The Great Benjamins Circus Performing at Peterborough Memorial Centre For One-Day Only on April 29

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Gravity-defying and high-flying acts of The Great Benjamins Circus are coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for a one-day-only performance on April 29 at 4:30 p.m. announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of The Great Benjamins Circus.

John and Jairo Davenport are third-generation circus performers that created the Great Benjamins Circus.

Acts such as clowns, acrobats, aerialists and daredevils from all over the world will entertain the audience of all ages during their 90-minute show.

An exclusive presale for PMC Scoop members runs online starting on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale to the public on Thursday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online, over the phone at 705-743-3561 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office.

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Photos: The Irish Spirit Returns in 20th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

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After a three-year hiatus, the 20th annual Peterborough St. Patrick’s Day Parade returned with former sports anchor and hometown boy Dan O’Toole as the Grand Marshall.

The following were voted by a panel of judges on the best floats in the parade in their category:

  • Best Family - The Shaughnessy Family

  • Best Walking - Lang Pioneer Village

  • Best Tribute to Ireland - Kawartha Home and Health Care Services and O'Doherty's (Tie)

  • Best Overall Float - Peterborough Irish Club

  • Best Band - Oakridge Band

  • Best Business - Doyle's Tree Service

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Douro's Longest-Running Irish Party Returns To St. Joseph's Parish Hall

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Douro is going to be green all over as the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is returning to the St. Joseph Parish Hall for music, food and children’s activities this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club.

Touted as the longest-running Irish party in Peterborough, the Irish Club’s celebration returns after a lengthy COVID-19 hiatus.

The event begins at 1 p.m., featuring musicians such as Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy, Fiddlestix, Roy Boyz and more.

Local band ‘The Patio Stones’ is performing from 7 - 11 p.m. for anyone who wants to get their dancing shoes on.

The day will also include activities for kids and Irish Soda bread for sale. A light dinner is available for purchase from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for Irish club members and $17 for non-members. Family passes (two adults and unlimited children) are $25 a member and $27 for non-members. Children under 12 are free admission. Tickets for only dancing (7 - 11 p.m.) are $10 for members or $12 for non-members.

For tickets contact Shelley Ryan (705) 875-5437 or purchase at the door.

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Road Closures In Place For St. Patrick's Day Parade On Sunday Afternoon

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Downtown road closures are in place for Sunday’s 20th St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Peterborough beginning at 12:30 p.m. announced by the City.

File photo.

The following road are being closed for the parade:

  • London Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

  • McDonnel Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

  • Murray Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

  • George Street from Parkhill Road West (south side of intersection) to Brock Street

A flag-raising event with the Peterborough Irish Canadian Club is being held at City Hall at 1 p.m. with the parade to follow at 2 p.m. It travels south on George Street at McDonnel Street. A rolling road closure will be in place along George Street from Brock Street to McGill Street during the parade and run. All road closures are expected to be over by 4 p.m according to the City.

No Parking signs will be posted along George Street prior to the parade. Parking in municipal lots and parking garages is free on weekends. The following is a recommended list of parking places:

  • King Street Parkade at 202 King St.

  • Simcoe Street parking garage at 190 Simcoe St.

  • Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St.

  • Reid Lot at 350 Reid St.

  • Surface lot at 365 Aylmer St.

  • Rehill Lot at 210 Wolfe St.

  • Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N.

  • Downie Lot at 336 Downie St.

The following transit routes will have detours in place during the closure period:

  • Route 2 Chemong

  • Route 4 Weller

  • Route 6 Sherbrooke

  • Route 7 Lansdowne

  • Community Bus 22 (Blue)

  • Community Bus 23 (Red)

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; March 10 - 12

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Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Here are things to do in Peterborough City and County from March 10 to 12!

 

Tyler Cochrane Performing at the Black Horse Pub!

Tyler Cochrane is bringing his ‘outlaw country’ to the Black Horse Pub. If you miss him Fridya, you can catch him at the Rolling Grape Vineyard on Sundya from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

When: Friday, Mar. 10, 10 p.m.

Where: Black Horse Pub

 

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour at the Peterborough Memorial Centre

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, will again bring the vivacious, energetic, and educational antics of global sensation Blippi to stages across North America, with a stop in Peterborough on March 10 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!

For Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, the character Blippi will be played by professional stage performers selected specifically for the stage show.

