The suspect in two gas thefts from a business on Highway 401 in Port Hope on September 25 and November 6, 2023. (Police-supplied photos)
Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in two gas thefts from a business on Highway 401 in Port Hope.
Thefts of gas on September 25 and November 6 were reported to Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The suspect in the thefts was driving a white Honda Pilot.
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Police are continuing to investigate the thefts.
Anyone who has information about the suspect’s identity or has any further information about the incidents is asked to call the Northumberland OPP at 905-372-5421 or the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.
If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your information online at stopcrimehere.ca. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
After 20 years as executive director of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations (FOCA), Peterborough's Terry Rees is stepping down in March 2024 to pursue other interests. (Photo courtesy of FOCA)
After 20 years at the helm, Peterborough’s Terry Rees is stepping down as executive director of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) in March 2024 to pursue other interests.
Established in 1963 and incorporated in 1974, today FOCA represents 525 lake and road associations in rural communities across Ontario and speaks for the interests of 250,000 seasonal and year-round waterfront property owners. Rees, who owns a family cottage on Lake Kasshabog north of Havelock in Peterborough County and was previously president of the Lake Kasshabog Residents Association, joined FOCA as executive director in 2004.
“This role has allowed me to see and appreciate so many parts of our wonderful province, and to work alongside and in support of the great volunteers that make Ontario’s rural and northern communities thrive, and who work tirelessly to keep our lakes great,” Rees says in a media release. “I’ve always wanted my kids to have the same great opportunities to enjoy and appreciate our lakes they way I have, and I hope I have managed to do my little part to make this a reality, for their sake, and for all our future generations.”
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Under Rees’s leadership, FOCA has fostered working relationships with provincial politicians and staff — including at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks — on issues such as onsite wastewater management, protecting biodiversity, preventing the spread of invasive species, and promoting private land stewardship.
Rees has also led FOCA’s work showing the significant economic impact of Ontario’s waterfront property owners, pushing for more transparent and fair property taxes, and representing the 147,000 remote Hydro One customers on rate proposals at the Ontario Energy Board.
One of Rees’s passions has been adapting and preparing for emergencies in waterfront Ontario, and FOCA developed a risk management program for lake associations, backed with a tailored liability insurance program to keep local community groups and their volunteers safe.
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Other topics Rees worked on included individual environmental stewardship, the short-term rental market, private roads, safer boating, land use planning reforms, and mining oversight. He also worked with the environmental visual communications program at Fleming College and the Royal Ontario Museum to develop videos about the important role of citizen science, local volunteerism, and more.
“These are big shoes to fill,” says FOCA board president Ian Crawford. “We wish Terry all the best for his next endeavours, and thank him sincerely for his dedication to FOCA over these past decades.”
The organization is currently seeking a chief executive officer to replace Rees. For more information on FOCA, visit foca.on.ca.
Three of the 24 professionally designed Christmas trees that are available to be won at Bennett's Furniture and Mattresses in Campbellford, Kingston, and Peterborough. Each store will showcase eight trees along with local food and beverages, a silent auction, professional photos, and more from November 29 to December 1, 2023, with proceeds supporting three local hospitals. (kawarthaNOW collage)
Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses, one of the longest-operating businesses in the Kawarthas region, is hosting its first-ever designer Christmas tree benefit to raise funds for three local hospitals.
The family-owned business will be hosting the benefit in each of its three stores in Campbellford, Kingston, and Peterborough on three consecutive evenings, with proceeds donated to the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation, the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation.
The benefit takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29th at the Campbellford store (13 Front Street South), on Thursday, November 30th at the Kingston store (2376 Princess Street), and on Friday, December 1st at the Peterborough store (105 Park Street South).
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Each store will showcase eight professionally designed Christmas trees, each with a specific theme, that are available to be won. The benefit evening at each store will also feature local food and beverages, a silent auction, festive music, professional photos in a Christmas display, and an exclusive one-night-only shopping surprise.
Draws for the winners of the eight trees at each location will be made the night of the in-store benefit, with Bennett’s offering to deliver the trees to the winners’ homes within its regular delivery area (up to 100 kilometres away from each store’s location).
Ticket are $50 for an in-store benefit ticket or, for those unable to attend, $25 for a door prize ticket. Tickets can be purchased at any Bennett’s location. Many local businesses and organizations in each community are sponsoring a tree or sponsoring or supporting the benefit.
A Peterborough Transit bus in front of a transit stop. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
There will be no transit strike in Peterborough on Monday after workers ratified a new three-year agreement with the City of Peterborough on the weekend.
