vibrancy that they bring to us,” noted Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “Through this partnership, we want to welcome students to our community in a fun and engaging way while also acquainting them with our downtown businesses.” 

The goal of the Discover Peterborough Bingo initiative is for students to explore Peterborough, uncover new favourite shopping and leisure destinations and to support local businesses who have been impacted negatively by the effects of COVID-19 according to the press release. 

“There is so much for students to discover in Peterborough & the Kawarthas,” said Tracie Bertrand, PKT director of tourism. “Students and graduates become some of our greatest local ambassadors. We are excited to welcome these community members back and look forward to them exploring and enjoying this beautiful destination.”

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A Dash of Denney Invites Locals to Doodle Dash Around The Kawarthas

A Lindsay in-home bakery, Dash of Denney, is inviting locals to explore the Kawarthas with Doodle Dash - a scavenger hunt celebrating local businesses.

Photo Courtesy of A Dash of Denney

Bakery owner Leaha Denney is a mental health nurse who organized the event.

“When I started my own business a few months ago I started to connect with all these people and find out about all of these businesses around me and I thought ‘how did I not know about all of these?’" she said.

Denney decided something needed to be done to bring more attention to the businesses operating in the area.

Along with The Lunch Box, a food truck located in Rosedale, A Dash of Denney has planned “Doodle Dash.” It is a scavenger hunt-style game that will lead players to different store fronts in the Kawarthas.

Participants must order a Doodle Dash Kit and map for $50 from A Dash of Denny on Instagram. The map will act as a ‘key’ for participants to show at stops along the way. It will earn them discounts or free stuff at certain locations.

“This scavenger hunt is our way to share all of these businesses we have found and hopefully people will find ways to connect to their community that they didn’t even know existed before,” said Denney.

Prizes will be awarded based on a point system.

Participants can earn points by ‘checking in’ at participating locations on Instagram. There will also be riddles and games along the way to earn extra points.

10 per cent of proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes, Kawartha Lakes Food Source, Womens Resources and Community Care Hospice.

Participants are also encouraged to bring physical donations with them on the scavenger hunt to leave at designated locations. A list of preferred items can be found on Dash of Denney’s Instagram.

Those wanting to participate in a 19+ version of Doodle Dash will add a $5 donation to the cost of their kit and map.

Doodle Dash will begin on Thursday and end on Sunday.

Prizes can be viewed at the ‘hub’ of Doodle Dash, Strike Point Bowling in Lindsay.

“You get to explore and reconnect,” said Denney. “People are reopening again so it’s just nice to remember where these locations are and go see what they have to offer.”

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