A 21-year-old Peterborough woman is facing multiple charges following three incidents in downtown Peterborough early Wednesday morning (July 10), including one incident Peterborough police have classified as a hate crime.
At around 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to a report of an assault. When officers arrived, they learned the female victim had been walking in the Charlotte Street and George Street area when she was approached by a woman walking with two men. The woman ran at the victim with a knife, calling her names based on the colour of her skin. The victim began to run away but fell, at which point the woman caught up to her, punched her in the face, and pulled her hair.
The victim was treated at the scene by emergency medical services before being taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for further treatment. Police have classified the incident as a hate crime.
Advertisement - content continues below
As officers were investigating this incident, police received another report of an assault involving three suspects who matched the description of those in the first assault. In the second incident, a male victim said he was approached by two men and a woman in the Hunter Street and Bethune Street area and was punched in the face and kicked by the two men.
While officers were investigating the second incident, police received a report of a third incident involving the same suspects. In the third incident, the female suspect verbally threatened a woman in the Brock Street and George Street area.
Officers investigating the third incident noticed a woman matching the description of the female suspect a short distance away. When the female suspect saw the officers, she began to run. The officers chased her on foot and took her into custody without incident.
Advertisement - content continues below
As a result of the investigation, police have arrested and charged a 21-year-old Peterborough woman with two counts of uttering threats to cause death, assault, assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose.
The accused woman is bound by a probation order with the condition of keeping the peace and being of good behaviour, and has also been charged with two counts of failing to comply with probation.
The accused woman was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on August 20.
Advertisement - content continues below
Police are also searching for the two male suspects in the three incidents.
They have been described to police as being Caucasian and possibly 16 to 18 years old, both with shaggy hair. One suspect was wearing a white shirt, dark-coloured shorts, a white hat on backwards, white shoes, and a blue backpack.
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough police at 705-876-1122 ext. 555. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at stopcrimehere.ca.
Maman Biomedical Inc. founder Latchmi Raghunanan was the winner of the inaugural cohort of the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas LevelUP program, cosponsored by Invest Kawartha and Launch Kawartha and Prima IP. Applications are open until July 15, 2024 for the second cohort of the program, which begins on August 14 and is the last cohort that will be offered free of charge. (Photo: Vince Killen / LinkedIn)
Innovative tech companies that have a product ready to bring to market have until July 15 to apply for the next cohort of the LevelUP business accelerator program — which will be the last cohort offered free of charge.
Launched earlier this year by Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, the first cohort of the program saw 13 tech companies participate in the 12-week program, which provided mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities, and access to funding, culminating in a competition where participants pitched for a $10,000 prize.
Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc., won the $10,000 prize for her company’s products that are disrupting the in vitro fertilization (IVF) sector.
Advertisement - content continues below
“Winning the LevelUP pitch competition allowed us to accelerate and move forward,” Raghunanan says in a media release. “On top of the $10,000 we won, the program gave us the knowledge and tools to successfully raise $30,000 in funding and increase our visibility and credibility in a very short period of time.”
The second cohort of LevelUP will begin on August 14. The program is open to Ontario-based entrepreneurs in sectors including agricultural technology (“agtech”), health care, clean technology (“cleantech”), and digital information technology. Companies must have either developed a minimum viable product or are in the process of deploying it.
The 12-week program focuses on validating business ideas and preparing businesses for funding and is guided by industry experts who equip participants with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and essential business skills.
Advertisement - content continues below
Program highlights include learning about branding, revenue models, go-to-market plans, customer acquisition, and funding and exit strategies.
LevelUP wraps up with a pitch competition in November where participants have a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize, made possible by program sponsors like Prima IP, a firm specializing in all aspects of intellectual property from patents to trademarks.
This is the last cohort of LevelUP that will be fully funded and available to participants at no cost. For more information and to apply by July 15, visit innovationcluster.ca/programs/business-accelerator/.
The Northumberland Hispanic Cultural Club (NHCC) and Northumberland County are partnering to present the 2024 Northumberland Diversity Festival, which runs on Saturday, July 20 at Port Hope's Memorial Park. Pictured is a performance at the 2022 festival, which took place at Victoria Hall in Cobourg. (Photo: NHCC)
Northumberland County is anticipating an upcoming festival will help celebrate diversity and increase Northumberland residents’ exposure to various cultures from around the world.
The county is partnering with the Northumberland Hispanic Cultural Club to present the annual Northumberland Diversity Festival, which runs this year on Saturday, July 20 at Memorial Park, located at 44 Queen St. in Port Hope.
The free family-friendly event provides a space to celebrate diversity, equality, and inclusivity, the county noted in a media release.
Advertisement - content continues below
“Partnering with the Hispanic Cultural Club to present the Northumberland Diversity Festival is about creating opportunities for people to learn more about the myriad cultures that form the fabric of our community, through the universal languages of food and music,” Dan Borowec, director of strategic initiatives for Northumberland County, told kawarthaNOW.
