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Peterborough Theatre Guild continues its 2025-26 season with Jade O’Keeffe’s ‘291’ from November 1 to 15

Lisa Dixon (left) directs Gayle Fraser and David Russell during a rehearsal for the Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of "291" by Jade O'Keeffe, Dixon's daughter. The play, which tells the love story of American modernist painter and draftswoman Georgia O'Keeffe and American photographer and modern art promoter Alfred Stieglitz, runs for nine performances from November 1 to 15, 2025. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of Peterborough Theatre Guild video)

The family that (makes) plays together, stays together, and Lisa Dixon wouldn’t have it any other way.

As the director of 291, the second production of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2025-26 season, Dixon is not only bringing to the Guild Hall stage an original work written in 2014 by her daughter Jade O’Keeffe, she’s also benefiting from the involvement of her brother Beau, an accomplished playwright, actor, and musician who is doing double duty as the play’s composer and sound designer.

Opening Saturday, November 1 at the Guild’s Rogers Street venue in East City, 291 invites the audience into the world of Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz. One of modern art’s most iconic couples — she an American modernist painter and draftswoman and he an American photographer and modern art promoter — their relationship in was characterized by the more than 5,000 handwritten letters they exchanged over three decades from 1915 to 1946.

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Billed as “a lyrical portrait of love, art and letters that defined a generation,” 291 captures both the passion and complexity of their relationship, and the blending of Stieglitz’s revolutionary photography with O’Keeffe’s groundbreaking abstract expressionism. The result is a celebration of artistic collaboration and a meditation on the lost art of letter writing.

“She knew of Alfred Stieglitz because she studied art,” says Dixon of Georgia O’Keeffe.

“One of her colleagues, a student, brought her charcoal drawings to his attention. He saw (in her art) what he saw in Picasso and a lot of European artists, and invited her to come to the gallery. That’s when they became lovers. In one of his letters, he said he fell in love with her when he saw her drawings. That’s a bit of a red flag. What did he fall in love with? But they were they were very much in love and they had a long, beautiful relationship.”

David Russell as American photographer and modern art promoter Alfred Stieglitz and Gayle Fraser as American modernist painter and draftswoman Georgia O'Keeffe during a rehearsal for the Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of "291" by Jade O'Keeffe, which runs for nine performances from November 1 to 15, 2025. (kawarthaNOW screenshots of Peterborough Theatre Guild video)
David Russell as American photographer and modern art promoter Alfred Stieglitz and Gayle Fraser as American modernist painter and draftswoman Georgia O’Keeffe during a rehearsal for the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s production of “291” by Jade O’Keeffe, which runs for nine performances from November 1 to 15, 2025. (kawarthaNOW screenshots of Peterborough Theatre Guild video)

“When she did leave him, it was because he was with another woman. He probably was a few times — from the script we can see that — but she was also with other people. I think they are special people in that they couldn’t ride that kind of dogma life that a lot of us have, where you abstain and you stay truthful. There was too much going on in their brains. She saw colours with music. There was a lot going on with both of them that I think it was OK, but it must have been a real tough time. The (play’s) opening line is ‘Love is a complicated beauty.'”

Working with a story written by her daughter, admits Dixon, presented an added challenge.

“I knew she wasn’t going to be 100 per cent happy with me doing this,” says Dixon, adding “It’s her baby. She knew I would take it down a route that maybe she wasn’t happy with, but she has to learn to let go. This is a teachable moment. This is me learning more about her.”

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“We did a big table read with the creative team,” Dixon recalls. “One scene was really bothering me … I wanted to take it a bit further. It took me awhile to figure out how to ask her, but I asked her rewrite a whole scene. I told her why; how I wanted to pivot the story through a scene with the same text, but create a different vision. She did (the rewrite), and it was so smart the way she rewrote it. She got it. That’s pretty amazing.”

Dixon says her brother Beau also helped provide his niece with some creative direction.

“He sat with her and said ‘We need more movement. Your text is good, but it’s not going to pop.’ She was OK (with it). She learned that it’s OK to change something and then step back.”

Jade O'Keeffe, whose play "291" is about the 20th-century love story of Georgia O'Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz, said in a 2015 interview there's a chance she is related to the late American modernist painter, but the connection is distant. The playwright is the daughter of Lisa Dixon, who is directing the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of "291", which runs for nine performances from November 1 to 15, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Jade O'Keeffe)
Jade O’Keeffe, whose play “291” is about the 20th-century love story of Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz, said in a 2015 interview there’s a chance she is related to the late American modernist painter, but the connection is distant. The playwright is the daughter of Lisa Dixon, who is directing the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “291”, which runs for nine performances from November 1 to 15, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Jade O’Keeffe)

With the cast comprised of just two actors — O’Keeffe is portrayed by Gayle Fraser and Stieglitz is played by David Russell — it would seem the task of directing is made easier. Actually, says Dixon, that task is more of a challenge.

“If there are only two people on stage, it’s because something happened between them,” she says, adding “Even if we put them in separate spaces, there’s a connection.”

“(Fraser and Russell) are both very strong and very experienced, so they’ve been able to get the nuance of Georgia and Alfred. They’re doing a lot of work being characters that are in love, but it’s complicated. We worked on ‘OK, you’re not going to be Georgia O’Keeffe; you’re not going to be Alfred Stieglitz. That’s going to be hard.’ Instead, what are the realities in the text that show who each person is? Give me some proof in this text or that text.”

