Douro Reunites For Canada Day Celebrations After Two Year Hiatus

The Township of Douro-Dummer will host their annual Canada Day celebration, after a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, on July 1 at 2:30 p.m.

Douro Canada Day Parade 2017. Photo courtesy of Rita Maloney.

“After a two-year hiatus we are excited to bring the community back together again to celebrate as a community,” said Julie Chatten, one of the organizers of this year’s event. “We are eager to reconnect with our friends and neighbours.”

The theme for this years celebration is ‘Re-United’.

“Re-United, means so much,” said Councillor Heather Watson, also on the organizing committee. “With so many issues dividing us as a nation and as a community in recent years, Canada Day is a reminder of what it means to be Canadian.”

The parade route begins on the Douro Fourth Line Road at County Road 4 and will head south ending in the Hamlet of Douro at County Road 8. Entries of walkers and floats are asked to assemble at 2:00 p.m. at County Road 4 and Douro Fourth Line Road.

Parade entries are welcome and can take any form but are requested to register.

Information about the parade will be available at Facebook.com/DouroCanadaDayParade and on the Township website.

For additional information, please contact Councillor Heather Watson 705-930-8037, Alyssa Heffernan 705-931-5977 or Julie Chatten 705-559-5296.

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.

'100 Days Out' Celebration Planned For Ontario 55+ Summer Games In Peterborough

To celebrate the start of the Peterborough 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games in August, A “100 Days Out” celebration will take place on May 2 at the Silver Bean Café.

The event will generate momentum and build excitement for the Games, which take place August 9 to 11 throughout the City and County of Peterborough, as well as promote a call for volunteers who would like to support the Games.

Organized by the Games Organizing Committee, the event will be attended by local dignitaries and PACHI the mascot of the Ontario Games, and include speeches from Mayor Diane Therrien, County Deputy Warden Andy Mitchell, Games Organizing Committee Chair Fred Batley and Downtown Business Improvement Area Executive Director Terry Guiel.

"The Downtown Business Improvement Area is thrilled to be partnering with the City of Peterborough for the Ontario 55+ Summer Games”, said Guiel. “Our historically charming downtown is filled with the kind of unique dining and shopping experiences that the visiting athletes will most certainly enjoy. We can't wait to show off our entertainment district and the vibrant patios this summer. Of course, we are looking forward to the games bringing a much-needed economic boost to our downtown businesses."

The 100 Days Out event will take place from 5 to 6 p.m., on May 2, at the Silver Bean Café, 130 King St., inside Millennium Park, and feature live music performed by local musicians. Refreshments will also be available.

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.

City Celebrates National Youth Week With Free Events From May 1-7

National Youth Week events will be hosted throughout Peterborough during the week of May 1 to 7.

Stock Photo.

These events are organized in partnership between the City of Peterborough, Otonabee Conservation, Council for Persons with Disabilities, the New Canadians Centre, and the Camp Kawartha Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship, and open to youth between the ages of 13 and 19 years old

“This weeklong calendar of events is organized by young people in our community for the young people in our community,” said Councillor Kemi Akapo, chair of the City’s youth portfolio. “I’m proud of the Youth Council for their efforts putting this together. Along the way they gained new skills and built new relationships. National Youth Week is a win-win for our local youth.”

Events include a community clean up at Jacksons Park, free swim at the Wellness Centre, a food festival at the New Canadians Centre, a Murder Mystery at Peterborough Museum and Archives, and many more.

A full schedule of events is online at peterborough.ca/youthweek.

Peterborough’s events for National Youth Week will be featured on social media @downtownyouthspace on Instagram and Tik Tok. Participants can tag @downtownyouthspace and use the hashtag #NYW2022 when sharing pictures of themselves enjoying the events.

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.

40th Annual Buckhorn Spring Craft Show Back In Person After COVID Hiatus

The 40th Annual Buckhorn Spring Craft Show will take place May 21 - 22 at the Buckhorn Community Centre (BCC), after being held online throughout the COVID pandemic.

File Photo.

The show will showcase a line-up of more than 60 selected, local makers that create works ranging from artisanal soaps and body care, to pottery, stained glass art, home decor, handmade furniture, jewelry and more.

“We are very excited to welcome the community back to the Buckhorn Spring Craft Show. Our artisans have been working diligently to bring you some gorgeous handmade, one-of-a-kind items and they are thrilled to be able to share their work,” said Jocelynn Vieira, craft show director at the BCC.