Festivities will kick off with a citizenship ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Capitol Theatre welcoming more than 100 new Canadians to Northumberland and surrounding communities. During this ceremony, participants will take their oath of citizenship, marking their final step in becoming Canadian citizens.
Northumberland community members are invited to join the celebration after the ceremony, by stopping by the festival at Memorial Park from noon onwards.
Prior to the 2024 Northumberland Diversity Festival, more than 100 new Canadians to Northumberland and surrounding communities will take their oath of citizenship during a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope. Pictured are newcomers celebrating their citizenship in 2022 at Victoria Hall in Cobourg. (Photo: NHCC)
“Attendees will enjoy a lively day full of international music and performances, interactive activities for kids, and the opportunity to browse and shop local vendors,” the release noted.
The diversity festival includes:
Performances at the park bandshell from noon until 9 p.m.
Festival-goers can take in a variety of cultural music and dance performances, including Incirque, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico and Ballet Folklorico de Colombia, tenor Fabian Arciniegas, mariachi band Mexico Amigo, tango dancers Roxana y Fabian Belmonte, and many more. From 6 to 9 p.m., Music at the Park will features performances by Jonah McLean and The Gimmicks and Sultans of String.
Organizers ask participants to bring a blanket or folding chair on which to sit and enjoy the performances.
Children’s activities
Entertainment for young ones includes a stilt performer and a variety of activities offered by EarlyON Northumberland.
Local vendors’ fair from noon to 6 p.m.
Residents can browse the wares of local vendors with products available for purchase.
Radiothon fundraiser
Organizers invite residents to stop by the all-day radiothon with Northumberland 89.7 to help raise money for YMCA Northumberland and the Northumberland Food 4 All warehouse. All proceeds will support these community organizations. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted during the radiothon for distribution to local food banks in the community.
Advertisement - content continues below
Sponsored by Cameco, the Northumberland Diversity Festival “is an immersive Canadian multicultural experience,” the county said.
“All are welcome to enjoy this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the cultures and heritage that enrich our community and country
The 2024 Northumberland Diversity Festival takes place from 12 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 20 at Port Hope’s Memorial Park. (Poster: NHCC)
The NHCC strives to support Northumberland County’s Latin Hispanic community as well as educate others who reside here about the importance of their heritage, cultures and traditions.
The club is a registered not-for-profit organization that promotes and celebrates the arts, cuisine, culture, heritage, and music of Latin Hispanic countries.
According to the NHCC website, the term Hispanic (Spanish: hispano or hispánico, Galician: hispánico, Asturian: hispanu, Basque: hispaniar, Catalan: hispà, hispàno) broadly refers to the people, nations, and cultures that have a historical link to Spain. It commonly applies to countries once colonized by the Spanish Empire in the Americas and Asia, particularly the countries of Latin America and the Philippines.
Advertisement - content continues below
“It could be argued that the term should apply to all Spanish-speaking cultures or countries, as the historical roots of the word specifically pertain to the Iberian region,” the website states.
“It is difficult to label a nation or culture with one term, such as Hispanic, as the ethnicity, customs, traditions, and art forms (music, literature, dress, culture, cuisine, and others) vary greatly by country and region. The Spanish language and Spanish culture are the main traditions.”
Hispanic originally referred to the people of ancient Roman Hispania, which roughly comprised the Iberian Peninsula, including the contemporary states of Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar.
Six local entrepreneurs recently received support from Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development to bring their innovative tourism business ideas to market. Pictured are (left to right, top and bottom) Sanctuary Flower Fields, Heritage Blooms UPick, Lovesick Kayaking, N2Adventures, muttmix, and Rice Lake Arts. (Photos: Mary Zita Payne, Claudia MacDonald, Alex Grant, Nikki Nelson, Amy Deroche, Claire Foran)
Peterborough & the Kawarthas has no shortage of experiences for those visiting the region — all thanks to entrepreneurs who had an idea for a business that would draw visitors and locals alike to relax, enjoy, and have some fun in the region.
Kelly Convery is one of six local entrepreneurs who recently received support from Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development to bring their innovative tourism business ideas to market.
After 14 years as a paramedic, Convery decided to change her career path by becoming a flower farmer and opening Sanctuary Flower Fields. At the 60-acre Ennismore farm, guests can explore fields of cut flowers, pick their own, and engage in experiences that help them unwind and rejuvenate through a connection to nature.
Kelly Convery’s Sanctuary Flower Fields in Ennismore is enhancing tourism in Peterborough & the Kawarthas by hosting pick-your-own flowers and special events on her 60-acre farm to encourage people to connect with and unwind in nature. (Photo: Mary Zita Payne Photography)
“Over the past few years, I’ve experienced a lot of grief and a lot of loss, and I needed something to recharge myself and find healing,” she explains. “That, for me, was flowers. It’s been a moment to pause and slow down in this crazy busy life and really mindfully choose how I want to live.”
