Peterborough Blogs
The 2023 Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival Goes Green
/The Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival has announced that the upcoming event held on Saturday, July 8 will strive to be a clean, green event.
With help from the vendors, volunteers and participants, they will be working towards this goal by:
• setting up a water refill station
• setting up sorting stations and signage for garbage, recyclables and compostables
• encouraging attendees to bring their own water bottle and cutlery
• encouraging attendees to walk, bike (bike racks located right beside the event space), carpool or enjoy the FREE shuttle service (details below)
• encouraging artisans, food and beverage vendors to use less waste
Free Shuttle
The Township is extending The Link bus service for the Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival. The Link bus will be available for free on Saturday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.. The bus will have stops at Trent University, the Lakefield District Public School, and the Lakefield Jazz Festival. For parking information and a detailed schedule, visit the website.
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Havelock Country Jamboree Officially Closes Its Stages After 30 Years of Community Concerts
/The Havelock Country Jamboree has announced the decision to close its stages after 30 years of the community festival.
“We are so happy that we have been able to provide you with 30 years of entertainment and fun, meeting new friends and reminiscing with old ones. We have watched 4 generations of families attend the Jamboree – it truly has become a Tradition in our lifetime, and we are a family,” a statement from Havelock Country Jamboree’s management reads.
“We regret to tell you that the Havelock Country Jamboree (as you know it – with Ed & Paula at the helm) will be closing the gates and the stages, permanently. COVID hit us hard. Relationships broke down; and age is appearing to have taken its toll. We have reached the end of our ‘working’ years. We are sorry. We did struggle trying to remain open when we could; work from home when we were ordered to; but for all of our efforts – it came to naught. The struggle was just too great at this age and stage of our lives.”
The statement goes on to say that they have been ordered by the courts to sell all Jamboree properties, and will be issuing ticket refunds shortly.
“We really can’t say any more at this point, but know how anxious ticket holders are. Please be advised that it is our intention to issue refunds for tickets held, but as the sale works its way through the real estate process, at this time our hands are tied.”
The Havelock Country Jamboree has seen names like Billy Ray Cyrus, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Wynona Judd and Jason Aldean on their main stage.
The four day festival, which typically attracts over 20,000 people annually, has been called Canada’s largest live, outdoor country music and camping festival for over 30 years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the festival has not run since 2019.
“30 years. It is a very long time to host a venue and we have enjoyed every minute with you. Whether you were with us for 30 years or 1 year, we thank you for supporting the Havelock Country Jamboree.”
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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 16 - 18
/Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 16 - 18!
Kawartha Downs and Impact Motor Sports Kawartha Smackdown Demo Derby
Together with Kawartha Downs Events we will bring an action-packed show which includes, figure 8 racing, stock trucks, windshield compacts and two man teams full-size V8. Watch as these stock, from the factory, compact cars smash and crash into each other until the final car is crowned the winner. The stock trucks put on a show seeing them bend and twist to look like bananas!
The two-man team V8 cars will manoeuvre and jockey for position to come out on top and take home the championship. Figure 8 racing will thrill you with their daring dash through the centre to complete their laps in record time!
There are activities for all ages, power wheels competition for kids 4-9, a pit party to meet the drivers and live music to entertain the audience.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Kawartha Downs Events for the Kawartha Smackdown.
When: June 17, noon - 5 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs
Tickets: $12.60 - $30.50
Live Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs
See horses and drivers in the sulkies race around a five-eighths mile track at Kawartha Downs. Bet on your favourite horses and enjoy the dining experience while you see the horses circle the track.
When: June 17, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs
Tickets: Free
Live Music at Kawartha Downs
Stick around Kawartha downs as live music is happening right after the Kawartha Smackdown Demolition Derby.
When: June 17, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs
Tickets: Free
26th Annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show At Lang Pioneer Village
Enjoy the Kawarthas’ original tractor show featuring power equipment displays, tractor games, vintage farm trucks, tractor and wagon rides, a tractor parade through the Village and more.