“As a director, that’s how I work — ‘Stop. What did you just say?’ and what does that tell me about the behaviour of the next three lines? You can talk scene study of the characters as much as you want, but eventually (you have to decide) how do they move? What do they do with their hands?”

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On a more personal level, Dixon is thrilled to be back in a theatre environment as a director. She is best known to locals for having run the popular Black Honey cafe, bakery, and catering business in downtown Peterborough for 18 years, before selling the business in December 2023.

“When I sold Black Honey, Bea Quarrie — who’s very involved with the Guild — approached me and said ‘Do you want to get back in theatre?'” recounts Dixon.

“I did a bit of stage acting for some readings. It really felt good. Jade’s play was the source of a reading for the Guild years ago — a couple of people were walking around with her script. After I was assistant director for a play, more than one person suggested I submit it to the Guild’s play selection committee.”

“I had to ask Jade. She hesitated, but one of the reasons I knew it would be special to do is (because) the story is layered. She wrote it so well that it’s difficult to follow without it being performed. I liked that as a challenge. I thought, ‘If I’m going to get into directing, why not do it with something that difficult to do but also very meaningful to me?’ I’m just so proud of her writing. It’s stunning.”

Gayle Fraser as American modernist painter and draftswoman Georgia O'Keeffe and David Russell as American photographer and modern art promoter Alfred Stieglitz during a rehearsal for the Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of "291" by Jade O'Keeffe, which runs for nine performances from November 1 to 15, 2025. Over three decades from 1915 to 1946, the couple exchanged more than 5,000 handwritten letters. (kawarthaNOW screenshots of Peterborough Theatre Guild video)
Gayle Fraser as American modernist painter and draftswoman Georgia O’Keeffe and David Russell as American photographer and modern art promoter Alfred Stieglitz during a rehearsal for the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s production of “291” by Jade O’Keeffe, which runs for nine performances from November 1 to 15, 2025. Over three decades from 1915 to 1946, the couple exchanged more than 5,000 handwritten letters. (kawarthaNOW screenshots of Peterborough Theatre Guild video)

When Dixon took on the role of director for 291, she had no idea just how cathartic the experience would prove to be.

On October 12, her father, Reverend Canon Blair Dixon, died at age 89. Since his passing, Lisa, Beau, and their sibling Lance have been dealing with their grief. Meanwhile, the clock has been ticking toward opening night for 291, with much still to be fine-tuned.

“You can’t stop — you have to keep going,” Dixon reflects. “When my mother was dying, I had two weddings (to cater) every weekend that June. They needed me. I had to go to the weddings and then I would run off and sit with my mom. One thing I remember, and it’s the same now, I couldn’t wait to get back to work because there was a feeling of family.”

“The Theatre Guild has a really tight concept of protocol. If you need something, it’s there. If you can’t find it, you know who to call. So not being able to be here for a couple of rehearsals wasn’t a problem.”

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Now, like the director of any theatrical production, Dixon hopes those who see 291 take something away from the experience.

“What were they doing when she painted? What were they doing when he took a photo like that? They felt something so intense, they had to capture it. They weren’t worried about you as a viewer.”

“I really want that to happen for the audience member. I want you to understand what they were feeling — why that feeling was so intense that they had to project it.”

Alfred Stieglitz attached this photograph to a letter for Georgia O'Keeffe, dated July 10, 1929. Below the photograph he wrote, "I have destroyed 300 prints to-day. And much more literature. I haven't the heart to destroy this..." (Photo: Yale Collection of American Literature / Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library)
Alfred Stieglitz attached this photograph to a letter for Georgia O’Keeffe, dated July 10, 1929. Below the photograph he wrote, “I have destroyed 300 prints to-day. And much more literature. I haven’t the heart to destroy this…” (Photo: Yale Collection of American Literature / Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library)

291 is produced by Kym Hyde and stage managed by Marilyn Robinson, with lighting design by Don White and set design by David Geene.

The play opens on Saturday, November 1 for nine performances, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. on November 1, 6 to 8, and 13 to 15 and 1:30 p.m. matinee performances on November 2 and 9.

Tickets are $30 adults, $27 seniors, and $20 students, with a special two-for-one ticket offer available for opening night. For tickets, visit www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com.

VIDEO: “291” by Jade O’Keeffe promo – Peterborough Theatre Guild

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2025-26 season.

Northumberland County celebrates Small Business Week by sharing results of recent ‘buy local’ survey

In March 2025, Northumberland County announced a 33-member coalition called Prosper in Northumberland to promote and bolster the local economy in response to U.S. trade tariffs, which included the launch of a "Buy Local" campaign over the summer as well as a survey of local residents and businesses. (Photo: Northumberland County)

Northumberland County is celebrating Small Business Week by sharing the results of surveys about community support for the local economy and by continuing to promote the importance of shopping close to home, calling small business “the backbone of our community.”

Along with the Prosper In Northumberland initiative, a coalition comprised of area businesses, associations, municipalities, and community members, the county is highlighting the important role of locally owned businesses while marking Small Business Week from October 19 to 25. The annual celebration of entrepreneurship was launched by Business Development Bank of Canada more than 45 years ago.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community,” said Rob Day, Northumberland County’s manager of economic development and co-chair of the Prosper In Northumberland operating group, in a statement.

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“They don’t just keep our local economy running, they also shape the character of our community, enhance the vitality of our downtowns, provide local jobs to our neighbours, friends and family, and support our local community programs,” Day said. “These businesses may be small, but they are mighty. Small Business Week is a time to celebrate all they do for our community and give back by supporting them in turn.”