Though growing fields of flowers began as a way to find healing, Convery has since expanded Sanctuary Flower Fields to offer experiences beyond pick-your-own flowers by creating connections with other small businesses. Throughout the summer, Sanctuary Flower Fields is hosting evenings of relaxation with a reiki and reflexology practitioner, yoga sessions amongst the flowers, and group photography sessions led by local professionals.
Share on Bluesky
“The goal is to have a more focused gathering space and to offer holistic wellness through nature to everyone here,” says Convery. “It’s not just a place to come look at flowers or pick flowers, but a place to pause and ground yourself and connect yourself to what matters most.”
The growth of Sanctuary Flower Fields was made possible through the “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program, led by the Tourism Innovation Lab in collaboration with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.
The program provides seed grants and mentorship to foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences, and partnerships that enhance current offerings, motivate travel to the region, and increase year-round tourism.
Claudia MacDonald’s Heritage Blooms UPick in Norwood invites guests to stroll through rows of blooms to pick their own flowers. (Photo courtesy of Claudia MacDonald)
Sanctuary Flower Fields is not the only flower business blooming in the region with the help of the “Spark” program. Artist Claudia MacDonald, owner of Norwood’s Heritage Blooms UPick, invites visitors to pick their own flowers from the 12 flower beds on her 96-acre property. This past spring, MacDonald’s business hosted its first workshop, where participants learned all about growing dahlias.
Through the “Spark” program, entrepreneurs like Convery and MacDonald were not only able to expand their own offerings through a seed grant, but also formed valuable relationships with industry mentors across Ontario, as well as with other local businesses as a step to fostering tourism collaborations in the future.
Those connections are one of the main reasons Lovesick Kayaking owner Alex Grant wanted to take part in the “Spark” program.
Share on Bluesky
“There’s lots of great resorts, hotels, and restaurants, and I want to build more linkages and more relationships in the tourism sector of the Kawarthas region,” says Grant. “These connections really help get the message out of what a wonderful region this is, and how beautiful it is with the natural environment.”
At Lovesick Kayaking, Grant aims to share with tourists and locals his own passion for Peterborough & the Kawarthas and, specifically, the Burleigh Falls lake for which his business is named.
“It’s such a beautiful lake,” Grant says. “It’s a transitional zone between the granite of the Canadian Shield and the limestone of the St. Lawrence Lowlands, where you get all this amazing flora and fauna. Now I want to introduce people to the environment that I fell in love with.”
Alex Grant’s Lovesick Kayaking in Burleigh Falls invites visitors to explore Lovesick Lake by providing kayaking tours and Paddle Canada certification courses. (Photo: Alex Grant)
Lovesick Kayaking’s expert guides take kayaking enthusiasts on high-quality tours with introductory lessons, while showing them around the lake and introducing them to the frogs, beavers, minks, and ospreys that all live on the lake.
Initially, Grant’s business was focused only on providing Paddle Canada instruction certification to guide the talents of the future tour guides of the region. After consulting with the Business Advisory Centre at Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (now operated by Community Futures Peterborough), he decided to expand his business to incorporate experiential tourism and applied for the “Spark” program.
“Kayaking is a mix of wonderful natural environment, physical exercise, and it’s quite meditative in a way,” Grant says, noting that it is also something that is inclusive to all ages and fitness levels. “Especially in the Kawarthas region and along the Trent-Severn Waterway, there are so many people into paddling, and now we’ve got the reopened Canadian Canoe Museum, which is a real boost for paddle sports in the region.”
Nikki Nelson’s N2Adventures in Keene offers off-grid, solar-powered cabin accommodations and special packages and experiences in partnership with local businesses, and supports local food producers and farmers by providing outdoor culinary experiences. (Photo courtesy of Nikki Nelson)
Further expanding and highlighting of experiences in the Kawarthas is the goal of Nikki Nelson of N2Adventures, who also received support from the “Spark” program. Her Keene tourism company offers unique accommodation in an off-grid cabin, powered by solar panels, with views of the Indian River. N2Adventures also offers special packages and experiences in partnership with local businesses, and supports local food producers and farmers by providing outdoor culinary experiences.
With the dog-friendly tourism market estimated to be worth $50 billion by 2030 according to a recent U.K. study, another “Spark” participant is doing her part to make Peterborough & the Kawarthas a destination for dog owners.
Meaghan Kynock runs muttmixx, a Havelock-based business that offers homemade organic, all-natural, vegan treats, food toppers, and special occasion (“paw-ccasion”) treats to keep dogs healthy and happy. Named “Business of the Year” by the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township in 2023, muttmix is organizing a “Puppy Picnic” on July 20 in Havelock, offering doggy burgers, doggy ice cream, doggy photos, doggy pinatas, a doggy raffle, and more.
Meaghan Kynock’s muttmixx in Havelock not only creates all-natural and organic treats for dogs, but is supporting dog-friendly tourism by organizing a summer “Puppy Picnic” offering doggy burgers, doggy ice cream, doggy photos, doggy pinatas, a doggy raffle, and more. (Photo: Amy Deroche)
While five of the entrepreneurs who received support from the “Spark” program elevated and expanded their existing business, one entrepreneur established something entirely new. Miriam Davidson, owner of Rice Lake Arts, has taken over the Bailieboro property that used to be the home of ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery, Canada’s only outdoor gallery of hand-carved Zimbabwean stone sculpture.
