The Art School of Peterborough Victorious In Annual DBIA Downtown Holiday Window Contest

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The Art School of Peterborough has been crowned the winners of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) annual Downtown Holiday Window Contest announced on Wednesday.

Raine Knudsen (left) and Jenni Johnston (right) celebrate their win in front of the Art School shop window, holding the handmade ornaments distributed to community members throughout the holiday season. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

During the holidays, Downtown Peterborough shop windows were transformed into magnificent displays reflecting this year’s theme, Aurora Borealis.

“With snowy decorated little pine trees and hand painted polar bears under the illuminated arctic sky. In celebration of the Holiday season, the Art School is offering ceramic crescent moon ornaments made by our staff and students, inspired by the Aurora Borealis to remind us how bright and colourful our local Peterborough community is,” said Raine Knudsen, The Art School of Peterborough receptionist. “These ornaments are offered as free (or by donation) to give back to our incredible local community. The Art School wishes you a joyful, rejuvenating, and bright New Year, and winter ahead.”

The winners for 2023 are:

  • First place – The Art School of Peterborough, 174A Charlotte St.

  • Second place – Lavender Moon, 181 Charlotte St.

  • Third Place – Hi Ho Silver, 392 George St. N.

“The Art School of Peterborough is overjoyed and so grateful to receive first place for this year’s window contest. Thanks so much to our community; our students and instructors, coworkers, and neighbours for sharing the love and support,” said Knudsen.

The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $300 for their winning windows. Locals voted online for their top three holiday window displays throughout the contest period from Nov.20 until Dec. 31.

“Every year, the downtown shop owners put so much love and creativity into the holiday window contest. It really sets the tone for the shopping season and enhances the downtown experience with colour, whimsy, and charm,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager.” This year’s theme was Aurora Borealis and our businesses pulled out all the stops to capture the spirit of the Northern Lights. It’s always incredible to see Peterborough rally behind our window contest and the community engagement in our program saw a significant increase this holiday season with 3,897 votes casted to help determine this year's top window display.”

The window displays for this year’s contest can be viewed on the voting website.

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Fleming College Holding Naming Contest For New Mascot Unveiled In September

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After introducing a new mascot in September, Fleming College is holding a contest to name their Phoenix mascot, announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Phoenix replaced the longtime Fleming Knight which served as the school’s mascot for the past 50 years. The new mascot embraces themes of strength, rebirth and perseverance that Fleming says represent their college community the best according to a press release. 

Participants can enter by liking Fleming’s post and typing suggested mascot name suggestion in the comments section.  

All entries are entered into a draw for a Fleming Phoenix Hoodie. 

The contest runs until Nov. 6.  

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Grade Six Student Earns $10,000 Grant For Habitat For Humanity From National Writing Contest

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Grade 6 student Ellyot W. earned Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region a $10,000 grant after being announced as a runner-up in the Meaning of Home national writing contest.

Ellyot read her story during the ground-breaking ceremony of Habitat’s phase two project on Leahy’s Lane. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The contest encourages students in Grades 4-6 to share what home means to them through a short essay or poem.

Students were asked what the ‘Meaning of Home’ is to them and 12,265 students were entered into the contest. Ellyot was one of nine runner-ups with her entry ‘What Home Means To Me.’

“I’d like to congratulate Ellyot for her participation and incredible efforts in supporting affordable housing in her community,” said Susan Zambonin, Habitat CEO. “Her winning $10,000 grant will go towards building 12 new affordable homes on the very ground in which she stood and read her winning entry on Tuesday morning. Because of her hard work and heartfelt story, we can help more local families and individuals have access to safe and affordable homeownership.”

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Peterborough DBIA Sending Shoppers On a "Golden Goose Chase" To Win a $1,500 Boro Gift Card

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is sending shoppers on a wild goose chase to find ‘golden eggs’ in a retail incentive program for a chance to win a $1,500 Boro gift card, announced at the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Visitors Centre on Tuesday morning.