This past summer, Prosper In Northumberland conducted surveys of residents and local business owners as part of a community-wide Northumberland “Buy Local” campaign. The purpose of the surveys was to gather insights around how the community can better support local businesses and to encourage residents to redirect spending to businesses in Northumberland.

Completed by more than 350 Northumberland business owners and residents, the surveys revealed “a strong community desire to support local businesses and a shared understanding of the challenges local businesses face.”

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Findings of the surveys include these highlights:

  • 71 per cent of surveyed businesses have up to 10 employees
  • 66 per cent of surveyed businesses have operated for over a decade
  • 68 per cent of surveyed businesses anticipate rising costs in 2025
  • 66 per cent of surveyed residents make supporting locally owned businesses a priority
  • At 91 per cent, tight-knit community connections through word-of mouth is the primary influence on surveyed residents’ decisions about where they shop.

The findings from these surveys have been shared with the local business network through chambers of commerce, with the goal of helping inform those groups how they can continue to meet the evolving needs of local consumers.

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Meanwhile, Prosper In Northumberland said it will be using these insights to help guide future supports and highlight opportunities for residents, businesses, and community partners to work together in strengthening Northumberland’s economy.

The county encourages residents “to show their local love” during Small Business Week by joining the Northumberland Buy Local movement at buynorthumberland.ca and taking the Buy Local pledge, which involves making a commitment to redirect anywhere from $10 to $100 of their average monthly spending from elsewhere to local businesses in Northumberland.

Those who are already completing the bulk of their shopping in Northumberland are also encouraged to sign the pledge to reaffirm their commitment to the cause.

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Earlier this year, Northumberland County announced the launch of Prosper in Northumberland, a 33-member coalition charged with promoting and bolstering the local economy amidst growing economic challenges due to the ongoing tensions around international trade. Dubbing the initiative as “a movement,” it encompasses the commitment to making purchases locally, investing in homegrown businesses, and, ultimately, supporting the livelihoods of fellow Northumberland residents through those actions.

Kate Campbell, Northumberland County’s director of communications, earlier told kawarthaNOW the impetus for the coalition stemmed from meetings with multiple municipal CAOs and economic development officers from all seven of Northumberland’s municipalities to develop a co-ordinated response to the trade developments, particularly the U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods that were introduced in March.

“Prosper in Northumberland is not just an initiative, it’s a movement. Together, Northumberland organizations and residents will take action to build resilience and empower our community to thrive,” Campbell said.

‘Dementia on the Front Lines’ event on October 30 in Peterborough to address rising dementia rates in Kawarthas region

Adam Morrison of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, Jen Johnstone of the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, and Jill MacPhee of Kawartha Centre are the speakers at the "Dementia on the Front Lines" event on October 20, 2025 at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. (kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)

With the rate of dementia on the rise in the greater Kawarthas region, the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton (PKLNH) is hosting a special event on Thursday, October 30 to explore issues related to research, advocacy, and more.

“Dementia on the Front Lines” will bring to light the state of dementia in the region and feature experts on a variety of subjects. Subtitled “The truth about where we stand and what’s next,” the event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club at 1030 Armour Road.

While the event is free to attend, space is limited and advance registration is required at dementiatalk.ca.

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According to the Alzheimer Society of PKLNH, approximately 15,000 people are living with dementia in the four-county region the organization supports. Expert speakers at the October 30 event will spotlight specific aspects of dementia from the front lines of research, treatment, advocacy, and delivery of services and supports.

Alzheimer Society of PKLNH executive director Jen Johnstone told kawarthaNOW she hopes the event will help the community begin “to really understand the landscape of dementia in our region.”

“This isn’t something far away. It’s here. It touches families, friends, neighbours, and workplaces across our four counties,” she said

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“Through this event, we want people to see both the challenges and the hope,” Johnstone added, noting that the society “is working hard to respond to rising rates of dementia.”

She said the society is building partnerships, expanding its programs, and fundraising to make sure people receive help when needed. The Alzheimer Society of PKLNH is also a part of provincial advocacy and research efforts that are shaping what care will look like in the future, she added.

“I hope people leave this event more informed, more connected, and ready to take part in building a more dementia-friendly community,” Johnstone said.

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At the event, Jill MacPhee, director of clinical operations at Kawartha Centre, will provide an update on dementia research happening in Peterborough.

Adam Morrison, senior director of public policy and partnerships at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, will provide insight into the work the Alzheimer Society is doing to further Ontario’s provincial dementia advocacy plan.

In addition, Johnstone herself will share more about dementia care and support at a local level and what this will mean for the future.

More than 770,000 Canadians currently live with dementia, according to the Alzheimer Society, with that number expected to be close to one million by 2030.

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“The best outcome would be that people walk away feeling moved to do something,” Johnstone said.

“We want them to see that everyone has a role to play. It might mean supporting a friend or neighbour living with dementia, speaking up for better local services, or helping us raise funds to meet growing demand. Knowledge is powerful, but action is what changes lives. If this event inspires even a few people to take that next step, that would be a success.”

The Alzheimer Society of PKLNH provides free, direct support to families and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. A diagnosis of dementia is not needed to reach out to the organization for assistance. Supports include dementia coaching and counselling, healthcare navigation support, educational workshops, and social recreation programs.

