The inaugural Lakeside Gala at The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough has raised $150,000 in support of the not-for-profit museum and its programming.
With the theme “celebrating excellence in the making,” the sold-out event on Saturday night (October 4) featured live music, fine cuisine, storytelling, a live and silent auction, the launch of an Inuit kayak build, and more.
Live music included Reuven Grajner performing jazz on a grand piano, Janet McCue performing a water song, and Dave Mowat and the Curbside Shuffle performing old-school blues.
Dining stations throughout the museum focused on locally grown ingredients and Canadian-inspired flavours, with dishes created by Michelin-trained chef Josh Keepfer of Kitchen Farmacy, Anishinaabe chef Shawn Adler of The Flying Chestnut Kitchen, Chef Adam Brown of Chemong Lodge, Chef Joshua Hendin from Treeline Catering, and pastry chef Miyeon Park of Mija Bakeshop.
During the live auction conducted by professional auctioneer Jim McCartney, guests had the opportunity to bid on a curated selection of unique Canadian products and experiences, such as a canoe trip with Black Feather Wilderness Adventures, a two-night stay at Killarney Mountain Lodge, and a 16-foot ruby red Prospector Canoe by Swift Canoes and Kayak.
The gala also served to launch the latest fourth and final builders this year in the museum’s Builders in Residence program: the Qajakkut Society, a non-profit organization based in Iqaluit, Nunavut that runs kayak-building workshops.
In their month-long residency, senior members of the Qajakkut Society will build two south Baffin-style qajait (kayaks) and share their knowledge and paddling skills through lessons and programs. These qajait will also be used in the museum’s on-water program fleet.
Guests were able to meet the builders, hear their stories, and learn about their important work in revitalizing traditional practices.
“What an amazing night we all shared on Saturday,” says the museum’s executive director Carolyn Hyslop in a media release. “We are still feeling so proud to have celebrated the excellence of not only the museum, but our featured makers who we were so lucky to have join us and make our inaugural Lakeside Gala an incredible success.”
Presented by Emily Creek Woodworking Inc. and Havelock Metal Co., whose work is featured in the construction of the museum, the Lakeside Gala raised $150,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations, and auction proceeds. An additional $50,000 was contributed in-kind by artists, makers, vendors, and businesses.
Proceeds from the gala will directly support the museum’s core mission and programming, including exhibitions, educational initiatives, and signature experiences.
The museum will be holding its next Lakeside Gala on October 3, 2026.