When: Friday Mar. 10, 5 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre

Tickets: Tickets are available online.

 

Family Movie Night at the Peterborough Public Library Featuring Babe

Friday nights just got a lot more fun! Stop by the Library for a family-friendly movie – they'll supply the popcorn, while supplies last.

March 10: Babe (G) - Interactive Movie Experience

A little pig with big dreams teaches himself to be a sheepdog in this marvelous fantasy based on Dick King-Smith's children's novel "The Sheep-Pig." Special for March Break: don't just watch this classic movie – be a part of it with our fun, interactive prompts and activities. (1995 94 min)

In the FOL Community Room

When: Mar. 10, 5 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Public Library

 

Erben Presents: Tripsonix/Highteens/Tapes in Motion

TRIPSONIX & TAPES IN MOTION with a new group out of Toronto called HIGHTEENS.

It will be an unforgettable night of Rock/Alternative Rock and lots of chart-topping original tunes.

When: Friday, Mar. 10, 9 p.m.

Where: Erben

Tickets: $10 at the door

 

Canvas Combat With Jason Wilkins

The Peterborough Arts Collective presents their first big event outside of the Jason Wilkins Factory: ‘Canvas Combat’ at Farmhill Weddings and Events March 11.

10 artists will be going head-to-head in three 30 minute rounds of live painting, and all pieces created during the event will be available during an auction post-battle. 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to the artists.

Tickets are $75 each (available online here) which includes a drink at the bar (or non-alcoholic beverage), personal charcuterie board (or vegan & vegetarian option) and travel to and from the venue by Pascal Bus Co., leaving from 188 Hunter St W. at 6:15 p.m.

If you’re interested in battling or showing your work at Canvas Combat, email: Nick@wilkinsartandcreative.com

When: Saturday, Mar. 11, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Where: Farmhill Weddings and Events

 

The AC/DC Show Canada

Take a ride on the rock ’n’ roll train through AC/DC’s incredible history of hits with the AC/DC Show – Canada at Showplace Performance Centre.

You’ll hear hits from both eras, Brian Johnson and (the late) Bon Scott as lead vocalist. The show is an authentic audio/visual recreation of the legendary Australian band. With the stacks of Marshall amplifiers and the grit of the mighty Gibson SG lead guitar, this musical tone is sure to capture your attention from the opening notes.  Performed by some of the most accomplished and passionate musicians, the featured performers take their roles to new heights.

When: Saturday, Mar. 11, 8 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre

Tickets: All seats are $55 and tickets can be purchased here.

 

Peterborough Seedy Sunday at Peterborough Square

Peterborough Seedy Sunday is the perfect place to get inspired for spring. Come out to get all the knowledge, tools and resources needed to get growing this season including:

  • Incredible diversity of vegetables, flowers, herb seeds available for sale

  • Community Groups showcasing the great work they do locally

  • Informative hands-on workshops

  • Popular Seed Exchange Area where you can trade seeds with other gardeners

When: Sunday, Mar. 12, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Square

 

20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Prior to the parade, a raising of the Irish flag at City Hall will occur at 1 p.m. in honour of Irish week.

When: Sunday Mar. 12, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: City Hall

 

Foley's Irish Pub

Foley's Irish Pub is an annual kitchen party that takes place in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace. Join Storyteller Hugh Foley and musicians Theresa Foley, Sheila Prophet, Norma Curtis, Fiddling Jay Edmunds, Ron Kervin and Glen Caradus as well as special guests. Tap your toes, sing along, laugh and enjoy your favourite beverage as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day together.

Event times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 12. Adult tickets are $20 and student tickets are $10, which can be purchased

When: Sunday Mar. 12, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online.

 

St. Patrick’s Day at Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews

Join Dr. J’s right after the parade this Sunday! At 4 p.m. for free hot chocolate with the purchase of food! And the amazing music! Family at Paddy’s Dday practice run!

When: Sunday Mar. 12, 4 p.m

Where: Dr J’s BBQ & Brews

SPARK Photo Festival Announces 10 Year Anniversary Fundraiser Event

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In celebration of photography and the mission to support emerging artists and long-time photographers alike, SPARK Photo Festival is hosting a Pub Night, Pop-Up Sale, Sneak Peek event on March 29 at The Publican House Brew Pub. 

photo courtesy of spark photo festival.

