When Tiffany Arcari organized a last-minute International Women’s Day (IWD) event in 2024 in just eight days, she didn’t imagine she would be doing it again the following year — and have women lined up down the block for it.
“Now I feel like I have to keep doing this because there’s just nothing like it,” Arcari says. “I like the way that it makes people feel, the impact it has on the community, and how it recognizes the business community for the role that they play in our lives in Peterborough and The Kawarthas.”
That’s why the creator and host of The Tiffany Show on Cogeco YourTV Peterborough/Lindsay is now preparing for The Tiffany Show’s IWD Party 2026, her third annual community-driven celebration of women on Sunday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. To join the party, register for a free ticket at www.thetiffanyshow.ca/iwd2026.
“Bringing women together to sit down and share authentically who we are, the challenges we have, and the things that we walk through really reminds us that we’re not alone,” says Arcari.
“With the state of the world and the state of communities, it’s more important now than ever to be creating these spaces for people. The people that are in that room — and some are men, too — don’t all see eye to eye. Not everybody is on the same political side, but we can see beyond those things and realize that core values, community kindness, taking care of each other, communication, sharing, and fostering relationships really does build a stronger community.”
Arcari recognizes her party is not what she calls the “stereotypical” International Women’s Day event that features keynote speakers and conversations about policies and politics, but she makes no apologies for it.
“My focus is to shut that off and get back to the basics of connection,” she says. “Now that we see AI rising and rising and rising, this need for human connection is going to be stronger and stronger and stronger. We need it for community to survive, to take care of each other, to thrive, to build — it affects everything.”
For her IWD event, Arcari has invited local female powerhouses who are “relatable” and will share educational information and powerful stories of overcoming challenges.
Speaking to everything from women’s health to impactful life lessons, the storytellers include naturopathic practitioner Dr. Richa Grover, real estate agent Sara Evans, Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory customer service agent Caryn Mattless, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough executive director Zoe King.
“These four women all have very different stories, but it’s all going to resonate with somebody in your life and my life,” says Arcari. “They’re not all celebrities and they don’t need to be, because we need to hear stories from women like me and you so we know that if she went through it, we can do it too.”
Though they will be gaining inspiration from these local women, attendees will also be encouraged to shower themselves with love through the return of the Self-Love Mirror, where women will be invited to the front of the room to turn their back to the crowd, look only at their reflection, and say what they love most about themselves.
“It brings out something so vulnerable and special,” says Arcari. “I think because I get them to turn away from the audience, they almost feel like it’s an individual moment between me and them. It’s powerful (for them), and it’s emotional for me too in that moment.”
There will be no escaping the positivity at this party, either. Even the bathroom mirrors will be decorated with sticky notes that remind attendees just how beautiful, strong, and resilient they are.
Women will be encouraged to take a note and leave a note. Last year, the mirror was covered with notes and Arcari even received photos of the women taking the sticky notes with them to create their own affirmation mirror at home.
“Sometimes we get in front of the mirror, and we get so lost in picking ourselves apart physically,” Arcari says. “But when we look in that mirror, we need to ask ourselves, ‘Would you talk to your best friend like that?’ I think everybody needs reminders (to love themselves).”
The event will also see the return of the Self-Love Club Experience Zone, where local businesses will be serving up pampering experience including mini-facials, massages, polish applications, and more.
“If I have an opportunity to feature a business, one hundred per cent I will do it because I genuinely believe that business is the backbone of community,” Arcari says. “They are the ones sponsoring not-for-profits and charitable organizations and soccer teams and The Tiffany Show and this International Women’s Day event.”
Spin wheels, giveaways, swag bags, a cash bar, light snacks, and plenty of other surprises will add to the party. And you just might want to make sure you’re following participating local businesses on social media, because there will be giveaways for those spreading the love.
“The businesses are so heart-lead in their own leadership and that’s why they back this up,” says Arcari. “They all deeply care about community and see how these relationships strengthen community and bring us close closer together.”
VIDEO: The Tiffany Show’s IWD Party 2026
While Arcari may not have known back in 2024 she would still be hosting an International Women’s Day Party each year, it’s clear she’s doing what she’s meant to do.
“This is my own superpower that I can deploy to make things better and to make things less heavy, so we can chase a little joy,” she says. “These women that are going to show up and be celebrated and spoiled have shown up for me in so many different ways through the last 21 years of being in Peterborough.”
For more information about The Tiffany Show’s IWD Party 2026 and to register for a free ticket, visit www.thetiffanyshow.ca/iwd2026.