The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1320 held a general membership meeting on Saturday (November 18) where members voted 87 per cent in favour of the agreement, which had already been unanimously endorsed by the union local’s executive board.
“The membership stuck together and were clear about what they were willing to accept, and ultimately accepted this latest offer for a three-year deal,” said ATU Local 1320 president Cory MacLeod in a media release.
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ATU Local 1320, which represents 103 full-time and about 20 part-time transit workers, and the city had been negotiating a new contract since May.
Contract talks broke down mid-September, with union members voting 99 per cent in favour of a strike mandate. With the union and city in a legal strike and lockout position as of Saturday, the two sides held further negotiations earlier in the week and, after the union issued a 72-hour advance strike notice, reached a tentative deal on Friday.
Saturday’s ratification of the contract means transit service will continue to operate normally on Monday. Peterborough city council will hold a ratification vote as soon as possible to seal the new deal.
“My sincere appreciation and congratulations to the ATU Local 1320 executive committee and members, as well as the city’s bargaining team, for their hard work, commitment, and true sense of belonging for our community to make it possible,” said Jasbir Raina, the City of Peterborough’s chief administrative officer, in a media release. “Our frontline service delivery workers are the true value-creating leaders and brand ambassadors for the city.”
Neither the city nor the union local have yet publicly released details of the three-year agreement.
Paul Harris Fellows Rob Steinman, Michelle Patton Horner, Scott Murison and Kieran Andrews, Robert Smith, and Dave Morello, with Rotary district governor Juanita Hodgson and Kawartha Rotary president Paul Landau looking on. Paul Harris Fellow Chloë Black was not present to accept her recognition for international service as she is currently in Ukraine, and her father Alan Black was unable to accept the honour on her behalf due to illness. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
A week after the Peterborough Rotary Club announced its 2023 Paul Harris Fellows, the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha has announced the seven people this year who have received the club’s highest recognition.
Peterborough grocer and community leader Dave Morello, international volunteer Chloë Black, entrepreneurs Scott Murison and Kieran Andrews, youth leader Michelle Patton Horner, environmentalist Rob Steinman, and founding Rotarian Robert Smith were all recognized as Paul Harris Fellows on Thursday evening (November 16).
Named for Rotary International founder Paul Percy Harris, the recognition is given to both Rotarians and non-Rotarians who exemplify Rotary’s motto of “Service above Self” in the categories of community, international, vocational, youth, environment, and club. Each recipient receives a Paul Harris Fellow certificate and a Paul Harris pin.
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Franchise owner and operator of Morello’s Your Independent Grocer in Peterborough, Dave Morello (community service) was recognized for his community leadership including as chair of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign for over nine years and his involvement with the Peterborough Humane Society, Ted on the Roof for the United Way, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Festival of Trees, and more.
Former professional road and track cyclist and coach Chloë Black (international service) was recognized for her volunteer work in Ukraine. Shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Black travelled to Romania to help rescue and house animals from war-ravaged Ukraine and later travelled to Ukraine where, as a volunteer with Ukrainian Patriot, she helped deliver humanitarian aid packages to frontline soldiers and civilians living with the constant threat of shelling. Currently in Ukraine, Black has spent a total of 31 weeks over four different tours in the country helping both animals and people who’ve been most affected by the war.
Founders of Wild Rock Outfitters in downtown Peterborough, Scott Murison and Kieran Andrews (vocational services) were recognized both for their business and their support of the community. Longtime advocates for physical activity in the outdoors, particularly cycling, hiking, running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing who have operated a successful business since 1992, Murison and Andrews have also supported the local community both financially and through volunteer efforts including involvement with numerous organizations and, most recently, a new initiative called The Wild Rock ComPassion Project that educates people about community agencies and volunteer opportunities and raises funds for community agencies.
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Michelle Patton Horner (youth service) was recognized for her involvement as a youth leader with the Millbrook Girl Guides for 15 years and as a volunteer with the Army Cadets for eight years. She has also been secretary of the student council in Millbrook for the past 14 years.
Friends of Jackson Park founder Rob Steinman (environmental service) was recognized for his environmental advocacy work through the local action group, with the explicit mandate of preventing the new previously proposed Parkway extension that included the construction of a road and bridge through the core of Jackson Park. Steinman successfully rallied the community to help preserve Jackson Park so that future generations of families and individuals could continue to enjoy the greenspace.