When: June 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre
Tickets: Free for children five and under, $7 children, $10 students and seniors and $15 for adults, $40 family pass (two adults and up to four children and youth)
Monster Spectacular at the Peterborough Memorial Centre
Monster Spectacular, Canada’s sports and entertainment spectacle - mixing the thrills and spills of motorsports, showmanship and the ultimate fan experience into incredible, action-packed live shows roars into the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 18th, 2023.
Excited in anticipation of sold-out shows across the country, fans will get the opportunity to see some of the biggest, baddest monster trucks on the circuit. The adrenaline will be pumping as the drivers compete in high octane side-by-side racing, freestyle competitions and unique driver skill contests.
Monster Spectacular electrifies fans with breathtaking stunts and the awesome power of the world’s most popular monster trucks, including Overkill Evolution, Black Stallion and more!
Joining this year’s lineup of monster trucks will also be fast, family-friendly events such as lawnmower races. Plus the heart-pumping excitement of a Motocross backflip.
When: June 18, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre
Tickets: $36.30 for children (12 and under) and $44.30 for adults
Peterborough Police Community Open House
The Peterborough Police Service is hosting a Community Open House at their headquarters.
Visitors can tour the station, watch demonstrations from various units including K9, ERT (rappel team), RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) and see many of the police vehicles.
The Emergency Command Centre can teacher residents about policing as a career and enjoy ‘Coffee with a Cop.’
GreenUP Peterborough will be in attendance to teach about bike safety.
Station tours will run at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the back lot.
When: June 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Police Station
Tickets: Free
Peterborough Farmers Market
Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.
Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians.
Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!
When: June 17, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where: Morrow Park
Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market
We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.
The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.
As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.
When: June 17, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Quaker Foods City Square
30 Craft Market at the Peterborough Public Library
Come see what local artisans have to offer at the Peterborough Public Library.
When: June 17, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Public Library
Tickets: Free
Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 9 - 11
/Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 9 to 11!
Come out and cheer on the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival
Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival is a vital fundraiser for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, supporting world-class cancer and breast cancer screening.
Cheer on your friends, family and neighbours, participate in the moving breast cancer flower ceremony, come shopping, play games or enjoy some time at the Thirsty Dragon beer garden.
This fundraiser for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation (PRHC Foundation) supports world-class breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, and has raised over $3.9 million so far.
7 a.m. – Road closures in effect, barricades close
7:45 a.m. – Team Captains meeting by the Volunteer Tent
8 a.m. – Awakening the Dragon/Opening Ceremonies
8:30 a.m. – First Race Heats begin
9 a.m. – Vendors Village Market opens
9 a.m. – Family Fun Zone opens
11 a.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden opens
11:30 a.m. – McKenzie Cup Race followed by the Flower Ceremony
Noon to 12:30 p.m. – Lunch break
12:30 p.m. – Second Race Heats begin
3:10 p.m. – Divisional Finals begin
4 p.m. – Raffle winners announcements
4 p.m. – Last shuttle bus leaves Del Crary Park
4:50 p.m. – Awards Ceremony – Race Trophies Top Individual Fundraisers – At the bleachers
5:45 p.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden closes
When: Saturday, June 10, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Little Lake, Peterborough.
Join the Peterborough Business Social Club Tiki Party
Looking for some tropical fun without leaving Peterborough?
The Peterborough Business Social Club is opening up their Tiki Party to the public at Chemong Lodge to the public this Saturday, June 10th, starting at 5 p.m.
Join for cocktails, games, live music by Cary Shields, prizes and dancing! Fire up the barbecues as a family-style dinner and complimentary wine is being served on the patio!
Tickets are $150 a couple and you can get more details by emailing jamesway33@gmail.com. Come on out and enjoy a tropical paradise at Chemong Lodge with the Peterborough Business Social Club!