This April’s month-long festival boasts the voices and vision of more than 90 participating photographers as SPARK celebrates 10 years of the organization.

This event offers festival fans and photographers a chance to mix and mingle, shop prints with the SPARK-To-Go Pop-Up sale, sample appetizers and dive into a sneak peek of the over 25 2023 SPARK Photo Festival exhibits with art from over 100 photographers.

The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 294 Charlotte St.

Funds raised will be used for the SPARK mission to provide workshop supplies, exhibit materials, signage and festival maps to bring this free-to-visit arts festival to the community. 

Tickets: $50 per person, which includes appetizers (cash bar available). For more event information, or tickets, visit the website.

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Ten Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Mar. 3 - 5

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Here are 10 things to do in Peterborough City and County from March 3 to 5!

 

Check out the First Friday Art Crawl!

First Friday Peterborough downtown monthly art crawl allows participants to experience the City’s art, music and food scene, while supporting local artists and taking in some city sights all at once. FFPTBO is dedicated to showcasing the immense artistic and musical talent in the Peterborough community. The art crawl is a self-guided tour of downtown galleries, studios, shops, and cafés that takes place on the first Friday of every month.

When: Friday Mar. 3, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: Downtown Peterborough

 

The Rolling Stones Tribute Band at Showplace

The Rolling Stones Tribute with special guests the UK Invasion Tribute team up for this incredible double-header performance!  This 12-person troupe will recreate some of the most iconic Rolling Stones live performances ever.  You can expect hits like Satisfaction, Paint It Black, Jumpin' Jack Flash and so much more! The U.K. Invasion brings you amazing performances by various British bands including Fleetwood Mac, Phil Collins and The Beatles. Horns, keys, sizzling guitars, along with lush vocal harmonies will make this a night to remember.

When: Friday Mar. 3, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N, Peterborough)

Tickets: Available online.

 

The Peterborough Theatre Guild presents Gibson and Sons

Directed by Jerry Allen and produced by Pat Hooper, this comedy performance stars Luke Foster, Dan Smith, Lyndele Gauci, Jade O'Keeffe, Brian McIntosh, Bethany Heemskerk and Sheila Charleton.

The cast and crew work together to tell Kristen Da Silva’s story of Harry Gibson, who helps his father run the family business (a struggling small-town funeral home) through he sees it beginning to interfere with his love life. Missing his recently departed mother, and hungry for companionship and the chance at having his own family, he secretly turns to an unconventional method of meeting a woman: an online Russian bride service. When his bride Katya and her acerbic older sister Eva arrive on Canadian soil, the sisters are plunged into culture shock while the Gibson family is thrown into a tailspin.

When: Mar. 3, 4, 7:30 p.m. Mar. 5, 2 p.m. (matinee performance)

Where: The Peterborough Theatre Guild (364 Rogers St., Peterborough)

Tickets: $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $15 for students and can be purchased online.

 

Parents Night Off: Easter bunny pottery craft at The Art School of Peterborough

Enjoy an evening out while your child(ren) enjoy the evening at The Art School of Peterborough. The evening will entail 1.5 hr of an art project, followed by a movie (Hop) and popcorn on location. This lines up with the PTBO First Friday Art Crawl if parents wish to explore the local art community or enjoy a night downtown.

When: Friday Mar. 3, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Where: The Art School of Peterborough (174A Charlotte St., Peterborough)

Tickets: $45, members $40.50, available online.

 

Enjoy Brews & Brunch at McThirsty’s Pint

Join McThirsty’s for the first ever Breakfast Club event!

Enjoy Cam Green's Pop-Up Brunch Menu from 11 a.m-3 p.m. Breakfast Club beers from 16 participating breweries, all making their favourite breakfast inspired beers. No tickets, just show up and enjoy!

When: Saturday Mar. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: McThirsty’s Pint (166 Charlotte St., Peterborough)

 

Check out the Kawartha Rock & Fossil Club’s Annual Show!

The 28th annual Peterborough gem, mineral and fossil two-day show is happening at the Healthy Planet Arena!

The Club Event is taking place at the formerly-known Evinrude Centre with minerals, fossils, rocks, crystals, meteorites, gemstones, equipment, books, faceted stones, gemstone jewelry, beads and more.

A large display area is featured with mineral and fossil displays from members of the Kawartha Club and prominent Ontario collectors. Each day there will be silent auctions.