One of the founding members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, Robert Smith (club service) was recognized for his ongoing contributions as a member since 1989. He has spent many years as the club’s treasurer and has supported all of the club’s fundraising initiatives, including the annual auction, Musicfest, Ribfest, and more. Smith has always been available, willing, and able to handle a multitude of tasks placed before him and has committed hundreds of hours of volunteer work each year in support of the club.
Maisie, one of the 6,200 children and youth served by Five Counties Children's Centre in the past year, helps display a sign the charitable organization serving children with special needs in the greater Kawarthas region will hang in the waiting area of its Peterborough location in recognition of a $227,000 donation from retired Peterborough couple James and Sheila Ryan to help reduce wait times. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)
A retired Peterborough doctor and nurse have donated $227,000 to Five Counties Children’s Centre — one of the largest donations ever received by the charitable organization serving children with special needs in the greater Kawarthas region.
The donation from James and Sheila Ryan will help reduce wait times for children’s treatment services like speech and occupational therapies. According to a media release from Five Counties, the donation will benefit more than 280 children in the Peterborough region.
“We are extremely appreciative of the Ryans for their incredibly generous gift that will help us provide more life-changing treatment to more children and youth in our community,” says Five Counties CEO Scott Pepin. “The additional challenges presented by the pandemic have highlighted the critical need for our services, so these funds will help us to reduce wait times and ensure kids and their families get the treatment they need when they need it.”
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Both of the Ryans worked in a hospital setting before retirement — James as a physician and Sheila as a pediatric orthopedic nurse — and understand the importance of early detection, assessment, and treatment to help children get the care they need.
“Prompt treatment can bring amazing results, and we trust that this gift will be able to assist in reducing wait times for local families who need treatment,” the couple says. “Helping children access physical, developmental, and communication support programs is integral to help them build confidence, independence, and inclusion to reach their full potential.”
In recognition of the Ryans’ donation, Five Counties will rename the waiting area at its Peterborough location after the couple.
Five Counties Children’s Centre provides speech, physio, and occupational therapies along with other treatment services for children and youth up to the age of 19 in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton. Services are provided through the organization’s locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg, Campbellford, and Minden, as well as in area schools and other venues in the community.
According to Five Counties, the organization served more than 6,200 children and youth in the greater Kawarthas region in the past year — the highest number of clients in its nearly 50-year history.
A day before a possible strike, the City of Peterborough and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1320 have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract — although a strike could still happen if transit workers vote against the deal.
“I am pleased to announce that after long negotiations and unwavering solidarity from our members, we have reached a tentative agreement that not only honours the hard work and dedication of our workforce but also sets a benchmark for fair and equitable treatment,” said ATU Local 1320 president Cory Macleod in a media release on Friday (November 17).
ATU Local 1320 represents 103 full-time and around 20 part-time transit workers. The city and the union have began bargaining since May, including meetings with a provincially appointed conciliation officer. Contract talks broke down mid-September, with union members voting 99 per cent in favour of a strike mandate.
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On November 1, the city received an official notice from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, known as a no board report, that started a countdown toward a legal strike or lockout date as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday (November 18).
The two sides scheduled two days of bargaining meetings this week, resulting in the tentative agreement.
“Thank you to city council, our city bargaining team and ATU Local 1320 leadership for their dedication to achieving a fair and reasonable agreement for Peterborough Transit workers and for our community,” said Jasbir Raina, the City of Peterborough’s chief administrative officer, in a media release.
The union membership is expected to vote on the agreement at a ratification meeting on Saturday. If members reject the agreement, a strike will happen on Monday. Otherwise, the deal will be ratified by city council as soon as possible.
Details of the agreement will be released after the union’s ratification meeting.
Discounted early bird passes are on sale until December 1 for the 2024 ReFrame Film Festival, which features an in-person component hosted at Showplace Performance Centre and Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough from January 25 to 28 followed by an on-demand virtual component from January 29 to February 4. (Logo: ReFrame Film Festival with creative by artist Ceilidh Pitaw)
The ReFrame Film Festival is returning in January with in-person screenings and events in downtown Peterborough for the first time since the pandemic began, but will also continue with an on-demand virtual festival that will reach audiences across Canada. A limited number of early bird festival passes are on sale now until December 1.
The hybrid format is a first for the annual documentary film festival, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024.
The in-person component of the festival will be hosted at Showplace Performance Centre and Market Hall Performing Arts Centre from Thursday, January 25th to Sunday, January 28th and will feature a curated film program, live performances, filmmaker question-and-answer sessions, panel discussions, media arts exhibits, and more.