When: Saturday June 10, 5 p.m.
Where: Chemong Lodge
Chow Down at Greek Festival
Greek Festival for all!
Greek food, Greek music, Greek dancing will entertain festival goers in the back yard of the church.
Free admission.
When: Sunday, June 11, noon - 7 p.m.
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
League 1 Ontario Men's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Hamilton United
The Electric City Football Club Men’s Team host the Hamilton United for a regular-season match at Fleming College.
When: Saturday, June 10 2-4 p.m.
Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)
Daniel James McFadyen at Jethro's Bar & Stage
Nova Scotia-based indie folk artist Daniel James McFadyen is bringing his national tour to Jethro's Bar & Stage (137 Hunter St. W) on Friday, June 9.
It's been a busy time for Daniel, as he has just released his new single “Sunshine”, the lead track off his forthcoming EP. He recently performed in Halifax at the 35th annual East Coast Music Awards, where his 2022 single “Hot Sun” was nominated for ‘Best Song’ and ‘Rising Star Recording’.
When: Friday, June 9 6 p.m.
Where: Jethro’s Bar (137 Hunter St. W)
Check out the Peterborough Farmers Market
Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.
Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians.
Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares.
When: Saturday June 10, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where: Morrow Park
New Stages Theatre Presents ‘SWEAT’ by Lynn Nottage
New Stages presents a one-night-only staged reading of SWEAT by Lynn Nottage, an unforgettable play for unprecedented times.
Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize, SWEAT is a chilling and timely play that tells the story of a group of colleagues in Pennsylvania whose fortunes rapidly decline between 2000 and the 2008 financial crisis. A devastating account of American industrial collapse and the racial and class tensions that shatter the surface when people are desperate. A must-see for Peterborough audiences.
The cast includes: Christopher Allen, Andrew Chown, Beau Dixon, Kait Dueck, René Escobar Jr., Catherine Fitch, Tony Munch and Ordena Stephens-Thompson.
Content Advisory: This play contains themes of racism and uses words that are offensive and demeaning, including the n-word. Recommended audience: 14+.
When: Sunday, June 11 7:30 p.m.
Where: Market Hall
Tickets: $22, and $11 for students, under-waged and artworkers.
Watch Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs
Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.
Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.
The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.
When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.
The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.
When: Saturday, June 10 7-10 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)
Peterborough Folk Festival Announces Headlining Act Loreena McKennitt To Take the Stage August 20
/Award-winning composer and singer Loreena McKennitt is set to headline the Peterborough Folk Festival at Nicholls Oval Park on Sunday, August 20.
McKennitt says that in one way or another, we are all an extension of each other’s history. “Wanting to learn about our neighbours is also a desire to learn about ourselves,” says the singer from Morden, Manitoba.
To date, she has sold over 14 million albums with a catalogue that includes seven studio recordings, three seasonal recordings, a live in-concert DVD and two DVD documentaries. She’s won two Juno Awards, Canada’s premier music award, and garnered two Grammy Award nominations.
“We are so honoured to have Loreena McKennitt perform at PFF 2023,” says Ryan Kemp, artistic director of the festival. During her recording career spanning more than two decades, McKennitt’s ‘eclectic Celtic’ music has received critical acclaim world-wide, with gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales awards in 15 countries across four continents.
Now in its 34th year, Peterborough Folk Festival strives for gender parity, diversity and inclusivity in the performance line-up and throughout all aspects of the festival. Of the 28 artists who performed at the Festival in 2022, 11 were local.
“Not only is Ms. McKennitt a critically acclaimed singer and composer, she is revered for her passion for human rights and the protection of the environment,” says Kemp. “As the second-largest cultural event in the region promoting inclusivity and diversity, we are so grateful to have Ms. McKennitt share her incredible talent and generosity of spirit with all of those who attend the Festival.”