In addition to craft vendors, the show will feature a variety of food vendors offering everything from strudels, to gourmet hot sauce, to handcrafted popcorn and more. Visitors will also be able to enjoy BBQ foods, soups and desserts prepared by BCC kitchen volunteers.

“It takes a village to bring this show to our community, we are very fortunate to have a passionate community that embraces our artisans and works to make all of our events so successful,” said Viera.

Admission is $5 per person at the door. Children 12 and under are free. There is also free parking and free shuttle service for guests.

Visit www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com for more information.

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.

76th Annual Kiwanis Music Festival To Take Place This week

The 76th annual Kiwanis Music Festival will run in Peterborough from Monday to Friday.

Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Music Festival.

Competitions will be at Park Street Baptist Church at 16 Park St. N. and Cephas Reform Church at 220 Goodfellow Rd. Spoken art events will be held at long & McQuade (129 Aylmer St. N.).

All events are open to the public. There is no admission fee, though donations at the door are encouraged.

Competitions take place Mon - Fri from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For a full schedule visit peterborough.kiwanismusicfestival.com.

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.

First Ever Tackle Swap And Fishing Show Is Making A Splash At The Morrow Building

The first annual Peterborough Tackle Swap and Fishing Show is coming to The Morrow building at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Matt Pezzetta, an accomplished tournament angler in a Canada and in the USA, will emcee the event. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Tackle Swap and Fishing Show.

The show has existed for eight years in Bowmanville, but quickly outgrew the venue there and is coming to Peterborough to expand.

Initially they were set for 2020 but the COVID pandemic put an end to it before it could start.

“This has been two years in the making now,” said Kyle Carruthers, show organizer. “This will be bigger and better than anything we’ve ever done in Bowmanville. We’ve got more space, more experience and such high quality vendors.”

Carruthers, who works in the outdoor industry, says Peterborough is the perfect town to host this event in, as the city is surrounded by beautiful lakes and rivers prime for anglers.

Visitors to the show can expect to see used fishing tackle and gear being sold by vendors, big vendors like Shimano, and local companies like Musky maniacs, Lucky Strike Bait Works and Pro Tackle PTBO.

Admission is $10 (cash only) at the door and will get you entered into a draw to win a Garmin Fish Finder. Visitors are invited to bring a donation to the food bank, which will get them a second entry to the draw.

Children under 12 will get in for free, as well as a free bait or lure courtesy of Lucky Strike and Berkley.

There will also be an opportunity to enter a raffle in support of breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at PRHC with the Peterborough Dragon Boat festival.

“It will have a small town feel to it, we’re trying to support the community,” said Carruthers. “Fisherman and anglers respect the conservation side of the waters while giving back when we can.”

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.

Monster Spectacular To Roar Into The Memorial Centre This June

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 will perform at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 4 and 5.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Fans will get the opportunity to see some of the biggest, baddest monster trucks on the circuit. Drivers will compete in high octane side by side racing, freestyle competitions and unique driver skill contests.

Driving will be some of the world’s most popular monster trucks, including Bounty Hunter, Red Baron and more. oining this year’s lineup of monster trucks will also be fast, family-friendly events such as lawnmower races and Motorcross.

Tickets are on sale starting Friday, March 11th at 10 a.m. online at www.memorialcentre.ca, over the phone at 705-743-3561 on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The Box Office is open for in-person sales from Wednesdays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Prices range from $36.30 to $75 plus tax. This show is not recommended for children under 2.

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.

Electric City Culture Council Highlights Events Supporting Black Creators During Black History Month

To mark Black History Month, Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has put together a list of resources to help honour and inform about the legacy of Black Canadians, to support Black causes and Black creators, and to celebrate some of the art being created by Black artists in Peterborough and across Canada.

The founder of the Black Lives Matter movement presence in Canada and Black Lives Matter – Toronto, Sandy Hudson. Hudson will speak at The Trent Student Centre on Friday.

Below are links to events happening in Peterborough to commemorate Black History month, compiled by EC3:

Celebrating Black Joy with Sandy Hudson, founder of BLM Canada. At the Trent Student Centre, hosted by the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) and Black Student Support.
Feb. 18; 12 p.m.

Adult Book Club discusses Gutter Child by Jael Richardson. Presented by the Peterborough Public Library.
Feb. 22, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Diversity & Allyship in the Conservation and Environmental Industry. Live virtual panel discussion, Fleming College.
Feb. 24, 12 - 1 p.m.