Before it closed in 2023, the cultural attraction was a popular destination for art collectors and artists who participated in stone-carving workshops there. Davidson has leveraged that popularity by transforming it into a creative learning space that celebrates nature and art by offering workshops in paper arts, fibre arts, and stone and wood carving, all led by local and regional artists.
To draw even more visitors to the five-acre property, Rice Lake Arts is also hosting live concerts throughout the summer, with performances by local musicians including the Rice Lake Arts Jazz Quintet, The Weber Brothers, the Al Lerman Trio, and The Receivers.
Miriam Davidson’s Rice Lake Arts in Bailieboro has transformed the former ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery into a creative learning space that celebrates nature and art by offering workshops in paper arts, fibre arts, and stone and wood carving, all led by local and regional artists. (Photo: Claire Foran)
“Our tagline is Where Art and Nature Meet, so we really aim to keep our workshops connected to the environment and to the landscape,” says Davidson, noting that it’s what she hopes will appeal to both visiting participants and those leading the workshops. “Those who come to the area for a cottage trip have a reason to stop in for a workshop or for a concert.”
As the six winning “Spark” finalists make big steps in their businesses, thanks to the support they received from the Tourism Innovation Lab and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, they continue to build connections with other tourism-related businesses in the region while inviting both locals and visitors to share in the experience of what makes Peterborough & the Kawarthas a tourism destination that welcomes over three million visitors each year who spend more than $300 million in the local economy.
Share on Bluesky
“We’re so lucky to live where we do, and we have so many beautiful places and spaces,” says Convery. “For our locals as well as tourists, I think it’s important to highlight the region and share information about all the amazing things we have going on in our communities.”
These six businesses are part of the final intake of the “Spark” program offered by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development as the organization prepares to wind down operations. Over the coming months, tourism business operators will continue to receive support and mentorship bring their products to market.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the entire Kawarthas region for Wednesday (July 10).
The rainfall warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, southern Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
The remnants of Hurricane Beryl will bring periods of heavy rainfall, with embedded torrential downpours, to the region beginning Wednesday morning.
Although confidence in the exact track of the weather system remains somewhat uncertain, these type of systems in the past have given very high rainfall rates in torrential downpours.
Advertisement - content continues below
Torrential downpours could bring 20 to 40 mm of rain per hour at times, with rainfall amounts of 40 to 60 mm expected.
Rainfall amounts will likely be highly variable across the region, and some areas may receive in excess of 60 mm.
Conditions should improve on Thursday.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
A 51-year-old American man has been arrested and is facing a child luring charge after online incidents involving a 10-year-old Port Hope girl earlier this year.
On January 13, a Port Hope woman contacted Port Hope police to report her 10-year-old daughter had been in communication with a man on the internet and that images of a sexual nature were exchanged.
The woman discovered the situation when she received a $6,000 bill for her child’s phone. She spoke with her daughter and learned she had met a man on the Fortnite online gaming platform. The man subsequently asked for the child’s phone number and, after she provided it, began texting and calling her.
Advertisement - content continues below
The man told the child he wanted her to be his girlfriend and pushed to develop the relationship, according to police, and said that if she did not do what he requested, he would expose the relationship to her parents.
After it was determined the man appeared to be located in the area of Richmond, Kentucky, Port Hope police contacted Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security that investigates a wide range of global crime including child exploitation.
Following a joint investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations and the Ontario Provincial Police, a 51-year-old man from Richmond, Kentucky was arrested and charged with child luring.
The accused man, who had also breached his parole conditions, is also facing additional charges. He remains in police custody in the U.S.
Members of the cast and crew of "Tide of Hope," the inaugural production of Trent Valley Archives Theatre, which was staged at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on May 15 and 16, 2024. The play was a fundraising and critical success and a sequel is being planned for 2025, which is the the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish emigration. (Photo courtesy of Trent Valley Archives)
The inaugural production of Trent Valley Archives Theatre was both a fundraising and critical success — and the theatre company is already planning a sequel for next year.
Staged on May 15 and 16 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough, Tide of Hope was a prequel to the Irish emigration story involving Peter Robinson, the 19th-century Upper Canada politician who helped the settlement of more than 2,000 Irish Catholics to Upper Canada in 1825.
Set in the Blackwater River district of County Cork in Ireland, the play was based on the life of David Nagle of Mitchelstown, an Irish land agent (rent collector) who was forced to flee to Upper Canada when Irish rebels branded him a traitor for working with English landowners.
Advertisement - content continues below
Share on Bluesky
Written by award-winning playwright Ed Schroeter and directed by Gerry McBride, the play featured both experienced and novice actors, including Lauren Murphy, Nathan Govier, June Govier, Brogan McKellar, Lucas Pronk, Carling Dulder, Drew Mills, Elaine Day, and Paul Baines.