Following the in-person component, ReFrame will move online with an on-demand virtual component from Monday, January 29th to Sunday, February 4th. As in previous years, films screening during the virtual component will be available to viewers across the country.
According to a media release from organizers, the decision to present a hybrid film festival for ReFrame’s 20th anniversary year was based on audience feedback surveys and community consultation.
“The festival team saw ReFramers’ clear desire to return to the hustle and bustle, engagement, dialogue, and excitement generated by the in-person experience,” the media release states. “At the same time, the convenience, accessibility, safety, and reach of the ReFrame Virtual Theatre was shown to be equally valued by audiences and community partners. ReFrame has heard its community, and is offering both experiences as it celebrates 20 years of showcasing the best in documentary film.”
An audience gathers for a screening at the 2018 ReFrame Film Festival at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. The 2024 documentary film festival returns for its 20th anniversary year from January 25 to February 4 with in-person events at Showplace Performance Centre and Market Hall Performing Arts Centre for the first time since the pandemic began as well as the popular virtual screenings that are accessible to all Canadians. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
As always, ReFrame presents the year’s most important, thought-provoking, and inspiring documentary films focused on intersectionality, diversity, human rights, and environmental responsibility.
The 20th anniversary festival program is curated by ReFrame’s creative director Eryn Lidster, hired this past April to replace Amy Siegel, who had served as creative director since 2019.
“It is thrilling to explore connections across the film program, and the relationship to things happening right now in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough,” Lidster says. “I am filled with anticipation for audiences to experience, and be inspired by, the incredible power of community. It is such an exciting time and I am delighted that we can come together and celebrate our interconnection, both in person and online.”
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While the complete festival program will not be released until early January, ReFrame will announce in December some of the films screening at the festival.
A limited number of early bird festival passes, with savings of 25 per cent over regular prices, are on sale now at reframefilmfestival.ca until Friday, December 1st (or while supplies last) — a perfect gift for the documentary film lover on your list.
To accommodate the in-person and virtual components of the festival, there are three festival pass options available: a $75 all-access in-person pass, a $35 all-access virtual pass (offering a reduced online selection of the same films screened during the in-person component), and a $90 all-access hybrid pass for both the in-person and virtual components of the festival.
Festival director Kait Dueck and creative director Eryn Lidster are the core staff of the ReFrame Film Festival, an not-for-profit organization overseen by a board of directors chaired by Deborah Berrill that relies on the support of volunteers as well as government support, community donations, and sponsors. (Photos: ReFrame Film Festival)
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the 2024 ReFrame Film Festival.
The 2022 Kawartha Rotary Christmas Auction raised over $17,000 to support the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha's $25,000 donation toward the railway replacement project at the Riverview Park and Zoo. Proceeds from the 2023 online auction, which runs from November 20 to December 3, will support a variety of community projects in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha’s annual Christmas Auction returns for its 25th year on Monday (November 20) with proceeds supporting a variety of community projects in Peterborough.
Bidding for the online auction opens at 11 a.m. on Monday at www.kawartharotaryauction.com and closes on Sunday, December 3rd in 20-minute intervals, from 1:20 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Every year, the auction features hundreds of items donated by local businesses and organizations, including children’s toys and games, clothing and accessories, electronics, books, gift cards to local businesses and restaurants, theatre tickets, home appliances and decor items, and more.
Established in 1994, the Kawartha Rotary Christmas Auction has raised many thousands of dollars every year to benefit worthwhile community initiatives supported by Kawartha Rotary, such as the splash pad at Nichols Oval in 2013. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha was established in 1989 and held its inaugural Christmas Gift Auction in 1994, raising $6,965. Originally broadcast on television, the auction went online only in 2008.
Over the years, the auction has raised many thousands of dollars to benefit worthwhile community initiatives supported by Kawartha Rotary, including the Nichols Oval splashpad, the outdoor gym at Beavermead Park, the outdoor musical instruments park at the Riverview Park and Zoo, Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, YES Shelter for Youth and Families, the Peterborough police canine unit, the Peterborough Animal Care Centre, and more.
Last year’s auction raised over $17,000 to support Kawartha Rotary’s $25,000 donation toward the railway replacement project at the Riverview Park and Zoo. Proceeds from this year’s auction will support a variety of community projects in Peterborough.
