The 17th Annual Rotary Ribfest Starts July 12th At Millennium Park

The 17th Annual Rotary Ribfest takes place in Peterborough from July 12th-14th at Millennium Park.

“Ribfest is three days of live music, delicious food, and cold drinks,” says Terry “Mr. Downtown” Guiel, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement Area. “The ribbers are always a big draw and our local restaurants do a great job of showcasing all kinds of food from around the world, including vegetarian options. It’s a fun, family-friendly event.”

Photo courtesy DBIA

Admission to Rotary Ribfest is free, and the festival will take place the following hours:

• Friday, July 12th: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

• Saturday, July 13th: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

• Sunday, July 14th: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo courtesy DBIA

There will be plenty of musical entertainment each day as always, and delicious restaurants participating include…

• Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews

• BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill

• Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine

• Caribbean Sizzle

• McThirsty’s Pint

• La Mesita

• Curry Mantra

Ribber’s Row includes the following..

• Fat Boys

• Boss Hogs BBQ

• Jack the Ribber

• Smokehouse Bandits

• Ontario Corn Roasters

• Summer Fun Funnel Cake

Hungry yet? Don’t miss this.

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Eat This Up: Taste Of Downtown Is June 1st

Peterborough’s most appetizing event, Taste of Downtown, returns to Charlotte Street on Saturday, June 1st from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.—rain or shine!

Come out and enjoy delicious cuisine from 24 local restaurants, enjoy a beverage in the beer and wine garden hosted by The Venue and Publican House Brewery, and take in some amazing live entertainment.

Photo courtesy DBIA

THIS YEAR’S LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Hillary Dumoulin

• 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. — Jerry Jerome steel drum band

• 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Bobby Watson

Photo courtesy DBIA

Bring the family and have fun with the bouncy castle, face painting by Faces by Two, a fun photo mural, live art by the Art School of Peterborough, a visit from the mascot George: King of Downtown, and a giant sidewalk sale on Charlotte Street.

THIS YEAR’S RESTAURANT LINEUP

• DR J's BBQ & Brews

• Curry Village

• Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine

• Village of Thai

• La Hacienda

• Cosmic Charlie's

• Jasmine Thai Cuisine

• The Turnbull Café

• Wild Wing

• Empress Gardens

• Publican House Brewery

• Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market

• Caribbean Sizzle

• La Mesita

• Nateure’s Plate

• McThirsty’s Pint

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Simply Delicious Bistro & Bakery

• Curry Mantra

• Hobart’s Steakhouse

• The Pin

• The Venue Peterborough

• Hunter Street Tavern

• Dodrio

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Peterborough Region Farmers’ Market Returns To Citi Centre On May 4th

The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market (PFRM) returns to Citi Centre at the corner of Charlotte and Aylmer on May 4th and will continue every Saturday until the end of October.

“All your favourite farmers from last year are returning and keep your eye open for all the new farmers joining the market this year,” says Josh Blank, co-chair of the Market Management Committee. “All farmer vendors continue to be third party certified to sell what they grow. We know the community wants truth in advertising.”

“Over the winter, we expanded the kid’s zone and for the summer we are offering an even bigger and better area for the kiddos,” says Brooke Erickson, co-chair of the Market Management Committee.

May 4th is traditionally a celebration of all things Star Wars, and the PRFM will lead the “May the 4th be with you” party in Peterborough. They have four Star Wars themed crafts all day in the Kid Zone, and have put out the call to all the Star Wars fan clubs and are expecting a large gathering of Star Wars characters for the day.

The prepared food vendors and the artisan vendors return with all the people you know and love, plus many new options for you and your family.  If you need a wedding gift, a birthday present or a gift for yourself, the artisan vendors are ready to provide amazing products. 

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Opening Day For Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market 22nd Season Is May 1st

Mark this on your calendar: On May 1st, the Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market will open for the 2019 season.

Charlotte Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Louis Street and George Street as the area is transformed into a pedestrian friendly, bustling Farmers’ Market, every Wednesday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., until October 30th.

This year marks the 22nd year of bringing fresh locally grown seasonal produce and products to Downtown Peterborough.

As a proud producers-only market, shoppers can be sure they are buying direct from the farmers, growers, bakers and chefs themselves, and learn about diverse local produce as it comes into season. Each Wednesday, market-goers will find a festive and lively market full of their favourite vendors selling seasonal produce, meats, cheese, fresh flowers, baked goods, art, plants to grow, coffee and lunches to go.