Tide of Hope was a fundraiser for Trent Valley Archives and, according to the organization’s board vice president Madison More, it raised a large amount of money through ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations.
The funds will go toward operating expenses of Trent Valley Archives, which has promoted the preservation, identification, and care of archives in the Trent Valley region since 1989. The organization, which doesn’t receive regular annual government funding, instead relies on membership fees, donations, and user fees. Trent Valley Archives board president Steve Guthrie and vice president Madison More celebrate the success of “Tide of Hope,” the inaugural production of Trent Valley Archives Theatre, which was staged at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on May 15 and 16, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Trent Valley Archives)
“We want to thank the 150 students, their educators and parent supervisors, and the 551 members of the general public who attended our three shows for supporting us,” said Trent Valley Archives board president Steve Guthrie.
As well as raising much-needed funds for Trent Valley Archives, the play was also a hit with audiences.
“Learning about Irish history through theatre gave me a better understanding of what life was like for the Irish in 1825,” said audience member Maureen Crowley, a Peter Robinson descendant and board member of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club, adding she “really enjoyed” the play.
Advertisement - content continues below
Share on Bluesky
Audience member Mary Smith said the play was “a wonderful evening” and “so appreciated.”
“I feel much more informed about the history of that era,” Smith added, who is also vice chair of the non-for-profit organization Nine Ships 1825, which will be coordinating and promoting the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish emigration in 2025.
According to Guthrie, a sequel to Tide of Hope is already being planned for the week of May 26 to June 1, 2025.
Advertisement - content continues below
Guthrie also thanked the donors and sponsors who supported the inaugural production, including platinum sponsor The Gardens of Peterborough Retirement Residences, platinum media sponsor kawarthaNOW, silver sponsor Templeton Law, and bronze sponsor The Peterborough Canadian Irish Club.
He said there are too many volunteers to name, “but the guidance of the staff of the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, stage manager Marilyn Robinson, director Gerry McBride, and our all-star cast and crew were critical to the success of this fundraiser.”
“Thanks also goes to the people, organizations, and Facebook groups that promoted our shows and lent us props and costumes,” he added.
Chef Martin Carbajal pictured in the window of La Mesita Restaurante at 247 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. Chef Martin, who owns the award-winning restaurant alongside his wife Kelly, serves the authentic Mexican cuisine on which he was raised while growing up in Mexico City. Not only is he expanding the restaurant's menu, but La Mesita can also be found at four local farmers' markets, and Chef Martin also offers catering for events of all sizes, with customizable menus beyond Mexican fare. (Photo courtesy of La Mesita Restaurante)
Local diners already know Peterborough’s La Mesita Restaurante is a destination for authentic Mexican cuisine (including the best tacos in town), but Chef Martin Carbajal also serves up his dishes at local farmers’ markets and offers customizable catering to events of all sizes — and not just Mexican fare.
Alongside his wife Kelly, Chef Martin opened La Mesita in downtown Peterborough in 2017 to share the dishes he was raised on while growing up in Mexico City. At the restaurant, which offers a comfortable and cozy dining space overlooking the open kitchen, customers can find street-style and home-cooked tacos, quesadillas, tortas, fajitas, and other bites, available for dine-in or take-out.
Accessible for most diets, La Mesita uses 100 per cent corn tortillas and fresh ingredients that are gluten-free and locally sourced, with vegan and vegetarian options available. To make any occasion a fiesta, La Mesita also serves platters and combos for group dining, as well as daily specials. The restaurant’s menu will soon be expanding as Chef Martin adds more dinner plates, as well as a larger selection of sides and desserts.
Every meal is a fiesta at La Mesita Restaurant in downtown Peterborough. Known for having the best tacos in town, La Mesita also serves up fajitas, quesadillas, tortas, and other Mexican dishes, all using gluten-free tortillas and ingredients, with both vegan and vegetarian options available. (Photo courtesy of La Mesita Restaurante)
Chef Martin can also be booked to cater events across Peterborough and the Kawarthas — everything from private dinner parties to corporate lunches to weddings. La Mesita can bring a build-your-own taco bar or offer a completely customizable menu. As a professionally trained chef, Martin’s culinary repertoire is not limited to Mexican food and he will work with customers to curate a menu perfect for their special occasion.
You can also experience La Mesita at four local farmers’ markets: both Peterborough downtown markets, the Saturday market in the Morrow Building parking lot, and Thursdays at the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.
With so much to offer from restaurant specials to catering to farmers’ markets, it’s no surprise that La Mesita was the recipient of multiple 2024 CommunityVotes awards, including Platinum (the top award) in several categories including Mexican Restaurants, Latin American Restaurants, International Food, Catering, Vegetarian, Specialty Foods, and Sandwiches and Subs, as well as Gold in the Take Out category and Silver in the All Restaurants category.
La Mesita Restaurante is open at 247 George Street North in downtown Peterborough from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. To view the menu and learn more about La Mesita’s catering options, visit www.lamesita.ca and follow then on Facebook and Instagram.