The sponsors of the 2023 Kawartha Rotary Christmas Auction. (Supplied logos)
This year’s Kawartha Rotary Auction is sponsored by Stone Guide Realty Limited Brokerage, Herod Financial Services, Commercial Press, Park Place Financial, Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre, ISL Insurance Brokers, and Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn.
Payments for winning bids can be made via e-transfer to kawartharotaryauction@gmail.com or using cash or debit. Visa and MasterCard will also be accepted, but e-transfers, cash, or debit are preferred to avoid credit card processing fees so all of the proceeds can stay in the community.
For more information on the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, visit kawartharotary.com.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha. If your business or organization is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
There's festive fun for the whole family in communities across the Kawarthas region in the weeks leading up to Christmas, including Christmas at Ken Reid on December 2, 2023 featuring a day of free family fun and adventure including horse-drawn wagon rides at Ken Reid Conservation Area in Lindsay. (Photo: Kawartha Conservation)
If it’s hard for you to believe that Christmas is just six weeks away, you might be in need of some festive community events to get in the holiday spirit and help you cross a few items off your shopping list.
Fortunately, there’s a full line-up of events across the greater Kawarthas region including holiday markets featuring local vendors, seasonal food and drink, Santa visits and parades, wagon rides, decoration-making activities and, of course, no shortage of fun for the whole family.
Here are a few of the many events happening in communities across the Kawarthas to amp up your Christmas spirit this holiday season.
Kawartha Lakes Festival of Trees at Kawartha Settlers’ Village in Bobcaygeon (November 17 – 19)
Begin your holiday season celebrations at the Kawartha Lakes Festival of Trees at Kawartha Settlers’ Village in Bobcaygeon from November 17 to 19, 2023. (Photo: Kawartha Settlers’ Village)
Kawartha Settlers’ Village (85 Dunn St., Bobcaygeon) will turn into a winter wonderland from Friday, November 17th to Sunday, November 19th with the return of the annual Kawartha Lakes Festival of Trees.
Weekend activities include shopping for ornate holiday decorations at the Christmas Boutique, warming up with a hot beverage at the Christmas Café, filling up on food at treats at the Snack Shack and Candy Shoppe, and enjoying the Christmas music projecting throughout the village while taking a wagon ride.
The festival also features plenty of activities for children with a colouring contest, a performance from award-winning comic and renowned clown Circus Jonathan, storytelling, craft making, and letter writing to Santa, who will also be on site daily.
Throughout the village, there will be a display of items available for raffle draw and silent auction, including decorated trees, wreaths, garlands, and gift cards. There will also be a live auction hosted in the Murphy Barn on Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m., with registration at 7 p.m.
The 26th annual festival runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $15 per person for a festival pass, with children 12 and under free. Visit www.kawarthalakesfestivaloftrees.com for a full list of scheduled activities and to preview items in the live auction.
Mingle & Jingle in Bobcaygeon (November 18)
Mochi’s will have a pop-up at the Mingle and Jingle market at Briarwood Hub (42 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon) on November 18, 2023 featuring lots of cute Christmas treats including snowman meringue cookies, gingerbread men cookies, mini gingerbread houses, sugar cookies, mini carrot cakes, and milk breads. (Photo: Mochi’s)
The village of Bobcaygeon is swapping out the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with some mingle and jingle. Running all day on Saturday (November 18) throughout Bobcaygeon, there will be great deals and promotions from local businesses both in-store and online, as well as markets and workshops. Santa Claus visits, a Zoo to You animal show, pop-up story time, and a tree-lighting ceremony with Christmas carolling are just a few of the many other events happening throughout the region.
Sale promotions range from complimentary hot chocolate and the opportunity to win an original oil painting at Rapley Fields Art Studio & Gallery, to 50 per cent off treats at Paws N Claws and 10 to 100 per cent off at Granny Bird’s Wool Shoppe. Among others, vendor markets include a Craft & Bake Sale at the legion (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and a mini farmers’ market at the Fairgrounds (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Once you’ve stocked up on holiday gifts for a great deal, you’ll want to reward yourself with some fun and festive treats. The Sips & Bites Passport Tour (which can be picked up at Ball Real Estate) will take visitors on a self-guided tour of dine-in and take-out specials of food and drink that have been crafted specially for the day. From Christmas cake to eggnog milkshakes, festive poutines, and fresh tomato soups, the tour is sure to keep you warm and feeling festive all afternoon.
Passports can be submitted at Just for the Halibut, Ball Real Estate, or online by emailing minglejinglebobcaygeon@gmail.com for a chance to win a sunset boat cruise from Buckeye Marine and a $100 gift card for a local restaurant of your choosing. Visit mingleandjingle.ca for full schedules.