For more information about the Alzheimer Society of PKLNH, visit alzheimer.ca/pklnh/.

Country music legends come to life in ‘Johnny & June’ at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon from October 23 to 25

Karen Coughlin and Aaron Solomon perform as June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash in a production of "Johnny & June" at Hudson Village Theatre in Quebec in 2023. The jukebox musical comes to Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon for five performances from October 23 to 25, 2025. (Photo: Hudson Village Theatre)

Tickets are still available for Johnny & June at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon, running for five performances from Thursday (October 23) to Saturday.

Created by Chris McHarge and the late Colin Stewart, the jukebox musical tells the story of iconic American country music legends Johnny “The Man in Black” Cash and June Carter Cash.

The first act covers Cash’s famous 1968 visit to Folsom State Prison in California. Although Cash wrote his song “Folsom Prison Blues” in 1955 and began performing concerts at American prisons in the late 1950s, he didn’t perform at Folsom State Prison until 1968. The subsequent live album At Folsom Prison received rave reviews and revived Cash’s flailing career after years of drug and alchohol addiction.

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The set list for the first act includes “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Joe Bean,” “Flushed From The Bathroom of Your Heart,” “Jackson,” “I Got A Woman,” and “Greystone Chapel.”

The second act heads further back in time to cover Cash’s courtship of Carter, who would become his second wife, including his legendary onstage marriage proposal at a 1968 concert in London, Ontario, and features hits including “I Walk The Line,” “Ring of Fire,” and “A Boy Named Sue.”

Musician and performer Aaron Solomon, who has taken on the role of Cash since Johnny & June was first staged in 2010 at Port Dover’s Lighthouse Theatre, will be joined by Karen Coughlin as June Carter Cash.

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As well as having performed with artists including Shania Twain, Big Sugar, and Jeff Healey, Solomon regularly performs in other tribute shows as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra. Globus Theatre audiences will recognize him from his performances with Leisa Way, as well as with his own band at one of Globus’s New Year’s Eve parties.

A versatile singer and actor, Coughlin recently toured her acclaimed tribute production The Linda Ronstadt Show – Her Songs, Her Story and has appeared on stage in leading roles in Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.

For the Globus Theatre show, Solomon and Coughlin will be backed by a live band featuring Doug Eyre on bass, Chris Norley on guitar, and Don Reid on drums.

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Evening performances at Globus Theatre at 2300 Pigeon Lake Road in Bobcaygeon take place at 8 p.m. from October 23 to 25, with 2 p.m. matinee performances on October 23 and 25.

Tickets are still available for all performances, although the optional dinners before evening performances are now sold out (you can call the Globus box office at 705-738-2037 to be placed on a dinner wait list).

Tickets are $50 for the show only ($100 for dinner and the show) plus tax and a $2 ticketing fee. For tickets, call the box office or visit www.globustheatre.com.

Tickets snatched up in an hour for ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ series premiere at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope

Port Hope once again stands in for the fictional town of Derry, Maine in the new HBO supernatural horror series "It: Welcome to Derry," a prequel to the two "It" films based on Stephen King's novel that were also partly filmed in Port Hope. Free tickets for a special "red carpet premiere" screening of the first two episodes of the series, which is set in 1962, at the Capitol Theatre on October 29, 2025 were snatched up within an hour of when they became available. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of trailer)

More than a few people were disappointed on Tuesday morning (October 21) when they tried to reserve free tickets for an upcoming special screening at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre of the new HBO supernatural horror series It: Welcome to Derry, which was partly filmed in Port Hope.

It took less than an hour for the event at the 380-seat theatre to sell out, with many people reporting they were unable to access the venue’s website or get through to the box office on the phone.

“The Capitol Theatre’s website was unable to keep up with the demand,” reads a post on the Capitol Theatre’s Facebook page. “We were lined up all the way down the street, and the phones were ringing off the hook.”

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The “red carpet premiere” of the first two episodes of It: Welcome to Derry at the historic venue at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29 — two days before Halloween — was announced by Port Hope Tourism on its Facebook page last Friday.

With advance tickets available starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, the Capitol Theatre’s website was inaccessible within minutes due to the online demand for tickets.

People who visited the box office in person were able to get tickets, along with those who managed to get through on the phone.

VIDEO: “It: Welcome to Derry” official trailer

The screening is being presented by Port Hope Tourism in partnership with HBO Max, Crave, Ontario Creates, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

While the first episode of It: Welcome to Derry is scheduled to premiere on HBO (and on Crave in Canada) on Sunday, October 26, the Capitol Theatre event also includes an exclusive screening of the second episode, which will only be available to the general public the following Sunday.

Based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel It, the HBO series serves as a prequel to the films It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), both of which featured Port Hope as a stand-in for the fictional town of Derry, Maine.

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Set in 1962, It: Welcome to Derry tells the story of a couple and their son who move to Derry just as a young boy mysteriously disappears. With their arrival, very bad things begin to happen in the town.

The series stars Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Clara Stack, Amanda Christine, and Mikkal Karim-Fidler, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise the Clown from the films.

Principal photography on the series began in Toronto, Hamilton, and Port Hope in May 2023, under the shooting title Greetings from Fairview, and continued in 2024.