To learn more about the market, visit their website here. You can also find them on Facebook.

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Keene's Muddy's Pit BBQ Announces Its 2019 Menu (And We're Hungry Just Writing This)

Muddy’s Pit BBQ (3247 County Rd. 2 in Keene), which has become a go-to destination point—one of those places to check off your bucket list over and over again—is now open for the season.

Muddy’s authentically barbeque all of their meat on custom outdoor smokers (designed and built by Sloan Custom Smokers) using only log hardwood.

Muddy’s Pit BBQ menu

Among the items on Muddy’s menu for this season:

-> A Lunker: a hot link on a bun, with pulled pork and baked beans smothered on top.

-> A Carnivore Sampler: a mix of their 4 main meats -> ribs, brisket, pulled pork and a hot link. It comes out to be around 1 1/4 pounds. (It’s great to share if you add a couple of sides to fill out your meal.)

Muddy’s do not take call-ahead orders for pick up or take reservations, nor do they offer delivery. Catering options are available for groups of 20+.

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Watch: PTBOCanada Speaks With Entomo Farms Co-Founder Darren Goldin On How His Norwood Insect Farm Is Becoming Global Brand

On Episode 33 of PTBOCanada, we sit down with Entomo Farms Co-Founder Darren Goldin to talk about how his insect—yes insect—farm in Norwood, Ontario near Peterborough has become a global leader in the cultivation of cricket powder and insect protein, and how it might play a huge part in the future of food consumption and the sustainability of our planet.

Entomo Farms Co-Founder Darren Goldin

Entomo Farms has emerged as one of the largest cricket farms in the world, and produces insect protein as a viable and altruistic response to the global crises (food, water, natural resources) that is imminently upon us.

Watch the interview with Darren below…

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Peterborough-Based Health Food Startup Chimp Treats Just Landed Deal With Loblaws

The cool Peterborough-based health food startup Chimp Treats will have its frozen fruit product “Nicecream” hit a wave of Loblaws locations across Ontario starting on September 5th.

Nicecream will hit shelves across select Loblaws stores including the GTA, Ottawa, London and Barrie, and the next wave of locations will be in Québec in Loblaws’ Provigo Le Marché stores. After that, Chimp Treats aims to continue adding new locations until they reach all Loblaws stores across Canada by May 2019.

The team behind Chimp Treats: (left to right) Whitney, Brooke and Jillian.

The announcement is the latest for a company that has had huge momentum since launching just one year ago on the market. They are one of the fastest growing natural food brands in Canada.

Founder and CEO, Brooke Hammer, 23, launched Nicecream in 2017 and has since expanded coast-to-coast with niche retailers such as Whole Foods Market and Healthy Planet.

While attending Trent University in Peterborough, Hammer developed an innovative manufacturing process that allowed her to create the fruit-only frozen dessert on a large-scale, commercial basis. Since entering the market, the entrepreneur has continued to reach new stores and locations along with growing her team.

“It is an incredible time for innovative, start-up companies in the Consumer Packaged Goods  space,” says Hammer. “Companies like Loblaws are open to bringing in more innovative products by small brands to meet consumer demand.”

“Getting picked up by a national retailer like Loblaws is the ultimate milestone for any company in the consumer and packaged goods industry,” adds Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Senior Innovation Specialist for the Innovation Cluster, where Chimp Treats is housed. “They are on their way to becoming a mainstream brand.”

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Here's the Food & Entertainment Lineup For 16th Annual Rotary Ribfest

The 16th Annual Ribfest runs Friday, July 13th to Sunday, July 15th at Millennium Park, and admission is free. 

“Of course there is lots of ribs and cold beer, but you’ll also find some interesting selections from our nine local restaurants—including some vegetarian options," says DBIA Executive Director Terry "Mr. Downtown" Guiel. "Rotary have also put together a solid lineup of musical talent to sit back and enjoy while you’re at Millennium Park with some quality food and drinks.”

FESTIVAL HOURS

-> Friday, July 13: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
-> Saturday, July 14: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
-> Sunday, July 15: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
 
PARTICIPATING LOCAL RESTAURANTS

-> Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews
-> The Nutty Chocolatier
-> The BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill ‘n Bar
-> Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine
-> Caribbean Sizzle
-> McThirsty’s Pint
-> La Hacienda
-> Silk Roots
-> The Silver Bean Café

RIBBER'S ROW INCLUDES...