Christmas in the Village in Minden (November 18)
After the Minden Hills Santa Claus parade at 11 a.m., Santa will be at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre until 2 p.m. during Christmas in the Village, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 18, 2023. (Photo: Minden Hills Cultural Centre)
The Township of Minden Hills is hosting their annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday (November 18) beginning at 11 a.m. with the theme of “The Joy of Christmas,” but the festivities aren’t ending there.
The Minden Hills Cultural Centre (176 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden) is hosting Christmas in the Village from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children and adults alike will be entertained all afternoon, with a local artisan vendor market, homemade baked good sale, old-fashioned candy shop, Santa letter-writing station, ornament crafting, and a book sale by the Friends of Haliburton County Library.
Local musician Eric Swanson will perform live between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and the Agnes Jamieson Gallery will be open to feature the exhibit “Shifting Lens” by the Ontario Society of Artists Eastern Hub. Santa will also be in the village after the parade until 2 p.m.
Admission is by donation.
Shop for Joy at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (November 23)
The Art Gallery of Peterborough is kicking off the holiday shopping season with their annual Shop for Joy event from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on November 23, 2023 featuring works from a range of local artists and makers. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
The Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St., Peterborough) is kicking off the holiday shopping season with their annual Shop for Joy event from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 23rd. The gallery will be brimming with works from a range of local artists and makers.
The event will include plenty of new pieces and holiday-themed refreshments to enjoy while perusing the gallery. Gallery members will receive 20 per cent off select items from the shop between November 23 and 26.
Shop for Joy coincides with the opening reception for the gallery’s juried exhibit, taking place from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Called “Seams and Starta,” the juried exhibit called for artists to submit works that explore themes of legacy, archives, nostalgia, memory, and growth as the gallery looks ahead to its 50th anniversary next year. Of the 140 applications, 55 artists were selected by a jury of Canadian artists and curators. The exhibit runs until March 17, 2024.
Christmas Magic in Cobourg (November 24 – January 7)
Christmas Magic in Cobourg sees 200,000 lights decorating the town’s waterfront and Victoria and Rotary parks from November 24, 2023 until January 7. (Photo: Town of Cobourg)
Since the early 1990s, Christmas Magic has been a tradition that Cobourg residents and visitors look forward to every year, with 200,000 lights decorating the town’s waterfront and Victoria and Rotary parks during the holiday season.
Christmas Magic begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 24th with a “lighting up ceremony” and guided walk that will begin at Rotary Waterfront Park and proceed to Victoria Park for the big reveal.
To get excited for the day, guests are invited to the Downtown Christmas Market on Second Street, hosted by the Downtown Business Improvement Area. Beginning at noon, the market will include local musicians, hot chocolate and street vendors, and will continue beyond the ceremony.
The lights will be on display each night until Sunday, January 7th.
Candlelight Festival in Port Hope (November 24 – January 2)
Running from November 24 until January 2, this year’s Candlelight Festival in Port Hope will be celebrated with wagon rides through the historic downtown, vendor markets, holiday décor, a Santa Claus parade, festive workshops, free wrapping stations, and more.
Port Hope is launching the festival with the Candlelight Walk on Friday, November 24th. Guests are invited to bring their own light source (lantern, candle in protective holder, flashlight) to carry on a walk departing from Walton and Pine Streets at 6 p.m. Carolling song sheets will be distributed ahead of the journey to encourage participation in singing holiday songs along the route.
Following the walk, hot cider will be provided in Memorial Park as a countdown leads to the lighting of the park for the holiday season. There will also be live music and an outdoor market at Lent Lane, and participating stores will be open late for Moonlight Madness, presented by the Port Hope Heritage Business Improvement Area.
“Jack: A Beanstalk Panto” at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope (November 24 – December 23)
As well as staging its “Jack: A Beanstalk Panto” holiday production from November 24 to December 23, 2023, Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre will be hosting the 27th annual Festival of Lights and Trees from November 24 to December 17, where beautifully decorated trees and wreaths sponsored by local businesses, partners, and friends of the Capitol are placed on display throughout the building. (Photo: Capitol Theatre)
The annual holiday panto is returning to the Capitol Theatre (20 Queen St., Port Hope) with a musical retelling of a classic fairy tale. Written and directed exclusively for Capitol audiences by award-winning actor and improviser Rebecca Northan, Jack: A Beanstalk Panto has magic, murder, a gregarious goose, a hilarious harp, and a whole lot of gold.