McKennitt is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Manitoba. In 2002 and 2012 she was the recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals and in 2013 she was appointed to the rank of Knight of the National Order of Arts and Letters by the Republic of France. Recently, she was inducted into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
Each year, Peterborough Folk Festival welcomes more than 12,000 people to Peterborough and the surrounding region, making it the second-largest cultural event of the Summer season.
The Festival will feature three days of music, culture and community starting August 17th at Market Hall and continuing August 19th-20th at Nicholls Oval Park next to the Otonabee River.
For more information on how to get involved as an artist, volunteer or vendor, head over to the website.
Queensville Players Theatre Group to Host Benefit Concert for Rowghan MacHart’s Transition Home June 17
/The Queensville Players community theatre group is hosting a benefit concert for cast member Rowghan MacHart on June 17; raising funds to support the re-fitting of her home with wheelchair accessible features.
After a collision on Hwy. 7 claimed the lives of 52-year-old Stefphanie Hart, 46-year-old Jonathan MacDonell and 18-year-old Riddick Hart in November of 2022, the Queensville Players of Keswick, Ontario are hosting a benefit concert for now 14-year-old Rowghan Hart who suffered life-altering injuries as a result of the accident.
Karin Simpson, president of the Queensville Players group and musical director for the show said that all four family members had roles in their production of Disney’s High School Musical, with Riddick playing Troy Bolton.
“Over the course of three months, we would rehearse anywhere from nine to twelve hours a week, and the MacHart’s would come all the way from Peterborough to Keswick,” Simpson said. “For the three hours (round-trip) to get there, and the three hours to rehearse, they came as a family. It was important to them that they did the show together.”
A week before the show started, Simpson says the crew was in the theatre everyday rehearsing. She says she remembers how close they all grew to each other as the MacHart family would stay at her home on occasion.
On Sunday, November 20 the group had another run of their show at the Stephen Leacock Theatre.
“People came from all over to see the show and were left raving about it, but (the cast) was really sad on that Sunday because we knew it wouldn’t be until Wednesday that we’d get to see each other again,” recalls Simpson.
It was that Tuesday, November 22 that the accident happened on Hwy. 7 near Drummond Line.
The next day, Simpson and the cast of the High School Musical production gathered at the theatre with a trauma team, sharing fond memories of the MacHart family. At the time Simpson recalls not knowing if Rowghan was going to live due to the injuries she sustained.
“We stayed there in the theatre and just held space with one another,” she said. “We had to cancel the show, there was no way we were going to go on with the level of grief that we all felt. Their roles were not replaceable.”
It was after the tragedy that Simpson says the Queensville Players knew they needed to do something for the MacHart family.
“When a tragedy like this happens you always feel helpless because you want to help so much, but of course the one thing that everybody wants in the world is the one thing that you can’t do- to bring them back,” said Simpson. “So with this (concert) we just want to wrap Rowghan in as much love from the community as possible and support her financially, emotionally and physically through whatever we can do.”
As a part of the event, two Ed Sheeran concert tickets to his June 17 show at the Rogers Centre in Toronto were raffled off, and on the day of the benefit concert there will be more raffle items and a 50/50 draw to participate in.
All proceeds from the Rowghan MacHart Benefit Concert will go towards the renovation of her home, making it wheelchair accessible.
“She’s going to face a lot of challenges, and there are many things that we’re not going to be able to foresee happening in this moment,” said Simpson.
She says the Queensville Players intend to support Rowghan through a similar benefit concert next year as well.
“The need for support will be an ongoing thing and the desire to be there for her will also be everlasting,” she said.
The matinee concert will take place at 2 p.m. June 17 at the Stephen Leacock Theatre in Keswick. Tickets are available for purchase using the link.
For those who wish to donate to the MacHart family GoFundMe, follow this link.
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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 2 - 4
/Here are ten things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 2 - 4!
Kawartha Craft Beer Festival
The sixth annual Kawartha Craft Beer Festival returns to Del Crary Park after a three-year hiatus for a one-day all-ages event.