When: Saturday Mar. 4, Sunday Mar, 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Where: Healthy Planet Arena (911 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough)

Tickets: $5 and children under 12 are free.

 

Winter Fun Day at Lakefield College School

Experience some Canadian Winter fun with LCS! Enjoy outdoor winter activities including snowshoeing/walking in forested trails, tobogganing, roasting s'mores over a campfire, broomball on the outdoor rink and making maple taffy with homegrown maple syrup. No previous experience is needed, and all equipment is provided.

When: Saturday, Mar. 4, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield)

 

Inclusive Sport and Recreation Expo

This free event intends to bring together community sport and recreation organizations to highlight and promote inclusiveness and encourage participation for people of all abilities. It will provide children and their families an opportunity to learn more about the resources available and the inclusivity in sport and recreation through demonstrations and peer engagement. It will also be an opportunity for local groups to promote their organizations and showcase their inclusive programs to potential participants.

When: Saturday Mar. 4, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

Where: The Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre located (775 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)

 

Pick Up Some Produce At The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market!

Visit the 100+ vendor market 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.

As producers of local food and crafts, the Peterborough Farmers’ Market stresses freshness, quality and value as they deal each and every week with market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.

When: Saturday Mar. 4, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park (151 Lansdowne St. W, Peterborough)

 

Jam out with the Receivers at The Black Horse Pub

Local fiddler Irish Millie has joined Ottawa-area sisters Fern and Willow and are performing at The Black Horse as The Receivers!

When: Sunday Mar. 5, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Where: Black Horse Pub (452 George St. N, Peterborough)

‘Full of the Blarney’ Songs and Storytelling St. Patrick’s Day Event With Megan Murphy and Kate Suhr

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Shake the winter blues and embrace the St. Paddy’s Day green with an original show of Irish themed stories and songs from storyteller Megan Murphy and singer/songwriter Kate Suhr on March 17 at the Showplace Performance Centre.

photo courtesy of the verandah society.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with two shows in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Suhr and Murphy will be joined by fiddlers Melissa Payne and Saskia Tomkins for the event, presented by The Verandah Society.

Tickets are $39 adults and $25 for youth, available online or by calling the box office.

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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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Kawartha Downs Announces New General Manager and Future Event Details

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The ownership and management of Kawartha Downs has introduced the new full-time general manager of Kawartha Downs Daniel D’Ercole at a press conference on Tuesday.

new general manager Daniel D’Ercole. Photo by Felicia Massey.

A Southern Ontario native, D’Ercole brings a strong education in Human Resources, Sports, Entertainment and Marketing that is bolstered by an MBA from Schulich School of Business. Over the last six years, D’Ercole has honed his skills in finance consulting, brand development, customer satisfaction and marketing strategy in a variety of roles.

He has a particular love of sports, notably hockey, and had an impressive career in the Ontario Junior Hockey League before shifting his focus to the business of entertainment.

This summer, Kawartha Downs Events plans to surpass expectations set by last year’s groundbreaking season as a premier event and entertainment centre. On May 20, Kawartha Downs will host its annual opening day celebration. The Lions Club classic car show will begin in the morning of opening day, kids activities in the afternoon and multiple bands will perform before harness racing post time of 7 p.m. The monster truck show June 3-4 will be the largest in the area.

“2022 was a record-breaker for Kawartha Downs and the surrounding community, and we are very proud of our last summer’s events,” said Richard Weldon, president of Kawartha Downs. “We got straight to work planning an evening bigger, more exciting season in 2023.”

The Country Music Festival on Canada Day Weekend has been highly anticipated by locals, and the entire artist lineup will be announced in the near future.

Recently details for the first ever Kawartha County Fair have been solidified. The fair will be a multiple day event consisting of your classic midway experience, a huge tractor pull, demolition derby and a concert featuring at least four local bands and a headliner. Kawartha Downs’ signature fireworks show will be put on every night of the fair.

“It is evident how tight-knit the surrounding community is with Kawartha Downs, and I plan on strengthening that relationship,” says D’Ercole. “As general manger, my priority is to implement strategic initiatives that will create a connection with people and businesses, and a connection to this community.”

“I know this venue has the potential to host some of Ontario’s largest events, and it is my goal to make Kawartha Downs one of the most successful destinations for entertainment in Ontario,” he continued.

For more information visit the website.

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