Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Sets 2025 Fundraising Goal; Team Registration Opens Saturday

The 24th-annual Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival has set its 2025 fundraising goal of $260,018.01 for the PRHC Foundation and registration for the event opens this Saturday.

To date, the Festival has raised over 4.5 million dollars. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

Michelle Thornton, festival chair, explains the precise amount of this year’s fundraising goal.

“The two represents the two out of five Canadians who will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. The 60 is to bring attention to the PRHC Foundation’s 60 million dollar ‘ReImagine Health Care’ campaign that we are a part of,” she explained. “In keeping with our mandate of raising awareness about breast cancer, the 18 is for the one in eight women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and the 0.01 is the percentage of men who will also face a breast cancer diagnosis.”

“But most importantly, what’s raised here, stays here,” said Thornton. “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and if we keep paddling together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of family, friends and neighbours in our region, who are facing this rotten disease.”

The event is hosted by the Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team. It has fundraised for the PRHC Foundation since 2001.

Ann Stabler, Survivors Abreast team President, said they are proud of the outstanding community work the team has done since its inception in 1999. 

“We’ve always focussed on breast cancer awareness and raising funds for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre,” she explained. “We know firsthand the importance of the work the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation (PRHCF) does and their continuing mission to bring the best cancer care the world has to offer right here to our hospital.” 

“We’re excited to get back out on the water this June, paddling for a cause that has touched so many lives,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO. “As cancer volumes continue to rise in Peterborough and the surrounding area, it’s more important than ever to invest in state-of-the-art technology and equipment our regional hospital needs to care for our family, friends and neighbours. The support from Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival is absolutely vital to ensuring PRHC has the tools to provide world-class cancer care, close to home. We're so grateful for the Festival's commitment to cancer care and the Campaign for PRHC.”

This year’s event is back at Del Crary Park and features Dragon Boat Races, artisan and food vendors, a Family Fun Zone, a beer garden and more.

All pledges support the cause as the Festival is funded through local businesses and organizations.

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Snofest to Bring Winter Fun On Family Day Weekend

The City of Peterborough is putting on a weekend of winter fun, skating, stories and pancakes as Snofest returns, starting Friday until Monday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

“Snofest is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and embrace the magic of winter right here in Peterborough. On behalf of City Council, I encourage everyone to bundle up, join the fun, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Let’s celebrate the season and the spirit of our great city,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

Recycle Your Batteries Canada! is sponsoring the event and encourages residents to bring their used batteries to events for safe recycling.

Snofest begins Friday with a free family swim at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. There are tea and tabletop games for grown-ups at the McDonnel St. Activity Centre earlier in the day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Peterborough Museum and Archives and the Peterborough DBIA are at at Quaker Foods City Square for ice bubbles and Sno-ga (yoga in the snow) and a live DJ. Residents can also enjoy free public skating on the outdoor rink from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Peterborough Public Library has with Drag Story Time with Betty Baker at 10:15 a.m. and Crafternoon featuring Shibori-inspired paper snowflakes beginning at 1 p.m.

The Mayor’s annual Pancake Breakfast takes place Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join Mayor Leal and the East Peterborough Lion’s Club at the Sport and Wellness Centre for a complimentary plate of hot pancakes.

Residents can explore the Art Gallery of Peterborough and make their own Snofest Pete to take home during Snofest Family Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There are drop-in sports at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre on Monday beginning with pickleball at 6:15 a.m. 

New events this year include a pay-what-you-can Snofest Spaghetti Dinner hosted by the East Peterborough Lion’s Club and Young Adults of Peterborough Lion’s Club at the McDonnel St. Activity Centre on Saturday beginning at 6p.m. A Snofest Family Skate, sponsored by Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, takes place Monday, February 17 at the Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St., from 12 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

“The City of Peterborough has been an outstanding partner for our Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program, and an example of municipal leadership in battery recycling and sustainability,” said Joseph Chung, Vice-President of Account Management, Call2Recycle Canada. “We are thrilled to be part of Snofest and to contribute to Peterborough’s vibrant community and environmental initiatives. Through our collaboration, we will continue keeping batteries out of landfills and protecting the environment.”