Starring Christy Bruce, Paul Constable, Robbie Fenton, Madison Hayes-Crook, Clea McCaffrey, Zoe O’Connor, Hal Wesley Rogers, and Steve Ross, the show includes a family version for those who are on Santa’s nice list this holiday season and an adult version for those who are on the naughty list.
Family performances take place at 3 p.m. on November 25, 2 p.m. on December 2, 11 a.m. on December 3, 2 p.m. on December 9, 11 a.m. on December 10, and 2 p.m. on December 16, 22, and 23. Naughty performances run at 8 p.m. on November 24 and 25, November 28 to December 9, December 12 to 16, and December 19 to 23, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on December 13. Tickets are $48 and can be purchased online at capitoltheatre.com or in person at the box office.
The holiday season at the Capitol also includes the 27th annual Festival of Lights and Trees from November 24 to December 17, where beautifully decorated trees and wreaths sponsored by local businesses, partners, and friends of the Capitol are placed on display throughout the building. During display times, guests have the option to purchase a raffle ticket and enter to win all of the tree decorations as well as a 2024 summer season subscription. The prize draw takes place at the Capitol at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 18th.
Santa Day in Fenelon Falls (November 25)
Santa Day in Fenelon Falls on November 25, 2023 features a day of fun for the entire family culminating with a Santa Claus parade followed by a fireworks display. (Photo via Fenelon Falls Santa Day website)
Fenelon Falls hosts Santa Day, a day of fun for the whole family, on the last Saturday of November every year. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 25, guests can enjoy an afternoon of festivities throughout the downtown core, including visits with furry farm animals, letter writing to Santa, pony rides, and face painting. Businesses and organizations will be supplying cider, hot chocolate, and sweet treats to keep guests warm and energized all afternoon long.
Be sure to head to Slices ‘n’ Scoops (or “Gingerbread Headquarters”) to see decadent and unique gingerbread houses entered in the annual contest. There will be several different contest categories from young to professional with monetary prizes awarded to select winners.
After a day full of fun, treats and holiday spirit, Fenelon Falls Santa Day will conclude with a parade featuring the big guy himself beginning at 5 p.m. at West and Lindsay streets. When Santa has crossed the bridge, a spectacular fireworks show will light up the sky over the gorge at 6 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance at Ken Reid Conservation Area in Lindsay during Christmas at Ken Reid on December 2, 2023. (Photo: Kawartha Conservation)
Christmas at Ken Reid Conservation Area (77 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay) is returning on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a day of free family fun and adventure.
From holiday games (like kids’ crafts in Santa’s Workshop and an elf-in-training scavenger hunt) to delicious food (including Beavertails and Gangster Cheese gourmet grilled cheese) and animal interactions (including an interactive Reptilia Zoo display, a petting zoo, chickadee feeding, and a Birds of Prey show), there’s no shortage of things to do, see, and taste throughout the day.
Other highlights include Pinnguaq Association kids’ games, balloon animals for the entire family, horse-drawn wagon rides, live carving demonstrations, and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The event is free courtesy of Kawartha Conservation, although donations are appreciated and welcomed. Non-perishable food donations will also be accepted for the Kawartha Lakes Food Source.
Family Sunday at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (December 3)
Artist and illustrator Eugenie Fernandes will be the special guest at the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s Family Sunday on December 3, 2023. She will be reading from Sarah Nelson’s book “Frogness,” for which Fernandes created the illustrations. (Photo via Sarah Nelson’s website)
For the first time since the pandemic began, Family Sunday is returning to the Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St., Peterborough) from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 3rd.
Visitors can explore the gallery’s current exhibits before heading to the studio for drop-in art activities featuring special guest Eugenie Fernandes. The artist and illustrator will be doing readings from her new book Frogness, written by Sarah Nelson with illustrations by Fernandes.
There is no fee or registration required to attend Family Sunday, although children must be accompanied by an adult.
Millbrook’s Christmas in the Village (December 7)
Christmas in the Village takes place along King Street in Millbrook on December 7, 2023 a fun-filled evening of family events including gingerbread house contests, carolling, photos with Santa, food and craft vendors, and horse-drawn wagon rides. (Graphic: Millbrook BIA)
The Millbrook Business Improvement Area (BIA) is hosting this year’s Christmas in the Village on Thursday, December 7th from 5 to 9 p.m.