Know Your Locals™ is a branded editorial feature about locally owned independent businesses and locally operated organizations, and supported by them. If your business or organization is interested in being featured in a future “Know Your Locals” branded editorial, contact Jeannine Taylor at 705-742-6404 or jt@kawarthanow.com or visit our Advertise with kawarthaNOW page.
Left to right, top and bottom: Max-Life Crisis to perform at Kawartha Rotary Ribfest, Heavyweights Brass Band to perform at Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival, Drew Hayden Taylor to appear at Lakefield Literary Festival, Rice Lake Arts Jazz Quintet to perform at Rice Lake Arts, Paige Foskett as Anne Shirley in "Anne of Green Gables: The Musical", Steven Paige to perform at Westben, "Who Killed the King" at Globus Theatre, and the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PMBA) has secured a new home for its monthly local music showcases. (kawarthaNOW collage)
encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.
This week, Paul highlights live music at the 18th annual Kawartha Rotary Ribfest, the return of the Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival, all things written word courtesy of the Lakefield Literary Festival, the summer concert series at Rice Lake Arts, Anne of Green Gables’ musical turn at Bancroft’s Village Playhouse, Steven Page and Sarah Slean in concert at Westben, and an interactive murder-mystery in Bobcaygeon that leaves us all shook up.
Ribs and live music again go hand-in-hand at Millennium Park
VIDEO: “Just Another Day” – Big Motor Gasoline
If you’re a vegetarian, two things: first, good for you for making healthy eating choices and, second, you best stay well away from Millennium Park from Friday, July 12th through Sunday, July 14th.
It’s not like you’re not welcome at the 18th annual Kawartha Rotary Ribfest. Quite the contrary but, if you’re planning to go to listen to the live music, well, pack something to eat that’s more to your liking.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, Ribfest sizzles July 12 and 13 from noon to 11 p.m. and July 14 from noon to 5 p.m. A number of food and drink vendors will be on hand all weekend long, including four ‘ribbers.’ A bib isn’t mandatory but it is highly recommended.
Meanwhile, live music is as much a part of the festival as the eats, with the following performing, in order starting at noon each day:
July 12: Misfits in Action, Vortexans, Four Lanes Wide, Big Motor Gasoline, The Donny Woods Band, and Max-Life Crisis
July 13: The Hippie Chicks, The Cadillacs, No Looking Back, Pat Temple and the Hilo Players, and Gunslingers
July 14: Mason Moxley (Peterborough’s Got Talent 1st place winner, Georgia Rose (Peterborough’s Got Talent 3rd place winner), Groove Authority, and Red Cup Country
Between the food and music and the prospect of seeing a whole lot of familiar faces, Ribfest promises a lot of bang for no buck. Better still, with the help of a number of sponsors, all funds raised will support Rotary humanitarian projects, locally and overseas.
The little Lakefield festival that could is still getting it done
VIDEO: “Slank” – Mark Kelso & The Jazz Exiles
One of the big fears coming out of the pandemic was that many beloved annual events wouldn’t return — a combination of momentum lost and wavering enthusiasm on the part of those at their centre.
The nasty COVID thing saw the Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival shelved in 2020 and 2021. It was, thankfully, revived in 2022 and here we are, with the 2024 edition of the one-day festival set for Saturday, July 13th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Isabel Morris Park in the village.
As the festival’s name suggests, live jazz music is prominent, starting at 11 a.m. with Zing followed, in order, by Duncan Hopkins, The Adi Braun Quartet, Mark Kelso & The Jazz Exiles, Heavyweights Brass Band, and Groove Authority.
In addition, the festival features work by 30-plus artisans and crafters for sale as well as local food and beverage vendors.
This festival doesn’t receive nearly the attention of other multi-day events in the region but, having dropped by a few times, I’m here to tell you it’s well worth checking out. Sometimes size doesn’t matter and this festival is a perfect example of that.
Lakefield’s annual celebration of the written word closing in on 30 years
The Lakefield Literary Festival takes place on July 19 and 20, 2024 at at the Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School, with a children’s tent at Cenotaph Park. (Poster: Lakefield Literary Festival)
Lakefield remains the place to be this month, with the annual Lakefield Literary Festival returning on Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th — a celebration of the written word that has few rivals, if any, in the province.
The festival began in 1995 as a tribute to renowned Canadian novelist Margaret Laurence, who called Lakefield home for a number of years. Since then, it has annually provided a platform for Canadian writers and readers to connect and exchange ideas.
At Lakefield College School’s Bryan Jones Theatre, featured authors Michael Crummey, Kevin Sylvester, Casey Lyall, Kate Hilton, Elizabeth Renzetti, Drew Hayden Taylor, Tim Cook, and Charlotte Gray will read from their work, take audience questions and sign copies of their books.
Meanwhile, on July 20, the ever-popular Children’s Tent in Cenotaph Park will see children’s book authors Casey Lyall and Kevin Sylvester share their work and interact with the kids.