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Peterborough DBIA to Create Memorable Evening With Inaugural 'Love Yourself, Love The Boro' Event For Feb. 13

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is making Downtown a night to remember with its inaugural ‘Love Yourself, Love the Boro’ event from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 13.

Other participating businesses include: The Vanilla Room, Couture Candy, The Speak Easy Cafe, Sugar Me Right, Watson & Lou, Needles in the Hay, Agave by Imperial, Iceman Video Games, By the Books, T-Elle Boutique, Brothers Pizza, Rawscoes Sports & Collectibles, Cozy Home, Lavender Moon, Naka Japanese and the Holiday Inn. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The event has exclusive deals, giveaways and surprises as attendees explore the downtown core. A self-guided tour of downtown businesses runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and ends with pop-ups, live entertainment and giveaways at The Venue from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The DBIA has released a Google Map that showcases the participating locations and highlights the exclusive offers and events.

The celebration at The Venue has popups from local artists and vintage vendors such as Em’s Broideries, Of Whimsy & Wonder, Hello Irene, Sarah Crane and Eclectic City.

”Our Love Yourself, Love the Boro event is a really wonderful opportunity for our community to show some love for our downtown businesses while also treating themselves to a special night out,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “This event was designed as a way to guide people through all the amazing spots in our downtown area during what is typically a slower season for our businesses. Whether you’re going out with friends, a partner, or just want some self care, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and there are also some exciting giveaways and surprises to discover along the way.”

Needles in the Hay is hosting a drop-in felting workshop where community members can stop by to create a felted heart in their Hayloft space.

"At Needles in the Hay, we've always believed in the power of connection and creativity - as they go hand in hand" said Deanna Guttman, Needles in the Hay owner. “The Hayloft is our new studio space above the shop where fibre artists of all persuasions can come together to learn, celebrate and share their craft. We're thrilled to offer our drop-in needle felted hearts workshop for this event as it's the perfect opportunity for people to explore all downtown has to offer. We couldn't be more excited to welcome community members into our space to create something fun together.”

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Media Spell Out First-Ever Victory Over Rotarians To Promote Rotary Club of Peterborough's Kids 11th Annual Spelling Bee On May 3

To promote the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 11th Annual Regional School Spelling Bee for grade-school children, the media got their first win over the Rotarians in a friendly competition at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Monday afternoon.

Tiffany Arcari (right) effortlessly spells a word correctly to help Peterborough media defeat the Rotarians for the first time since it began in 2023. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Since 2023, media —including yours truly— has been pitted against Rotarians in a spelling bee competition, similar to what the kids will deal with.

Representing the local media were the Peterborough Examiner, The Tiffany Show/YourTV, KawarthaNow/Freq 90.5/Oldies 96.7, 100.5 Fresh Radio and PTBOCanada.

Tiffany Arcari of The Tiffany Show and Joelle Kovach of the Peterborough Examiner were the last two competitors standing to give the media their first-ever win against the Rotarians. The latter won in the head-to-head competition between the final contestants.

The kids event is divided into two groups. The Junior Division for Grades 4-6 runs at 9 a.m. and the Senior Division for Grades 7-8 starts at 1 p.m. at Fleming College on May 3.

Prizes for this year’s participants include week-long sessions at Camp Kawartha and Trent Excalibur Camp, Lazer Tag Parties at Zap Attack, gift cards for lessons at the Art School of Peterborough, Bikes and Art Supplies from Crayola.

The Rotary is asking any local schools in the region that want to participate or local businesses to sponsor the event to e-mail Spelling Bee Co-Chairs Mary-Anne Greco and Donna-Marie Fennel at spellingbee@peterboroughrotary.ca.

Editor’s note: I was eliminated in the fourth round last year with “legitimacy.” I was eliminated this year in the second round with “thoroughly.”

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Peterborough Chamber to Launch "Igniting Emerging Leaders" to Support and Network Young Professionals

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is launching ‘Igniting Emerging Leaders – Young Professionals Group’ to help network young professionals under 40 at Shorelines Casino on Jan. 29.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The free event is open and intended for emerging business leaders under 40 to receive new opportunities to connect and develop through the Young Professionals Group. It runs from 7 p.m to 8:30 p.m.

