Canada Day Parade Is Back On the Streets After a Two-Year Hiatus

With last year celebrated “at home” and 2020’s being cancelled, the annual Canada Day Parade toured through George Street with 20 different organizations leading the charge on Friday.

The parade began at Confederation Square Park and City Hall and ended at Morrow Park. The parade’s theme was “Together Again” in reference to the parade being in-person after being postponed for two years.

Pre-parade activities included the bike decorating contest, Canada Day tattoos and flags. The Electric City Swing band sang “O Canada” prior to the parade.

A “Happy Birthday Canada” cake at City Hall was featured and given out to anyone in attendance.

Groups such as the Lions Club, Peterborough Petes, Peterborough Paramedics, Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough Century 21 Lakers and more took part in the return to the nation’s festivities.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

New Canadians Centre Launches Inaugural Week-Long Canadian Multiculturalism Festival

In honour of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, the New Canadians Centre (NCC) is organizing a week-long inaugural Canadian Multiculturalism Festival in Peterborough beginning Monday to June 27 announced Wednesday morning.

(from left to right) Andy Cragg, NCC executive director; Zebiba Sultan; Brisham Ramoutar, NCC communications and community engagement specialist and Hilary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager. Flood samples Ethiopian cuisine made by Sultan. The vegetarian dish contains red lentils, split peas, beets and a salad atop a large piece of injera (Ethiopian sour flatbread).

The festival aims to display multiculturalism within Peterborough through performance, storytelling, film and food.

“Celebrating multiculturalism in Peterborough creates community and helps people to feel like they belong,” says Andy Cragg, Executive Director. “We are proud to showcase the richness of experience in our community. It’s an underappreciated and unrecognized day in Canada.”

A food crawl with six downtown restaurants can earn you tickets towards Boro gift cards. Every $10 you spent from June 20 - July 1, gets anyone a stamp towards a Multicultural Food Passport. Collecting six earns a draw for the gift cards and participants do not have to visit all six restaurants to earn an entry.

Stamps and passports are available at the NCC or the following restaurants:

• Curry Mantra

• Levantine Grill

• Hanoi House

• Real Thai Cuisine

• Dirty Burger

• Milk + Tea

“Downtown Peterborough is a culinary hotspot for multicultural cuisine in the region,” said Hillary Flood, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area communications and marketing manager. “We are so excited to be partnering with the New Canadians Centre for the Canadian Multiculturalism Festival to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions of our international cuisine and newcomer-owned restaurants and how they have shaped our culinary fabric downtown."

The following is a list of events occurring throughout the week:

Flavours of the World Sampling Day

All six restaurant will offer free samples of their food on June 25 between noon and 7 p.m.

Try It Series

The community can get their feet wet and participate in music, dance, cooking and sports from across the world:

• Indian Spices - Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the NCC

• Peruvian Flower Making - Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the NCC

• Taekwondo - Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at King Edward Park

• Ethiopian Cooking - June 23, 6 p.m. via Zoom with Zebiba Sultan (ingredient kits can be obtained at the NCC from Monday to next Wednesday)

• Zumba - June 24, 6 p.m. at the Silver Bean Patio (Millennium Park) by Dianely Hernandez

Anyone can register online at the NCC website to participate.

Cultural Fusions Video Series

Films are showcased to Dancers and musicians’ craft and culture with two films, “The Story Won’t Die + The Magic of Beginnings” and The Magic of Beginnings.

The former is about a Syrian rapper, tortured by Bashar Al-Assad for his lyrics, who uses his music to survive one of our century's deadliest wars.

The story of revolution and exile in a new documentary reflects a global battle for peace, justice and freedom of expression.

The Magic of Beginnings is about a local English-as-a-second-language teacher that learns Arabic to make the newcomers in her class feel at home.

Anyone can register online from the NCC’s website for a link to view the films online for free between Monday and June 27.

Building A Home Book Reading & Activities

On June 26 at 2 p.m., author & illustrator Casandra Lee will read her children’s book “Building A Home” followed by some creative art-based activities for children and families.

The book is about six children from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and Pakistan who are now living, playing, and going to school in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough. The book was commissioned and published by the New Canadians Centre.

Multiculturalism Panel

The final da features a Canadian Multiculturalism Festival event at a panel discussion with Trent Professors Mohmin Rahman and Feyzi Baban and Cragg.

Discussions include immigration in Canada, local responses to immigration and perspectives on multiculturalism in Canada and Europe.

Each year, the NCC supports over 1000 clients hailing from over 100 countries and speaking more than 70 different languages. In 2021, the NCC saw a record-breaking number of immigrants come to their facility according to Cragg.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

New Canadians Centre Holds Virtual Multicultural Day

New Canadians Centre is holding Canadian Multiculturalism Day to celebrate the contributions of the diverse cultures that make up Canada and its way of life on June 27 according to a press release.