Whitney Paget, DBIA student intern (left); Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director (middlE) and Hillary Flood, DBIA Communications and Marketing Manager (right) holding six of the 20 handcrafted golden goose eggs to be scattered throughout Peterborough downtown retail stores. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ‘Golden Goose Chase’ runs from April 1 until May 31 where 20 ‘golden goose eggs’ are being hidden inside downtown retail locations on a rotating schedule weekly. Each egg has been hand-painted, crafted and commissioned by local artists.

“From fashion to vintage and décor, downtown Peterborough has it all,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “The Golden Goose Chase project was designed to draw foot traffic into our wonderful retail sector. Similar to our Holiday Shopping Passport program this project is all about rewarding folks for taking the time to shop in person.”

Over 50 retailers are participating in the inaugural hunt. Each egg found is a ballot towards a draw for a $1,500 Boro gift card. Participants can use a Golden Goose Chase map to plan their search during their downtown visit.

Egg hunters can download Goosechase, a mobile scavenger hunt app. Search ‘The Golden Goose Chase’ or use the game code ‘5Z67RV’ to join. Ballots are earned by submitting live-capture photos of each egg found.

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Photos: Darling Insurance Hosts Sixth Annual Chili Challenge To Benefit The Nourish Project

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Darling Insurance came to defend its title as they hosted the sixth annual Chili Challenge to benefit The Nourish Project at The Social Pub on Friday afternoon.

Six teams came and brought their own recipes to earn the ‘Chili Challenge’ title. The Social Pub, Darling Insurance, Team VanRahan, Peterborough Business + Social Club, Peterborough Humane Society and PTBOCanada were this year’s participants.

The public was invited and welcomed to try the chili flight, donate to the charity and voted for their top three teams.

The following are the standings of the competition:

  1. PTBOCanada - 123 points

  2. Team VanRahan - 90 points

  3. Darling Insurance - 58 points

  4. Peterborough Business + Social Club - 41 points

  5. Peterborough Humane Society - 39 points

  6. The Social Pub - 33 points

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Agave by Imperial Claims First Top Hot Chocolatier Title of DBIA's Inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest

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Agave by Imperial has been crowned the first-ever Top Hot Chocolatier after 10 days of fan voting during the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest competition announced on Wednesday.

Agave by Imperial opened back in early December last year owned by cousins and partners Manesh Chowdry and Jim Grover who also own The Imperial Tandoor on 554 Lansdowne St. W. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The winning entry from Agave was 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.

“We are so grateful to have won Top Hot Chocolatier with our authentic Mexican entry,” said Jennifer Gutierrez, Agave chef. “Chef Pablo Olvera and I worked on the recipe together and we are really proud of the recipe. In Mexico, hot chocolate is part of our culture, it's part of our everyday life. We love that this festival allowed us to bring a bit of Mexico to Peterborough.”

Hot Churro-late bested 13 other businesses with 14 other entries to claim the title. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

Agave has received a hot chocolate-themed trophy and bragging rights for the year as a reward for their efforts.

Milk + Tea was the runner-up with their Bubble Pudding Chocolate followed by The Speak Easy Café’s Breakfast of Chocolate.

The first annual Ptbo Hot Chocolate Fest featured 15 over-the-top hot chocolate creations, hand-crafted by downtown chocolatiers, bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Cocoa creations were available to the public for both dine-in and takeout.

The inaugural festival ran from Feb. 17 - 26 where chocolate lovers voted online for their favourite creations by 14 businesses totalling 15 entries.  There were more than 1,000 votes cast during the 10 days of competition.

“Over the span of just 10 days our Hot Chocolate Trail map surpassed 11k views,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager.” The success of our very first Ptbo Hot Chocolate Fest lies heavily on the imagination and passion of our Hot Chocolatiers.”

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

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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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Peterborough’s Got Talent Event in Support of Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

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Kawartha Home and Health Care Services announces Peterborough’s Got Talent event in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada on April 21.

photo courtesy of Kawartha Home and Health Care Services.

The talent competition begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. at the Erben Bar and Eatery (379 George Street N). Tiffany Arcari will be the local guest emcee alongside a panel of three judges from the community.

The talent competition is divided into two categories; a youth competition for contestants 18 and younger, and the adult competition for participants 19 and older.