The group will offer opportunities to connect, fun activities, and insightful speakers on relevant and timely themes such as building a personal brand in the digital age says Nigel Broersma, Chamber director of business development.

“We are thrilled to launch our new Young Professionals program, which is a direct response to feedback from our members,” he said. “This initiative will feature quarterly meetings that blend social interaction, networking, engaging activities, and a speaker series. It’s an excellent opportunity for young professionals to learn, grow their knowledge, and build meaningful connections within our vibrant and expanding business community.”

Registration is online. The Young Professionals Group will meet quarterly at a different regional business. Attendees will be allowed to grow their relationships, ask questions and learn new skills.

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City Opens Registration For Summer Day Camp Programs at the Kinsmen Civic Centre

The City of Peterborough has opened registration for its summer camp programs at the Kinsmen Civic Centre.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This is the first time summer camp programming has been offered at the Kinsmen Civic Centre. This new location gives the City’s Recreation and Parks Services division a chance to offer more programming to hundreds of campers throughout the summer.

Summer day camps at the Kinsmen Civic Centre include:

• Beach Party, July 7 – July 11

• Wild Zoofari, July 14 – July 18

• Pirates and Mermaids, July 21 – July 25

• Superhero Showdown, July 28 – Aug. 1

• Space Adventure, Aug. 5 – Aug. 8

• Dinosaur Daze, Aug. 11 – Aug. 15

• Dreaming of Disney, Aug. 18 – Aug. 22

These programs are also offered at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre on the same dates.

Summer and day camp programs are also at the Art Gallery of Peterborough and the Peterborough Museum and Archives, and sports programs are at numerous sites across the city.

Residents can sign up for summer camp programs by calling 705-742-0050 or visiting online.

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Kawartha Rotary Ribfest Cancelled Indefinitely

The Kawartha Rotary Ribfest is not making an appearance in 2025 and beyond.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a Facebook post by Kawartha Rotary Ribfest, they said the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha had advised that the event for 2025 and forward is cancelled.

The post cites that the event has ‘severely outgrown’ Millennium Park.

“Apologies to everyone to enjoyed and supported Kawartha Rotary RibFest,” in a statement made from the social media post.

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Public Invited to Attend Mayor’s New Year’s Levee On Jan. 12

The public is invited to join Mayor Jeff Leal and City Councillors on Jan 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canadian Canoe Museum, 2077 Ashburnham Dr., for the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“2025 will be an important year for the City of Peterborough as we move projects forward, renew infrastructure, and deliver critical services,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Please join me and members of City Council for a cup of coffee, tea or juice, light snacks, and some discussion about our community and the exciting plans shaping Peterborough’s future.”

The Mayor’s New Year’s Levee takes place in the Event Room, located on the second floor of the Canadian Canoe Museum.

There is limited parking available at the museum. Free parking is available across the road at Eastgate Memorial Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr. and at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.

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CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show Returns to Peterborough Memorial Centre On March 30

The biggest party in fishing is coming back to town as the CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show is hitting the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Morrow Building on March 30.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre

The event will be vending gear from top brands, participating in the famous tackle swap, expert seminars and meet-and-greets with celebrity anglers.

Early Bird tickets are $13.60 plus applicable fees until Jan. 1. Afterwards, they are $16.60 plus applicable fees.

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Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Tree Lighting Ceremony This Saturday

Quaker Foods City Square is becoming a hub for the holidays and community as for a second straight year, they are hosting a tree-lighting ceremony and market event on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will partner to host this year's event.

“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink.,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community.”

“The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer.”

Tree lighting ceremony activities include:

• Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music

• Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger

• Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles

• Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre presents promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign

• Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life

The tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. when Mayor Leal will turn on the lights.

The event also kicks off the outdoor skating season in the Square. Depending on weather conditions, the refrigerated skating rink is anticipated to be open through the winter months.

City staff are currently preparing the site and monitoring conditions to ensure safe ice.

Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square.

Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all downtown municipal parking spaces, including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until Dec.31.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers sponsored the parking initiative with all voluntary parking fees going towards Kawartha Food Share.

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