Photo Courtesy of New Canadians Centre.

The virtual event features stories of our multiculturalism in Canada through performance, storytelling, film and food.

“We strive towards a multicultural society that celebrates the richness of diverse human cultures. When we celebrate diversity, we create community and we help all people to feel like they belong, to have hope, and to build confidence,” says Andy Cragg, Executive Director. “We know that people continue to be targeted for being different, made to feel unwelcome and excluded but we must counter this with hope and love, remaining confident that we can move forward in our pursuit of equity.”

Here is a preview of what to expect at the event:

Multicultural Showcase

Featuring new performances from the Ukti Centre for Movement & Arts, Irish Millie and Blue Wave Taekwondo, in addition to a rebroadcast of some favourite performances from past NCC festivals.

Stories from Our Community Radio-Podcast

Sharing the work of the Newcomer Radio Group, an NCC-Trent Radio project that has trained ten newcomers in the art of storytelling and audio production. Listen to their stories of home, transition, integration, and community on Trent Radio CFFF 92.7FM, www.trentradio.ca (broadcast time TBD) and online via podcasting platforms (Google, Apple, Spotify) on June 27.

“We are the Radical Monarchs” Film Screening

This free online screening, in partnership with ReFrame Film Festival, introduces you to the Radical Monarchs — an alternative to the Scout movement for girls of colour, aged 8-13 - and touches on important themes of representation, allyship, equity and youth leadership. Register at www.nccpeterborough.ca/multiculturalism-day for a link to view the film between June 27 and July 4.

#CookWithTheNCC – The Aromas & Flavours of the World

Aromas, flavours, ingredients, who we cook for and how we share our recipes tell the stories that shape us as a community.

Stories shared thus far: - Jessie Iriwanto shares a taste of Indonesian culture with her new home country of Canada - Newcomer Tuncay Alkan exemplifies Turkish hospitality by sharing his hummus recipe.

All performances will premiere on the NCC’s official website, Facebook page and Youtube channel.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Fleming College Hosts Digital Multicultural Showcase

In an effort to promote diversity, inclusion and integration, Fleming College will host its Multicultural Showcase - Virtual Edition as a celebration of world cultures on Mar 26. and 27.

Countries such as Brazil, India and Jamaica will be featured in this semester’s showcase. Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

The free event is open to all ages and participants do not have to be affiliated with Fleming to attend. It will feature games, music, dance, demonstrations and educational activities about other cultures in a virtual setting.

“The showcase’s focus has always been to give students a multicultural experience and understanding that they’re not alone in terms of culture,” said Cristina Sad, Fleming International Student Advisor. “But also to integrate them with the community.”

Guest stars will feature actor Linda Kash, — best known for her role as the Philly Cream Cheese Angel who will be doing an improv workshop — local musicians Sarah-Jayne Riley and Lorinda Frudd, friends Erin Blackstock & Joanna Van Ginkel and singer-songwriter Jemar Phoenix and Mike D. from The Hooch.

Linda Kash has made appearances in popular TV shows such as Seinfeld and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She has hosted the morning program CJWV-FM for Magic 96.7 FM in Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Friday will have pre-recorded sessions about Indigenous heritage, cultural displays and LGBT+ talks with their Student Administration Councils.

Saturday will feature interactive videos with trivia games, Taekwondo classes, world music and a household scavenger hunt.

The activities hosted are an outlet for students to help deal with school stress and isolation during these difficult times, and also connect with others, according to Sad.

“This virtual showcase is different as we want the showcase to support students with their mental health issues and promote well-being,” she said.

Participants are encouraged to discuss world music as well as joining in playing With the musicians. Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

The event was previously run as an in-person event every fall and winter semester. There are prizes for the trivia events and will require certain apps to be downloaded in order to participate.

Sad encourages everyone to participate to learn more about others since Peterborough is a multicultural society. She wants inclusivity to be a key part of the event.

“There is room for being in the company of others without being controlled or criticized,” said Sad. “It’s a safe space and they will really enjoy it.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

2019 Hootenanny On Hunter Street Lineup Includes Jonny Trash Super Group, Surprise Collective Of Local Musicians

The 9th Annual Hootenanny returns to Hunter Street August 10th with a diverse, exciting lineup including The Jonny Trash Super Group, a tribute to the late Jonathan Hall who started the festival. Hootenanny runs from noon to 11 p.m. on Hunter Street W. between George and Aylmer streets. Admission is free.

THE SCHEDULE & BANDS

• Paper Shakers at noon

• The Lohrwoods at 1:15 p.m.

• Dylan Ireland at 2:30 p.m.

• House of David Gang at 3:45 p.m.

• Crystal Shawanda at 5 p.m.

• Lindsay Barr at 6:15 p.m.

• Stacey Kay at 7:30 p.m.