Selwyn Township and Peterborough County working together to encourage support for downtown Lakefield businesses

As downtown Lakefield recovers from the recent fire that destroyed Queen Street's historic Kawartha Home Hardware building, local businesses need the community's support now more than ever. The Township of Selwyn and Peterborough County are working together to encourage residents and visitors to come to downtown Lakefield and rediscover what makes the charming village so special, from boutique shopping to dining to fun-filled community events hosted by local businesses. (Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township)

Though the Village of Lakefield has suffered a blow with the recent fire that destroyed Queen Street’s historic Kawartha Home Hardware building, downtown businesses have shown incredible strength and resilience and need the support of the community more than ever.

That’s the message from the Township of Selwyn and Peterborough County, which are working together to encourage residents and visitors to come to downtown Lakefield and experience all the warmth and hospitality the charming village has to offer.

While Queen Street will be closed to traffic until demolition of the fire-devastated building is completed, the downtown core is still open for business. From boutique shopping to dining to fun-filled community events hosted by local businesses, there is much to discover — and rediscover — in downtown Lakefield.

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Stay tuned for a special announcement coming soon about a new interactive experience in downtown Lakefield that will offer fun, exploration, and discovery by inviting people to explore local shops and rediscover familiar places in an entirely new way.

There are also two more regular market days for the Lakefield Farmers’ Market, which runs Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October 30 in the parking lot behind the Lakefield arena. Now in its 16th season, the market showcases up to 25 vendors every week, bringing together products grown by local farmers, unique pieces created by talented artisans from across the region, and baked goods and meals made using regional ingredients.

If you can’t make it to a regular Thursday market in October, you can pick up locally made gifts on Sunday, November 30 at the Lakefield Farmers’ Market’s annual Holiday Market, a special pop-up market that runs in the parking lot next to The Village Inn from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Township of Selwyn and Peterborough County are teaming up for a social media campaign that will spotlight local small businesses, community groups, and stories while encouraging residents and visitors to rediscover Lakefield and the people who make it special. In addition, the township will soon be announcing a new interactive experience in downtown Lakefield that will offer fun, exploration, and discovery by inviting people to explore local shops and rediscover familiar places in an entirely new way.  (Photo courtesy of Peterborough County)
The Township of Selwyn and Peterborough County are teaming up for a social media campaign that will spotlight local small businesses, community groups, and stories while encouraging residents and visitors to rediscover Lakefield and the people who make it special. In addition, the township will soon be announcing a new interactive experience in downtown Lakefield that will offer fun, exploration, and discovery by inviting people to explore local shops and rediscover familiar places in an entirely new way. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough County)

Another way to show your support and get a head start on your holiday shopping is during Ladies Night Out in Lakefield, running on Tuesdays and Thursdays from November 13 to December 2 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Ticket holders will have exclusive access to promotions at participating downtown shops, including Sunshrine Day Spa, Lakefield Pantry, The Cozy Home, The Refillery on Queen, Stuff Store, Classy Closet by Sue, Happenstance Books & Yarn, and many more.

From clothing and chocolate to skin care products and home décor, you’ll have no problem finding something for everyone on your shopping list — and maybe a little something for yourself as well. Participants of the events will also have the chance to win door prizes that were donated by the businesses and community organizations and enjoy a post-shopping gathering at Canoe & Paddle for exclusive specials.

This year, proceeds from every ticket sold will support families who were displaced by the fire. Priced at $10, tickets are selling fast and can be purchased at ladiesnightoutlakefield.com.

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For some festive holly jolly cheer, come to downtown Lakefield for the annual Santa Claus Parade, a beloved tradition being held this year on Saturday, November 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. The parade route begins at the Lakefield Legion and travels along Nicholls Street to Concession Street and then to Queen Street before returning to the legion. After the parade, kids are invited for a visit with Santa at the legion.

It’s not too late to be part of the fun, either! To enter a float into the parade, call Don Parsons of the Lakefield & District Lions Club at 705-652-1448.

Families are encouraged to come early or stay late following the parade to shop from the downtown boutique stores, sit down for a meal, or otherwise enjoy the holiday festivities. Along the parade route, donations for the food and toy drive will be collected.

The Township of Selwyn and Peterborough County are also partnering for a social media campaign that will spotlight local small businesses, community groups, and stories while encouraging residents and visitors to rediscover Lakefield and the people who make it special.

Women’s Adventures in Golf swings big in 2025, raising more than $5,200 for local charities

Five Counties Children's Centre was one of six Peterborough-area organizations that benefited from donations from the second season of Women's Adventures in Golf, a women-led volunteer group that offers fun, themed golfing opportunities once a month for Peterborough women of all skill levels while also raising funds for local charities. In 2025, the group raised more than $5,200, bringing its two-year total to more than $10,000 in support of local women, children, and families. (Photo: Five Counties Children's Centre)

Women’s Adventures in Golf’s 2025 season has come to a close, hitting a long drive for six Peterborough and area charities and drawing more women to the sport.

A non-profit group of women who take part in themed golf events, Women’s Adventures in Golf (WAG) has announced its 2025 season generated $5,248.50 for Super Sophia Project, Five Counties Children’s Centre, YWCA Crossroads Shelter, Peterborough Child & Family Centres, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services, and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre.

Formed in 2024, WAG offers fun, themed golfing opportunities once a month for Peterborough women of all skill levels while also raising funds for charities. The money generated this year brings WAG’s total contribution to more than $10,000 for local women, children, and families.

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WAG organizer Susan Williamson told kawarthaNOW that word of mouth and media publicity have helped the organization make such a big impact in Peterborough and area, both in terms of fundraising and attracting women to the game. Close to 300 women took part in WAG events in 2025.