This event continues to check a lot of boxes in terms of not only fostering a love of reading in young people but reminding us older folks why we fell in love with reading in the first place.
Admission to the Children’s Tent is free, with each author reading a ticketed $30 event. However, an all-access festival pass can be had for $115 while a pass to all author-related events is $80.
Local music still has a summer home near the shore of Rice Lake
VIDEO: “I Want Only You” – The Weber Brothers
More than a few years ago, I discovered a destination gem in our region that I just couldn’t believe more people didn’t know about.
Last fall, those in the know were sad to hear that Fran Fearnley was closing her ZimArt Rice Lake Gallery near Bailieboro after 23 years as Canada’s only outdoor gallery of hand-carved Shona sculpture from Zimbabwe. Enter Miriam Davidson, who subsequently purchased the five-acre property that is now home to Rice Lake Arts.
Like Fearnley, Davidson is wholly dedicated to celebrating nature and art by providing a creative learning space that not only offers visual art workshops and events featuring local and regional artists but is also continuing a ZimArt tradition of staging summer outdoor concerts featuring local musicians.
On Friday, July 19th at 6 p.m., the concert series kicks off with the Rice Lake Jazz Quintet, comprised of Marlowe Bork, John Climenhage, Mark Davidson, Steve McCracken and Pete Woolidge — each familiar to local jazz fans.
On the horizon are The Weber Brothers (July 31), The Al Lerman Trio (August 14) and The Receivers: Irish Millie and Murray Shadgett joined by sisters Fern and Willow Marwood (August 28). Tickets for each show cost $40, with a series pass $120, available at www.ricelakearts.ca
Advertisement - content continues below
Oh, we still love precocious Anne Shirley after all these years
The cast of “Anne of Green Gables: The Musical” at Bancroft Village Playhouse. (Photo: Tweed & Company Theatre)
When Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery penned Anne of Green Gables in 1908, it’s a pretty good bet she had no idea that, 116 years on, we’d still be so enthralled with her celebrated work.
Before she died in 1948, Montgomery published 20 novels, 530 short stories, 500 poems and 30 essays — a huge body of work by any standard — but the adventures of 11-year-old orphan Anne Shirley remains in a league of its own, both in its literary form and on stage.
With 2024 marking the 150th anniversary of Montgomery’s birth, Tweed & Company Theatre is presenting Anne of Green Gables: The Musical — Canada’s longest running and most popular musical — from July 17 to 28 at Bancroft Village Playhouse.
This adaptation of Montgomery’s novel, written by Donald Harron with music by Norman Campbell, follows the precocious and imaginative freckle-faced, red-haired Anne as she captures the hearts and minds of her newfound family and neighbours by way of her pluck and personality.
There are few guarantees in life but a smile on your face is a given after joining Anne on her adventures. Good on The Village Playhouse for bringing this perennially delightful story to its stage.
Performance dates are July 17, 18, 20, 24, 25 and 26 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees July 18, 20, 21, 25, 27 and 28. Tickets are available at www.villageplayhouse.ca.
Westben’s summer schedule brings us two music heavyweights
VIDEO: “Nothing But The Light” – Sarah Slean
If it seems that Westben in Campbellford has something going on every night, there’s a reason for that — it pretty much does have something going on every night. A check of the venue’s summer schedule offers proof of that.
But two dates this month have caught my attention. I know I’m not alone in that regard.
First, on Friday, July 19th at Westben’s Willow Hill venue, Steven Page, a founding member of The Barenaked Ladies, will headline. Then, on Sunday, July 21st at The Barn, four-time Juno Award nominee Sarah Slean will entertain.
These are two Canadian music heavyweights. Westben’s securing of both is quite a coup.
Page, who embarked on a solo career in 2009, continues to draw very well here at home and internationally, drawing material from six albums, the latest being 2022’s Excelsior. Slean, meanwhile, has 11 albums to her credit, her latest Juno Award nomination coming in 2021 in the Best Classical Album – Vocal or Choral Performance category for Sarah Slean and Symphony Nova Scotia.
For tickets to either show, visit www.westben.ca. If it’s hard to choose which to attend, the solution is simple -— treat yourself to what’s sure to be a great evening with both.
Advertisement - content continues below
As Elvis leaves the building for good in Bobcaygeon, a fun whodunit results
Globus Theatre presents “Who Killed The King” from July 24 to August 4 at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon. (Graphic: Globus Theatre)
If, as an audience member, you prefer to be immersed in the action, then Who Killed The King at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon is definitely right up your alley.
Written by Globus Theatre’s Sarah Quick, the interactive murder mystery takes place during the fictional town of Colligeon’s popular annual Elvis festival. With Elvis impersonators and fans of The King from around the world in attendance, the competition is fierce, but things really heat up on closing night when one performer has left the building for good. It’s left up to the audience to play detective and solve the murder that has left the town, well, all shook up.