King Street will be closed for a fun-filled evening of family events throughout the downtown including gingerbread house contests, carolling, photos with Santa, food and craft vendors, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Christmas in the Village is free to attend. For event updates, visit the Millbrook BIA on Facebook.
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“In from the Cold” Christmas benefit concert in Peterborough (December 8 & 9)
For the past 24 years, a group of Peterborough musicians have come together every December to perform a Christmas benefit concert to raise funds for YES Shelter for Youth and Families. “In from the Cold” returns to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 8th and Saturday, December 9th.
As always, Carried Away (John Hoffman, Susan Newman, and Rob Fortin), Michael Ketemer, Tana Haney, Curtis Driedger and friends, and the 28-voice Convivio Chorus will perform unique seasonal music you won’t hear anywhere else, featuring instruments including guitar, fiddle, concertina, hammered dulcimer, recorder, tin whistle, harp, mandolin, bouzouki, and more.
Tickets cost $25 ($30 for cabaret table seating), with all proceeds going to YES. Since 2000, “In from the Cold” has raised almost $170,000 for the non-profit organization that helps youth and families experiencing homelessness in Peterborough by providing shelter, education, and transitional supports.
Tickets can be purchased online at markethall.org or in person at the Market Hall box office. If you can’t attend, Trent Radio 92.7 FM will broadcast a recording of the concert throughout Christmas Day.
Focus Fair in Peterborough (December 9 & 10)
Focus Fair features works from a curated selection of local artists and makers on December 9 and 10, 2023 at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
You can give everyone on your list hand-crafted gifts from local artisans by visiting the 19th annual Focus Fair on Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th at The Theatre on King (171 King St, Peterborough).
Hosted by print artist Jeffrey Macklin of Jackson Creek Press, this year’s event will include a curated selection of local artists and makers showcasing a variety of handmade goods and art work that’s sure to impress anyone you’re shopping for this season.
Focus Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The annual “A Cozy Christmas” benefit concert on December 17, 2023 is celebrating its 20th anniversary of performing story and song to raise funds for the education of children in Liberia, West Africa. (Photo: Showplace Performance Centre)
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the “A Cozy Christmas” benefit concert, which returns to Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 17th with the theme of “Christmas Around the World.”
Organized by the Foley family and friends, this year’s family concert will include stories from emcee and master storyteller Hugh Foley and a line-up of musicians including Bridget Foley and the Gospel Girls, Murray and Sibernie James-Bosch, Theresa Foley, Sheila Prophet and Norma Curtis, Colleen Anthony, Amelia Foley, Lochlan Craighead Foley, Vera Vandermey, Lizeh Basciano, Glen Caradus, The Woodhouse Crooks, The Men: Fr. Tony Barol, Fr. Martin Dalida, Lito Garcia, Oswaldo Bacareza and Marcelo Saplagio, and more.
All the performers donate their time for the concert, which is a fundraiser for education in Liberia in West Africa. Proceeds provide sponsorships for under-privileged children to attend school and a Christmas bonus for the teachers who often go without pay.
Beginning at 12:30 p.m. before the show and during intermission, the Nexicom Studio in the lower level of Showplace will host a “village” of artisans and a silent auction of gifts.
Tickets for “A Cozy Christmas” are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $15 for students, with a group rate of $20 each for 10 or more. You can order tickets online at showplace.org or in person at the Showplace box office.
Santa Claus parades across the Kawarthas in November and December
Santa is coming to towns across the Kawarthas, with parades in November and December in Minden, Buckhorn, Havelock, Lakefield, Lindsay, Haliburton, Port Hope, Campbellford, Apsley, Warsaw, Fenelon Falls, Norwood, Warkworth, Bancroft, Peterborough, Cobourg, Coboconk, Pontypool, Little Britain, Bobcaygeon, and Woodville. (File photo)
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without welcoming Santa Claus to the Kawarthas with a fun, festive parade. He’s got a very busy schedule over the new few weeks as he visits communities across the region.
Santa will be in Minden, Buckhorn, and Havelock on November 18, Lakefield and Lindsay on November 19, Haliburton on November 24, Port Hope, Campbellford, Apsley, Warsaw, Fenelon Falls and Norwood on November 25, Warkworth on December 1, Bancroft, Peterborough, and Cobourg on December 2, Coboconk and Pontypool on December 3, Little Britain on December 8, Keene and Bobcaygeon on December 9, and Woodville on December 16.
For more details about individual parades, visit kawarthaNOW’s Santa’s Parade Schedule events column.
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