“Word is getting out that WAG events are not tournaments or a league,” Williamson said. “Those two words are very intimidating to many women golfers, let alone those who are considering taking up the sport.”

Williamson’s goal when she founded WAG was to offer a golf experience that was fun and without pressure, and an outlet for connection and community-building to flourish.

She pointed to a testimonial from Cheryl Mahony on WAG’s website that “encapsulates how women feel and what WAG offers.”

“I just started golfing three years ago and am really loving the game but find most aspects of golf rather intimidating,” Mahony states. “Enter WAG — a fantastic way to learn the ropes, play in a non-stressful setting and make new golf friends in the process. Each event I have attended has been so much fun and my only regret is that I didn’t sign up sooner.”

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Williamson said women don’t have to identify as golfers to be a part of WAG — they just have to show up and be ready to have fun.

“We had an amazing mix of returning golfers and golf-curious women who decided to give the game a try,” she explained. “Seeing that confidence grow, especially among women who started the season as beginners, is exactly what WAG is all about.”

“Many women signed up as singles and came back because they had so much fun and immediately felt the WAG community spirit.”

While WAG offered enjoyable themed events like “Jetsetter” and “Mystery at the Club”, Williamson said “What truly stands out for me is watching friendships form and confidence build. That’s the heart of WAG.”

When she considers other highlights of the year, she’s “incredibly proud of the community support behind the scenes. Our sponsors — all local, women-led businesses and golfers themselves — have been amazing, showing such belief in what WAG is building.”

“Giving back through our charitable partnerships is at the heart of what we do. Together, our participants have raised over $10,300 for local women’s causes in just two years — something we’re all deeply proud of.”

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WAG gave a shout-out in its newsletter to several people, including Yvonne Reid from TransCanada Nissan who provided two full car-detailing certificates and golf balls for WAG’s “bring a friend” promo for one of WAG’s events, WAG’s community partnership lead Anne Ondercin who introduced WAG’s new and successful promo “Bring a Friend, Make Memories – Tag Along & Tee Off” that helped increase new participation by 25 per cent, and Cheryl Heaton for providing golf balls, water, tees, and ball markers for every participant for one of WAG’s events.

WAG also thanked the golf courses where events were held, including Heron Landing Golf Club, Katchiwano Golf Club, Liftlock Golf Club, and Warkworth Golf Club.

“We couldn’t do it without our incredible golf club partners, who provide the space, support, and flexibility that allow us to host shotgun starts,” Williamson said. “Finishing together and socializing afterwards transforms golf from an individual sport into a shared experience, and that’s what makes it special.”

Williamson thanked WAG’s 2025 sponsors for their “vital role” in the season’s success: Bestard Income Tax and Schilling Financial along with Full Sail Fundraising, Meredith Pilley Counselling Services, Sunshine Solutions, and JP Rowland Construction.

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Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Williamson said she would love to see even more women participate in a WAG event.

“What makes WAG successful is our wonderful group of women who remember how intimidating it can feel as a beginner. They’ve become natural mentors, helping others feel comfortable and confident on the course. We’ll always stay focused on creating that social, judgment-free atmosphere, but we’re also reaching out to our community with a survey to explore new formats and ideas for next season.”

Most of all, Williamson hopes to continue introducing women to the game who haven’t before considered themselves as golfers.

“There’s something so powerful about watching someone pick up a club for the first time and realize, ‘I can do this,'” she said.

For more information about WAG and updates on its 2026 season, visit www.golfwithwag.ca.

encoreNOW – October 20, 2025

encoreNOW for October 20, 2025 features (from left to right, top and bottom) Public Energy's "Rough Cuts" at The Theatre On King in downtown Peterborough, "How We Got To Jersey" at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Port Hope, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra's season-opening "Bright Lights" concert at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough, Jazz in Peterborough's debut concert at St. James United Church featuring the Paul Novotny Trio, Peterborough Theatre Guild's presentation of "291" by Jade O'Keeffe, and GPHSF Comedy Night at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. (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 “Rough Cuts” presented by Public Energy Performing Arts, How We Got To Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre, “Bright Lights” presented by the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, Jazz in Peterborough’s debut featuring the Paul Novotny Trio at St. James United Church, the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s staging of 291, and a Market Hall comedy showcase in support of those without a family doctor.

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New artistic work gets its due courtesy of Public Energy initiative

Theatrical performer Naomi Duvall is one of six artists who will test-drive their works-in-progress in a bare-bones setting during Public Energy's "Rough Cuts" at The Theatre On King on October 24, 2025. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Theatrical performer Naomi Duvall is one of six artists who will test-drive their works-in-progress in a bare-bones setting during Public Energy’s “Rough Cuts” at The Theatre On King on October 24, 2025. (Photo: Andy Carroll)

A trend in recent years has seen an increasing number of theatre art presenters provide more opportunities for creators to present their work in progress.

Not only does such an initiative provide a platform for artists to float a trial balloon of their work before an audience, it also provides that same audience with a preview of work that may be destined for bigger things.

On Friday (October 24) at The Theatre On King in downtown Peterborough, Public Energy Performing Arts presents “Rough Cuts,” a new initiative that offers artists the chance to present excerpts of works-in-progress in what is described as a “low tech, low stakes environment.”

Six artists chosen from those who applied will present what they’re working on now, including Angel Hamilton, Charlotte Kennedy, Georgia Fisher, Hartley Stephenson, Naomi Duvall, and Shahira the Djinn.