Journey to Justice - Film Discussion. Hosted by the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough, via Zoom
Feb. 25, 7 - 8 p.m.

3rd Annual Black History Month Blowout. Held by Black Lives Matter Nogojiwanong (OPIRG).
Feb. 26, details TBA

Local black creators highlighted include:

Black Girls Chatter. Podcast featuring "just a couple of black girls keeping the conversation going.”

Borderless Records. Peterborough-Nogojiwanong based DIY label and collective.

Local collections and organizations include:

Community Race Relations Committee Peterborough. A resource hub for educators, employers, students, youth, and anyone looking for info on race, anti-racism, and anti-discrimination.

Black Lives Matter (BLM) - Nogojiwanong Chapter, in partnership with OPIRG.

Peterborough Public Library presents reading lists, events and more for Black History Month.

Trent Arthur Newspaper has published a series of articles throughout Black History Month, including "The erasure of Canada's racism in public school curricula" by Alicia McLeod; "Canada, the land of equality, diversity, and racism" by Sutton Hanna; and "No black educators" by Shaela McLeod.

EC3 also highlighted films and books that highlight black writers, directors, actors and creatives:

To read:
Borderless Discussions w/ Muna & Sahira Q. A late night roundtable discussion about gender, race, art, performance, community, intersectionality, and so much more. Part of the 2021 Borderless Music & Arts Festival in Peterborough.

Subjects of Desire. (2021). Jennifer Holness, Canada, 103 minutes.

The Porter. TV series (2022-), premiering on CBC Television February 21, 2022.

Learn to Swim (2021), Thyrone Tommy, Canada, 90 minutes.

Bringing Overlooked Canadian Black History to the Fore. The Agenda with Steve Paikin, TVO, February 7, 2022.

To read:
Black Lives Matter Reading List. From the Peterborough Public Library.

Dr. Afua Cooper. Speaker, scholar, historian, author, poet, performer, and social and cultural commentator. Published works include: Black Writers Matter; Dear Canada: Hoping for Home; A Fluid Frontier: Slavery, Resistance, and the Underground Railroad in the Detroit River Borderland; The Hanging of Angélique: the untold story of Canadian slavery and the burning of old Montréal

The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Toronto!. Adrienne Shadd, Afua Cooper, Karolyn Smardz Frost, Dundurn Press, 2009.

Beauty in a Box: Detangling the Roots of Canada’s Black Beauty Culture. Cheryl Thompson, Wilfred Laurier University Press, 2018.

Inspired by Black Lives Matter, over 40 Canadian artists record Freedom Marching. Rebecca Zandbergen, CBC News (web article), February 9, 2022.

Gutter Child: A Novel. Jael Richardson, HarperCollins, 2021.

Black Writers - A Reading List. Published by the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia.

So Since I’m Still Here Livin’: A YouTube Reader. Ed. Kelly Xio, Domain, 2021.

Sisters of the Yam: black women and self-recovery. bell hooks, South End Press, 1994.

Talking Back | thinking feminist, thinking black. bell hooks, Between the Lines, 1989.

Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement. Angela Y. Davis, Haymarket Books, 2016.

How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective. Keeyanga Yamahtta Taylor, Haymarket Books, 2017.

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.

Trent University to Hold 46th Annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering Virtually

A virtual gathering for the 46th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering for reconciliation through storytelling held by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University from Friday to Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering is an important annual event that connects students, community members and Elders,” says Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, FPHL director. “This year’s theme focuses on Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth, which seeks to honour the voices, histories, and narratives of all our nations through sharing stories and teachings from Elders and knowledge holders.”

Each year, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering offers an opportunity for attendees to share in Indigenous knowledge through workshops, presentations, and performances.

This year’s gathering features keynote addresses from National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Dr. Niigan Sinclair, Sylvia Maracle and Rick Hill, as well as an inspiring line-up of Elders and traditional knowledge keepers sharing their stories throughout the event.

Special for 2022, the three-day conference features an all-new Youth Panel featuring Shina Novalinga, Notorious Cree, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb, and Autumn Cooper discussing how Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth and social change are possible through education via digital and social media content creation.

Indigenous Insights, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering pre-conference will be held virtually on Fri. at 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in collaboration with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. T

his year’s event, Aging with Grace, is sponsored by the Provost’s Lecture Series for Reconciliation, featuring keynote speaker Cliff Whetung from Curve Lake First Nation and a panel discussion with Professor Emeritus Shirley Williams, Dr. Dan Longboat, and M.A. candidate Janette Corston to discuss their experiences combined with Cliff’s research.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Advanced registration for Indigenous Insights and the Elders Gathering is required.