• The Dreamboats at 8:45 p.m.

• The Jonny Trash Super Group at 10 p.m.

Stacey Kay and Jonathan Cullen performing at the Hootenanny on Hunter Street press event in Hunter Street alley. Stacey will be performing at the Hootenanny on August 10th

The Jonny Trash Super Group is a surprise collective of various musicians connected with the late Jonathan Hall. Known endearingly by his friends as Johnny Trash, this group will pay tribute to their friend who passed away suddenly earlier this year at the age of 44. 

"We were deeply saddened along with the entire community by the sudden passing of Jonathan Hall,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “Jon started the Hootenanny and organized it for seven years. On August 10th, you’ll see a hugely talented and dynamic performance from The Jonny Trash Super Group.”

"Jonny was all about getting stage time for local artists and bringing in bands from out of town that maybe you hadn't heard before,” says long-time friend Mike Judson. “Moving forward with this event, I think Jonny would love to see a continued effort being put into choosing great local artists to grace the Hunter Street stage. He'd want the organizers to take a chance on something weird and outside of the norm and give people an experience they were not expecting.”

For more, check out this video…

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

Tim Hortons Helping To Bring Youth & Community Together At Multicultural Canada Day In Peterborough

Each year, Mithila Ballal’s South Asian dancers look forward to performing at the Multicultural Canada Day Festival in Peterborough.

“The children love participating in this community-centred event,” says Ballal. “Dance provides young children with various benefits such as physical and cognitive development, social awareness and emotional maturity.”

Left to right: Dancers Shweta, Shreya, Calvin, and Prutha proudly wear their Tim Hortons Camp bracelets at New Canadians Centre

Through Bharathanatyam, the classical Indian form of dance the group will perform at the Multicultural Festival, Ballal says children are encouraged to express ideas which leads to a deeper understanding of their cultural background: “It builds their confidence and teaches them to empathize with people from other cultures as well," she says.

Presented by the New Canadians Centre (NCC) on Canada Day at Del Crary Park, the annual festival provides youth a great opportunity to perform in front of more than 10,000 people. “The event continues to grow and attract more performers, craft and food vendors every year,” says Yvonne Lai, Director of Community Development at the NCC.

“We are thrilled Tim Hortons is joining us as the Entertainment Sponsor for this year’s festival. Supporting youth to develop their talents, build skills and confidence is at the heart of our community development programs," adds Lai. "It’s wonderful to be working with Tim Hortons to encourage and empower youth to achieve success.”

From left to right: Tim Hortons store owners Chris Smith, Greg Blair, Erika Howe-Gallagher, Stu and Roberta Hubble; dancers Prutha, Calvin, Magna, Mithila, Shreya, Shweta and Nirupama

This family-friendly event celebrating community, diversity and inclusion runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Del Crary Park on Sunday, July 1st.

For more, click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

PTBOCanada Pics: Canadian Citizenship Ceremony Was A Beautiful Event

The Canadian Citizenship Ceremony had more than 40 people (representing 21 countries) take the Oath of Citizenship on Thursday (November 13th) at the Canadian Canoe Museum. It was a joyous occasion with high fives, hugs, smiles and laughter all around. Have a look at these photos we captured.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.

Peterborough Artsweek's Theatrical Journey In The Park

Peterborough Artsweek—which we are a media sponsor of—is a week long celebration of the arts and culture in the city that takes place during the second week of September. One of the presentations includes Atelier Ludmila's Baba Yaga and The Lost Babushka, a roving theatrical journey in the park with puppets that takes place Saturday, September 6th at 3 p.m. at the Little Stewart St. Park just south of Sherbrooke, and Sunday September 7th, 3 p.m. at Victoria Park on Water Street. Artistic Director is Laurel Paluck. See pics and more info below...

Under construction (photo via Laurel Paluck on Facebook)

Photo via Atelierludmila.com

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.

Sacred Water Circle Gathering At Trent University May 2nd to 4th

The Sacred Water Circle Gathering, a powerful convergence of First Nations leaders and wisdom keepers, takes place at Trent University from May 2nd to May 4th. This indigenous-led initiative will bring together scientists, industry, academia, water professionals, the faith community and the general public with Elders and Traditional Teachers from all over the Americas. The Gathering will honour the sacredness of the water with ceremonies both at Trent University and Kinomagewopkong (the Peterborough Petroglyphs), traditional Indigenous teachings, interactive dialogue, art exhibits, film screenings, vendors and the performing arts. The registration fee for the three-day event is on a pay-what-you-can basis, ranging from $200 to $300, which includes all events, activities, meals and refreshments. Full registration information can be found at Sacredwater.ca. You can also register in person by visiting the GreenUP Store at 378 Aylmer Street in Peterborough. Registration closes April 18th. More info in this poster below...

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.