The festival is an all-ages event for the first time. The event features 10 Ontario Craft Breweries, cideries, three local food vendors, games and live music throughout the day.
When: June 3, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Del Crary Park
Tickets: $15 in advance (plus tax), $20 at the door (plus tax)
Live Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs
See horses and drivers in the sulkies race around a five-eighths mile track at Kawartha Downs. Bet on your favourite horses and enjoy the dining experience while you see the horses circle the track.
When: June 2, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs
Tickets: Free
Kawartha Downs Monster Madness Tour
Monster Madness Tour 2023 presented by Edge Motorsports! Whether it's the visual of a 10,000-pound machine flying through the air, the unforgettable smell of methanol or the ferocious sounds of a 1200-horsepower motor, the Monster Madness Tour will overload your senses and blow you away!
Reminder: Tickets purchases after May 26 DO NOT INCLUDE PIT PARTY PASS - please add the $5 pit party pass when purchasing your tickets online if you wish to attend the pit party
12 p.m. Doors
12:30 p.m. VIP Pit Party Entry
1 p.m. GA Pit Party Entry
2:30 p.m. Showtime
5-7 p.m. Live music
When: June 3 & 4, 12:00 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs
Tickets: $6.80 - $54.20
Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny
Due to overwhelming demand, Just For Laughs has announced that additional cities have been added for UK comedy superstar Jimmy Carr with his new show Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny. A household name in UK television and star of the UK’s most streamed Netflix comedy special of 2021, His Dark Material, Jimmy, will make his first appearance in Peterborough, Ont. on Friday at Peterborough Memorial Centre as part of his national Terribly Funny tour.
Jimmy’s show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’re just jokes - they are not the terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo. Now you’ve been warned, buy a ticket.
When: June 2, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre
Tickets: $45.50 to $65.50
League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Unionville Milliken SC
The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team hosts the Unionville Milliken SC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.
When: June 3, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Fleming College
Tickets: $15 - $30
Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF
This June, join us for the Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF at Nicholls Oval.
Celebrating 30 years of progress, commitment and improving the lives of those impacted by type 1 diabetes (T1D). Together We Walk to cure T1D.
When: June 4
Where: Nicholls Oval
Tickets: Free
Peterborough Farmers Market
Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.
Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians.
Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!
When: June 3, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where: Morrow Park
Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market
We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.
The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.
As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.
When: June 3, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Quaker Foods City Square
TASSS Presents: The Wizard of Oz Musical
After a three-year hiatus, students of Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School are back into theatrical productions. This year, they are putting on a musical of the classic “The Wizard of Oz” for four performances spanning three dates.
Dates for the shows are as follows:
June 1, 7 p.m.
June 2, 7 p.m.
June 3, 2 p.m.
June 3, 7 p.m.
When: June 1 - 3
Where: Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School
Tickets: $20
Capable Con
The Council for Persons with Disabilities’s Capable Con is back to help further support the Peterborough community in living, learning, playing, and working equally! It is a family-friendly, educational convention that is free to attend and designed to create open, healthy dialogues about disabilities and accessibility.
When: June 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Millennium Park
Tickets: Free
Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; May 26 - 28
/Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from May 26 to 28!
Meet the author!
Trent Valley Archives will be hosting ‘Author! Author!’ a Meet the Author event at The Mount Community Centre May 27 with featured authors Rosemary McConkey, Bob Reid and Elwood Jones.
The free event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. will also feature the music of Allan Kirby and his Backwoodsmen sharing some of the tunes from their recent CD, ‘Cross Cut.’ This features many classic folk songs from the area, some of which were referenced in Dr. Alan Kirby’s ‘Fowke Songs’.
There will be refreshments and discussion, as well as a chance to buy the books and to have them autographed.
More information is available on TVA’s website or by calling 705-745-4404.