Highlights of this year’s virtual events are listed below. Visit the Elders Gathering website to register and view the full schedule of speakers, workshops and presentations.

Pre-conference Indigenous Insights: Aging with Grace
Fri., Feb. 11, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• Keynote Address: Cliff Whetung, New York University’s Silver School of Social Work

• Panel featuring: Dan Longboat, Shirley Williams, Janette Corston and Cliff Whetung

Day One: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Fri., Feb. 11, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Elders Opening Prayer: Elder Doug Williams and Elder Shirley Williams

• Chief Welcome Addresses: Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations

• Open Comments: Metis Nation Ontario, Trent University, City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, House of Commons and the Provincial Parliament of Ontario

• Keynote Address: National Chief RoseAnne Archibald

• Keynote Presentation: Dr. Niigaan Sinclair

• Simultaneous Panels: Two Spirit and Women in Leadership Panel

• Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel

Day Two: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sat. Feb. 12, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Keynote Address: Sylvia Maracle

• Simultaneous Workshops:

  • Metis Finger Weaving and Inuit Throat Singing & Cultural Reclamation Urban Settings

  • Language & Drumming and Native Women’s Association

• Youth Panel: Notorious Cree, Shina Novalinga, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb and Autumn Cooper

• Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel

Day Three: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sun., Feb. 13, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Keynote Address: Rick Hill

• Closing Words, Gratitude and Prayers: Elders, Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies and FPHL

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.

Local Entrepreneur To Open This Weekend's PolarFest With a Bang

As PolarFest begins its three-day event this weekend, Adam Brown, Chemong Lodge owner will have his business kick off the opening ceremonies with a fireworks display on Friday night.

Adam Brown, Chemong Lodge owner (left) with Charlie “Woodchuck” Andolek (right) with one of several ice sculptures. The pictured sculpture is incomplete but is a three-dimensional hockey goalie. Photo by Kirtus Evoy.

The event will run from Fri. to Sun. in several townships such as Selwyn, Lakefield and Bridgenorth. Scheduled events include a candlelight skate, ice sculpture show, pancake breakfast and a spaghetti dinner.

"It's an exciting weekend in the fact in the timing of some restrictions being lifted and that we're able to kick on with PolarFest," said Brown. "It's all the great things we can do outdoors and in our within our community and an opportunity to encourage people to get out."

The Lodge will have free coffee, hot chocolate and some treats available during the opening festivities. The fireworks are done by Supernova Fireworks.

The following is a list of events for PolarFest:

Friday

• 7:30 p.m. - Outdoor Opening Ceremony - Chemong Lodge (764 Hunter St. Bridgenorth) - Kick off PolarFest lakeside with a fireworks show by Supernova Fireworks

• 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Skate (Ticketed Event) - Ontario Speed Skating Oval (3358 Lakefield Rd. Lakefield) - Hundreds of lights will guide your way around the Oval! Register for your time slot by visiting ontariospeedskatingoval.com

Saturday

• All Day - Ice Sculpture Show - Cenotaph Park (Bridge St. and Water St. Lakefield) Cenotaph Park will sparkle with exquisite ice sculptures by talented sculptors.

• All Day - Ice People Ice Sculptures - Heritage Park (804 Ward St. Bridgenorth) Using ice from Chemong Lake, The Ice People will fill the park with ice sculptures.

• 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. - Drive-Thru Pancake Breakfast - Causeway Christian Assembly (1307 Yankee Line, Ennismore) - FREE

• Noon to 3:00 p.m. - Nordic Day - Ontario Speed Skating Oval - Stop by Adventure Outfitters (1828 8th Line, Lakefield) to grab your equipment, head to the Oval and enjoy the trail groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

• 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Drive-Thru Spaghetti Dinner - Bridgenorth United Church (832 Charles St. Bridgenorth) - Adults: $12 / Children 7 and under: $7

• 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Skate (Ticketed Event) - Hundreds of lights will guide your way around the Oval! Register for your time slot by visiting ontariospeedskatingoval.com.

Sunday

• All Day - Ice People Ice Sculptures - Heritage Park (804 Ward St. Bridgenorth) Using ice from Chemong Lake, The Ice People will fill the park with ice sculptures.

For a full schedule of events and details, click here.

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.