• Fat Boys
• Boss Hogs BBQ
• Jack the Ribber
• Smokehouse Bandits
• Ontario Corn Roasters
• Summer Fun Funnel Cake
 
ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, July 13:
• 11:45 am — Briannah Cotton
• 1:30 pm — Jaymes Claton Band
• 3:15 pm — Rick and Gailie
• 5:00 pm — The Wanted   
• 6:45 pm — Jagged
• 8:30 pm — The Weber Brothers
 
Saturday, July 14:
• 12:00 pm — Waters Edge Band
• 3:15 pm — Gunslingers
• 5:00 pm — Rye Street
• 6:45 pm — Out on Bail
• 8:30 pm — Dean James
 
Sunday, July 15:
• 12:00 pm — Tonya Bosch Band
• 1:45 pm — House Brand
• 3:30 pm — The Fog

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41 Vendors Are Already In New Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market With More To Come

The new Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will launch with a whopping 41 vendors on opening day this Saturday (June 9th) in downtown Peterborough at Citi Centre Courtyard (307 Aylmer Street), and more applications are still arriving.

The new Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will have familiar faces and a great mix of new farmers that have never before had an opportunity to sell their products in Peterborough.

The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will be partnering with Farm to Table Culinary Tours to produce a brand-new series of events bringing together market growers and vendors, Peterborough-area chefs and producers, and downtown businesses.

This pilot project will offer participants a unique opportunity to get to know growers/producers and explore the steps that take locally grown ingredients from the farm to the best kitchens in Peterborough.

“We’ll be taking the freshest food you can possibly get and letting our finest culinary artists have a bit of fun,” says Farm to Table owner Donald Fraser. “It’s going to be a feast for the senses and an incredible opportunity to celebrate—and taste—the very best in our food community.”

The opening day at the new Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will have yoga workshops and other pop-up surprise events throughout the day for people to enjoy. Seven hundred free parking spots are steps away from the new market.

Below is a list of the participating vendors throughout the summer, with more to come organizers say...

McLean Berry Farm
Ashburnham Farm Gaelic Garlic
Chick-a-biddy Acres
Circle Organic
Deep Roots
Grandmas Heritage Plants
Kendal Hill Game Farm
Martins Fruit and Vegetable Farm
Nautilus Farm
PineHaven Farm
Rhyzosphere
Riel Acres Farm
Small Spade Inc.
The Back 40
The Farm on Argyle
The Manor Farm
Warner Farm
Field Sparrow Farms
G. Fenton Farms
Leahy Stock Farm
Miller Farms
Hunnabees
Linlor Farm & Forest
OtonaBee Apiary
Carolina's Colombia Coffee
A1 Gluten Free Gals
Belly of the Beast Craft Kombucha
Chef Marshall
Curry Mantra
Doo Doo's Bakery
Elixir
Finest Gourmet Fudge
Fresh Urban Plate
KitCafe
La Mesita Restaurante
Leahy Baking
Two Dishes Cookshop
Nancy Sews
Feather & Stone
Reddick Studio Porcelain
Willow Bark

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Here Are The List Of Restaurants & Entertainment For Taste Of Downtown 2018

Taste of Downtown returns to Charlotte Street on Saturday, June 2nd from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious cuisine from more than 28 local restaurants, enjoy a beverage in the beer and wine garden hosted by The Venue and Publican House, and take in some amazing live entertainment.

There will be also be aerial entertainment from the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, pop-up live art demonstrations from the Art School of Peterborough, a free Calico Critters-themed play area, face painting and a bouncy castle.

There will be great deals to be had as the businesses along Charlotte Street put on a giant sidewalk sale.

Here Is The 2018 Restaurant Lineup for Taste of Downtown...

• DR J's BBQ & Brews
• Curry Village
• Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine
• Village of Thai
• Brio Gusto
• Silk Roots Fusion Cuisine
• The Brickhouse Craft Burger Grill
• La Hacienda
• Cosmic Charlie's
• Jasmine Thai Cuisine
• The Turnbull Café
• Wild Wing
• Empress Gardens
• Tiny Greens
• Magic Rolling Pin
• Amusé Coffee Co
• Caribbean Sizzle
• Sweet Spirits
• La Mesita
• Karma’s Cafe
• McThirsty’s
• The Nutty Chocolatier
• Hunter County Cuisine
• Simply Delicious Bistro & Bakery
• Curry Mantra
• Dodrio Anime Cafe
• Hobart’s Steakhouse
• Hoshi Japanese/Korean Restaurant

For more info on all the events happening this Spring/Summer in the downtown, click here.

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