When: May 27, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough)
Opening of the Legacy Space - Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack fund
The Peterborough Public Library will be celebrating the opening of the Legacy Space on May 27 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
You can follow along as they build the space, plan the launch, and develop programs and collections to support their commitment to ReconciliACTION on the the Legacy Space webpage and on social media channels.
Legacy Spaces are safe, welcoming places where conversations and education about Indigenous history – and our collective journey towards reconciliation – are encouraged and supported. They also serve as symbols and reminders of the important work each of us needs to undertake in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
When: May 27, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Public Library (345 Alymer St. N, Peterborough)
Crescendo: Kawartha Youth Orchestra
Kawartha Youth Orchestra presents Crescendo: A Concert to Conclude the season featuring the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Youth Orchestras.
When: May 28, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: All Saints Anglican Church (235 Rubidge St., Peterborough)
Tickets: $20 at the door, children 5 and under free (cash and credit cards accepted)
League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC VS Woodbridge Strikers
The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Woodbridge Strikers for a regular-season match at Fleming College.
When: May 27, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)
Check out the Peterborough Farmers Market
Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.
Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians.
Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares.
When: May 27, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where: Morrow Park
Feast on the Farm at Lang Pioneer Village
Feast On the Farm is a unique event series that brings together chefs, purveyors and food lovers!
Indulge in creations by some of the best chefs in Ontario serving up incredible food inspired by the innovation, hard work, and creativity of local farmers. This intimate event allows foodies from across Ontario the opportunity to indulge in culinary creations by some of the best chefs in the province.
Featured Chefs include: Chef Brad Watt, Chef Tyler Scott, and Chef Lisa Dixon
Every ticket includes a selection of dishes curated by participating chefs, a variety of beverages from local purveyors, a behind-the-scenes experience, and a $25 Feast On Gift Voucher that can be redeemed at participating Feast On restaurants.
When: May 28, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: Lang Pioneer Village Museum (104 Lang Rd., Keene)
Tickets: $125 (plus taxes and fees)
Concert for Cool Cats and Dogs
Come to the Peterborough New Horizons Bands "Concert For Cool Cats and Dogs" on May 26 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Church in Peterborough.
Proceeds shared with the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society. For more information go to nhbpeterborough.com or email pnhb.music@gmail.com
When: May 26, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Where: Calvary Church (1421 Lansdowne St. W, Peterborough)
Tickets: Tickets sold at the door for $15, children under 10 free.
Live Harness Racing
Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.
Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.
The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.
When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.
The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.
When: May 27, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)
Dwayne Gretzky, Glass Tiger and Melissa Payne Among Many Announced For 2023 Musicfest Lineup
/Several recognizable acts such as Dwayne Gretzky, Glass Tiger and Melissa Payne have been added to Peterborough Musicfest announced at their lineup release event at the Silver Bean Café on Wednesday morning.
Five dates are listed as ‘to be announced’ as acts have been sought out are booked but require funding of roughly $125,000 to finalize everything, according to Tracey Randall, Musicfest general manager.
“Three bands are on hold until we see the funding and then we'll see how much extra I have because sponsorships are still coming in,” she said.
Randall anticipates funding from the provincial government as Musicfest typically receives $80,000 from them annually however the funding is usually given in June.
The concerts will remain at Del Crary Park despite being dismantled earlier this month. Musicfest will continue the temporary solution that was used last year according to Randall.
“We're still meeting with the City of Peterborough but they've rented the same temporary stage that we had last year,” she said.
The following is this year’s lineup for Musicfest:
July 1: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
July 5: Dwayne Gretzky
July 8: Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy
July 12: Five Alarm Funk
July 15: TBA
July 19: Jesse Cook
July 22: TBA
July 26: Little River Band
July 29: Melissa Payne & Friends
Aug. 2: TBA
Aug. 5: British Legends Tribute (Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney & Freddie Mercury)
Aug. 9: Glass Tiger
Aug. 12: TBA
Aug. 16: TBA
Aug. 19: Tim & The Glory Boys (with special guest TBA)