As an example of what to expect, Duvall is presenting Howdy, Hellmouth!. Described as “a burlesque clown act gone off the rails,” her work explores the dark side of power by blending physical theatre, sensuality, a bull whip and unsettling humour.

Hamilton, meanwhile, will present a documentary media piece that blends stand-up monologue and film as she recounts her search for her real father through true crime clues and the telling of personal stories.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. event range from $10 to $25 plus fees, with a suggested price of $20. For more information and to order tickets, visit publicenergy.ca/performance/rough-cuts/

Good on Public Energy for providing an outlet for new creative work to find its footing. Better still, another edition of Rough Cuts will be held in March, with a call for applications for that coming in early 2026.

 

Oh, what a night ahead at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre

VIDEO: “How We Got To Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies” trailer

When it debuted in 2004 at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse, there was little inkling that Jersey Boys would become the smash Broadway hit and worldwide sensation that it would become, right up until 2021 in London’s West End.

The story that dramatizes the formation, success, and break-up of 1960s rock ‘n’ roll group The Four Seasons clearly resonated with audiences, with the quartet’s timeless music playing a huge role in its popularity. Songs like “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” and “Rag Doll” anchored The Four Seasons’ popularity, then and now.

Opening Friday (October 24) with four performances until Sunday, Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre presents How We Got To Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies. Starring Adrian Marchuk and Jeff Madden, it relates how two small-town Canadian kids each grew up to portray Four Seasons’ frontman Frankie Valli on stages around the world.

The concert revue takes its audience behind the scenes of the musical that commanded Broadway from 2005 to 2017, captured four 2006 Tony Awards and, in 2014, hit the silver screen via a film of the same name. Promising all the favourite musical hits from Jersey Boys in one show, staying still in one’s seat may prove to be quite a challenge.

Curtain is 7:30 p.m. on October 24 and 25, with 2 p.m. matinees on October 25 and 26. Tickets cost $55 plus fees ($45 for those under 30) at capitoltheatre.com.

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Bright Lights shine as the PSO opens new season at Showplace

VIDEO: Canadian Percussionists profile – Shawn Mativetsky

When you’ve been doing something very well for decades, it’s wise not to change a thing.

Founded in 1967, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has performed five main series concerts each season since, most all of them at Showplace Performance Centre since it opened in downtown Peterborough in the mid ’90s.

Buoyed by strong membership and sponsor support — kawarthaNOW is again a season sponsor — and fuelled by a consistently ambitious musical program, the orchestra remains a local cultural treasure; a gifted ensemble that few Canadian cities of Peterborough’s size can lay claim to.

On Saturday, November 1, the PSO will open its 2025-26 season, themed “Look to the Stars,” with a concert called “Bright Lights” at Showplace.

Bright Lights will feature special guest Shawn Mativetsky playing the tabla — the first time the orchestra has featured the Indian percussion instrument. He’ll join the orchestra to perform on Canadian composer’s Dinuk Wijertane’s Concerto for Tabla and Orchestra, while the concert will open with the overture to The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini and close with Mozart’s final symphony, Symphony No. 41, which is nicknamed the Jupiter Symphony.

As he has been for years, front and centre will be conductor Michael Newnham, the orchestra’s music director, who will also take to the stage 45 minutes before the concert to chat with the audience about the evening’s program.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert range from $36 to $57 depending on seating ($15 for students for all seats), with $30 for day-of-concert rush seats. More informaton about the concert and tickets are available at thepso.org/bright-lights.

 

The Paul Novotny Trio heralds Jazz in Peterborough’s debut

VIDEO: “My Favorite Things” performed by Paul Novotny and Robi Botos

Craig Paterson’s love of jazz is surpassed only by his relentless desire to expose local audiences to the music genre whenever and wherever possible.

So it is that he’s launching the new Jazz In Peterborough concert series, to not only serve longtime fans of jazz but also entice those curious to see what all the fuss is about.

On Saturday, November 1 at St. James United Church, the first concert in the series will feature the Paul Novotny Trio, with the famed bassist joined by pianist Ewan Farncombe and drummer Norbert Botos, both of whom are among Toronto’s best young jazz musicians.

A two-time Juno nominee, Novotny is also a composer and producer who has performed alongside the likes of Kenny Wheeler, Geoff Keezer, Cedar Walton, David Clayton Thomas, and Roger Whitaker. In addition, he has created music for commercials, feature films, and television franchises. His most recent album, 2022’s Summertime in Leith, was recorded and performed live with Oscar Peterson protégé Robi Botos.

While International Jazz Day is marked annually on April 30 and celebrated in Peterborough, with this new series, Paterson is here to tell us, rightly so, that our exposure to the genre shouldn’t be restricted to but one day.

Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert cost $40 at eventbrite.ca/e/1554327147339.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild staging local playwright’s work

VIDEO: “291” by Jade O’Keeffe

For the second production of its 2025-26 season, the Peterborough Theatre Guild is presenting an original work by local playwright Jade O’Keeffe.

Directed by Lisa Dixon (with her brother Beau on board as composer and sound designer), 291 is a familial affair of sorts — something furthered by the fact that O’Keeffe is Lisa’s daughter. It would seem the family that stays together, makes plays together.

Described as “a lyrical portrait of love, art and letters that defined a generation,” 291 invites us into the intimate world of American painter Georgia O’Keeffe and American photographer Alfred Stieglitz, played respectively by Gayle Fraser and David Russell.

