For the second year in a row, the City of Peterborough will be hosting a tree-lighting ceremony for the community at Quaker Foods City Square in downtown Peterborough, while also officially opening the square’s refrigerated outdoor rink for winter skating.
Taking place from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 14th, the year’s expanded event is being hosted in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and will include more family-friendly activities coordinated by the DBIA and the city’s recreation and park services division.
“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,” says DBIA executive director Nour Mazloum in a media release. “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.”
Weather permitting, the event will begin at 3 p.m. with learn-to-skate programming at the outdoor rink until 5 p.m., followed by an open skate until 8 p.m., with Runner’s Life offering free skate sharpening.
Throughout the event, a DJ will play upbeat and family-friendly music, Boardwalk Board Game Lounge will offer giant board games, and there will be children’s activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes mascot Roger.
The DBIA will be selling The Boro merchandise and gift cards, downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles will be selling Peterborough Petes merchandise, and downtown vendors will be selling food and beverages, including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from Bobo Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies.
The Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation’s “The Sharing Tree” will also be at the event to support the $60-million fundraising campaign for the regional hospital.
The event will include the return of the large sign illuminating the common abbreviation for Peterborough, along with a tree donated by Cedar Rail Farm in Bridgenorth that Mayor Jeff Leal will light at 6 p.m.
“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,” the mayor says. “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.”
Quaker Foods City Square is located on the south side of Charlotte Street just east of Aylmer Street and one block south of the Peterborough Transit terminal. Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square. Municipal parking is free for two hours during the holidays.