Performance dates at the Lakeview Arts Barn off Pigeon Lake Road are July 24 to 27 and July 30 to August 3 at 6:30 p.m., with a 12:30 p.m. matinee added July 27. To order tickets, visit globustheatre.com
Encore
VIDEO: Joslynn Burford on Your TV
It’s great to hear that the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PMBA) has secured a new home for its monthly local music showcases. When the first iteration of The Pig’s Ear Tavern closed, it was forced to find a new location, and did so at Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews in downtown Peterborough. Now, with that pub shutting down and moving to Bridgenorth, the PMBA shows will be staged at The Social in downtown Peterborough, continuing the noble work of raising money for local musicians who find themselves in need of some help. Mark Saturday, July 20th on your calendar. That’s the date of the first PMBA event at The Social, with The Vortexans in the house from 1 to 4 p.m. As always, admission is by donation, with $10 suggested.
Continuing our look at little known but terrific local live music venues, it’s high time we mentioned Music at the Locks at Lock 31 in Buckhorn. Live music is presented by the Buckhorn District Lions Club every Tuesday this month and in August, from 6 to 8 p.m. Upcoming performances feature Joslynn Burford (July 16) and Fyd-L-Styx (July 30). Check out the full summer schedule on the Parks Canada website.
Kawartha Lakes Pride is celebrating Pride Week with a host of activities in the Kawartha Lakes from July 8 to 14, 2024, including the popular "Pooch Pride" walk hosted by Adelaide Clinic in Lindsay with prizes for the best-dressed pooch and human. (Photo: Adelaide Clinic / Facebook)
The Pride flag is again waving in the Kawartha Lakes, kicking off a series of events to mark Pride Week.
Kawartha Lakes Pride (KLP) is hosting a range of celebratory activities, which kick off Monday (July 8) and run through to Sunday (July 14). While KLP is hoping for successful events, the group’s executive director said there’s a second goal for Pride Week in the Kawartha Lakes.
“Pride is more than just a week of events but showcases the incredible love that comes from our diverse community, and promotes a kindness that the whole world needs, at the moment and always,” Rylee Hynes told kawarthaNOW.
“Reminding marginalized communities that they are not alone is paramount in their safety, as well as their happiness. We are here, we are queer, and we have a love for all,” Hynes added.
Below are the KLP events on the roster for Pride Week in Kawartha Lakes.
Advertisement - content continues below
Monday, July 8
“Queer Trivia Night” from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lotus Indian Bistro (69 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls)
Tuesday, July 9
“Drag Queen Story Time” featuring Peterborough drag performer Betty Baker from 10 a.m. to noon at Kindred Coffee Bar (148 Kent St. W., Lindsay)
Thursday, July 11
“Pooch Pride” walk at 5:30 p.m. at Adelaide Clinic (1 Adelaide St., Lindsay). For the sixth annual event, people and dogs are encouraged to dress in their best Pride wear. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed human and best-dressed pooch.
Advertisement - content continues below
Friday, July 12
“Pride in the Park” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Maryboro Lodge Museum (50 Oak St., Fenelon Falls). The free family-friendly event features a drag queen story time, a DJ, glitz station, face painting, balloon artist, flower crown bar, games, caricature artist, temporary tattoos, snacks, vendors, drag show, and arts and crafts.
“Pride After Dark” from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Maryboro Lodge Museum (50 Oak St., Fenelon Falls). This is an age-of-majority event featuring eight drag performers (Sahira, Banshii Waylon, Lexy Moore, Betty Baker, Magnolia Knox, Jenny Tall, Tommi, and Seth WD Davenport) hosted by a surprise guest DJ. Food and drink will be provided by Feast and Fusion. Tickets are $25, available in advance at PrideAfterDark24.eventbrite.com.
Saturday, July 13
“Proud Sounds” concert and community picnic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Victoria Park Gazebo (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay). Sponsored by the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce, the free family-friendly event features performances by local 2SLGBTQIA+ musical artists and allies, a family-friendly drag show, sponsor tents, and a community picnic.
A Musical Tribute to Elton John at 7:30 p.m. at The Grove Theatre (27 Veterans Way, Fenelon Falls). For Saturday night’s performance, order tickets at grovetheatre.ca and use code “Pride15” to get 15 per cent off.
Advertisement - content continues below
Sunday, July 14
“Queer Ecology Hike” from 10 a.m. to noon at Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay). The free family-friendly five-kilometre guided nature hike will be hosted by drag performers Jenny Tall and Sardonyx.
“Toke and Stroke Drag Show Paint Night’ at 8 p.m. at East End Electric (14 Oak St., Fenelon Falls). Sponsored by East End Electric and High Supply Fenelon Falls, this age-of-majority event is hosted by drag performers Sahira and Jenny Tall, and includes an outdoor lounge and party favours. Tickets are $50 and available in advance at KLPPaintNight24.eventbrite.com.
For more information about Kawartha Lakes Pride and for updates about Pride Week events, visit facebook.com/KawarthaLakesPride.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
Submit your event for FREE!
Use our event submission form to post your event on our website — for free.
To submit editorial content or ideas, please contact us.