Participants will have an approximately 15 minutes to showcase their talent. Musicians, performers, comedians and local talented individuals are all invited to join the competition and create an amazing community event supporting MS Canada. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finalists in the youth and adult categories.

Patti Clancy, owner of Kawartha Home & Health Care Services discusses the inspiration for the event, “Our organization is always searching for ways we can better enrich the community that we’re a part of, and we are looking forward to working more closely with MS Canada on this new and exciting event. Drawing more attention to a wonderful cause and very much hoping we can make Peterborough’s Got Talent an annual celebration.”

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services is requesting the door cover be a monetary donation or “pay what you can”, and the event will include a 50/50 draw and door prizes with all proceeds going to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services is currently seeking applicants for the talent showcase in both the youth and adult categories. Registration forms can be requested online or by contacting the Kawartha Home & Health Care Services office by phone or in person at 320 Water St., Unit #72 between office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

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‘The Meaning of Home’ National Student Writing Contest Returns in Support of Local Habitat for Humanity Organizations

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Local elementary students Grades 4, 5 and 6 will have the opportunity to share what home means to them in ‘The Meaning of Home’ national writing contest to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

Founded by Sagen, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2 million to help local Habitats across Canada build decent and affordable housing since 2007.

Three grand prize winners will each receive a $30,000 grant to help a local Habitat for Humanity build a place to call home for a family in need of affordable housing. In addition, nine runners up will receive a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity. Winners will be announced by June.

As housing continues to be an important concern for all Canadians, it is children especially who understand how housing can provide their family with a place to study, pursue their dreams and build a better life. Every student who enters the contest will help Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region build safe and affordable homes, because every entry earns a $10 donation towards their local Habitat for Humanity.

“It is so wonderful to see the enthusiastic response each year from parents, teachers and especially the children who enter this contest and share what home means to them in their own words,” say Habitat for Humanity Canada president and CEO Julia Deans. “We know that having a safe and affordable place to call home helps people build better lives and stronger communities.”

Last year over 13,000 entries were received, the largest number of submissions Habitat Canada has ever received for this contest and raised over $311,000. From entries in 2020 and 2021, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region had 3 runner-up winners in grades 5 and 6 which lead to $30,000 in grants towards the 41-unit condo project on Leahy’s Lane in the City of Peterborough, along with a class pizza party and a tablet for the student winners.

“The Meaning of Home contest provides an opportunity to engage youth in discussions around the current state of housing, and to feel inspired about our next generation of leaders,” says Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region communications & donor services manager Jenn MacDonald. “Not only do students have a greater sense of appreciation for home, but they actively participate in giving back to their community. It’s truly a win-win!”

Submissions for this years contest are being accepted by mail or online from Jan. 9 until Feb. 24.

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Peterborough DBIA Announces Holiday Shopping Passport Grand Prize Draw Winner

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) announces Noah Sloan as the grand prize draw Holiday Shopping Passport winner on Tuesday.

photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Sloan’s completed Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn at the El (P) restaurant on George Street in downtown Peterborough on Jan. 11.

The winning passport came from Iceman Video Games, where Sloan purchased a new gaming console. The $1,500 Boro gift card grand prize was awarded by Iceman Video Games Store Manager Holly Butler on Jan. 14.

“I still can’t believe I won, it’s surreal. I think now more than ever, it’s important to support small businesses with the economy the way it is,” said Sloan. “I really appreciate our downtown and love that I can bring my dog along while shopping the stores. I’m still wrapping my head around winning and look forward to exploring all the new shops and restaurants with my gift card.”

The Holiday Shopping Passports ran from Nov. 14 to Jan. 11.

Throughout the program shoppers were rewarded with a passport stamp for every $10 they spent at a participating location. Each completed passport, or 20 stamps, was entered into a draw, including three early bird draws of $500 in Boro gift cards.

The Holiday Shopping Passport program generated just over 2.3 million dollars in local spending.

“What I love about this program is anyone can win when they shop downtown. Some past winners filled out dozens of passports while others complete just one,” says executive director of the Peterborough DBIA Terry Guiel.

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