One of modern art’s most iconic couples, their story unfolds not through texts or fleeting trends, but through more than 5,000 handwritten letters exchanged over three decades. The result is an evocative new play that captures the passion and complexity of their relationship, blending his revolutionary photography with her ground-breaking abstract expression. Through words, art, and longing, the result is a celebration of artistic collaboration and a meditation on the lost art of letter writing.

The play opens on Saturday, November 1 for nine performances, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. on November 1, 6 to 8, and 13 to 15 and 1:30 p.m. matinee performances on November 2 and 9. Tickets are $30 adults, $27 seniors, and $20 students, with a special two-for-one ticket offer available for opening night. For tickets, visit www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com.

 

Laughter the best medicine for those without a family doctor

VIDEO: D.J. Demers on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

For thousands of local residents, being without a family doctor is no laughing matter, but the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is turning to comedy to help ease their plight.

On Sunday, November 2 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough, the foundation is presenting a comedy night headlined by D.J. Demers, with support from Casey Corbin and emcee Drew Behm. Event proceeds will support Peterborough Family Health Team clinics for those without a family doctor or nurse practitioner who require non-emergency care.

Demers is a funny guy who has made audiences laugh since 2009. The winner of a Canadian Comedy Award in 2015 as Best Breakout Artist, he was nominated for a 2018 Juno Award for his album Indistinct Chatter. In early 2024, CBC Television debuted the series One More Time featuring Demers as the manager of a used sporting goods store.

GPHSF has a history of hosting comedy events as fundraisers. Its “Laughter Is The Best Medicine” shows in the early 2010s were very popular. It also partnered with Just For Laughs for an early 2020 show at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Reviving a proven winner makes good sense.

Tickets to the 8 p.m. laugh-a-thon cost $34 at markethall.org.

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Encore

  • I know many, myself included, were rooting for Amelia Shadgett a.k.a. Irish Millie to return from Ottawa on October 15 with the Ontario Folk Music Award for Performing Artist of the Year. Alas, that honour went to Jessica Pearson and the East Wind. Millie, however, can hold her head high. Just to be on that dance floor is quite an honour; a clear reflection of the upward trajectory her music career has taken since she took up the fiddle at a young age. Rest assured we’re going to hear more — much more — from Millie for years to come, and her just rewards will be plentiful.
  • Look for tickets for Peterborough Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homelessness to go on sale at Showplace Performance Centre in November. Set for February 26, 2026, the United Way fundraiser for local shelters and homelessness relief agencies has raised closed to $150,000 since its March 2020 inception. A total of 14 acts will take to two stages this time around — that’s four hours of wall-to-wall music performed by some the best in our neck of the woods. Tickets, at $50 each, are a steal, but with the two tickets for $80 deal, that’s outright thievery. As for the cause, well, that speaks for itself.

No serious injuries after unmarked OPP cruiser and pickup truck collide on Highway 7 in Peterborough

A white pickup truck with four occupants and an unmarked OPP cruiser driven by an on-duty officer collided at the intersection of Highway 7 and Television Road in Peterborough on October 19, 2025. There were no serious injuries. (Photo: Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police)

There were no serious injuries when an unmarked police cruiser and a pickup truck collided on Highway 7 in Peterborough early Sunday afternoon (October 19).

At 1:40 p.m., members of the Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency crews attended the scene of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 7 at Television Road, just east of the Peterborough County OPP detachment.

An OPP unmarked cruiser driven by an on-duty officer and a pickup truck carrying four people had collided at the intersection.

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The OPP officer and the driver and passengers of the pickup truck were transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment of minor injuries and as a precautionary measure.

The intersection of Highway 7 and Television Road was closed for several hours while emergency crews dealt with the collision and police documented the scene.

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision and who has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact the Peterborough County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association in Minden to host ‘Warped Woods Halloween Show’ fundraiser on October 25

A registered charitable organization located in Minden, Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association is hosting a family-friendly and autism-aware Halloween fundraiser on October 25, 2025. The second annual "Warped Woods Halloween Show" will see volunteers (including many program participants) dressed as zombies and ghouls to scare visitors walking along an accessible trail through the woods, to raise money to cover the cost of hay bales for the farm's horses over the winter. Young children and those on the autism spectrum who don't want to be scared will be given a lantern to signal to volunteers to disengage and not scare them. (Photo courtesy of Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association)

This Halloween season, you can get frightened for a good cause at the Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association in Minden.

The registered charitable organization is hosting the second annual “Warped Woods Halloween Show” on Saturday (October 25), where a natural trail will come to life with the undead for a family-friendly and autism-aware fundraiser.

“We’re very happy that we have this spooky trail that’s accessible and that we have actors that are well prepared to make sure everybody has a positive experience,” says Walkabout Farm executive director Jennifer Semach.

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After two decades as a riding instructor, Semach founded Walkabout Farm 10 years ago to provide free equine-assisted therapy and services for families who have loved ones with exceptional needs. Her interest was piqued when she saw the “void” in services for her son with special needs and after seeing how positively horses affected her own mental health throughout her lifetime.

“When my son was born and I was looking for opportunities for him, I decided to create my own space and help other families that might be looking for alternative therapies — not necessarily clinical therapies,” she says. “We are working hand-in-hand with occupational therapists and mental health professionals to make sure we can be a full-service organization.”

Though originally intended to revolve around therapeutic riding, Walkabout Farm has evolved to support a range of programs including visits to long-term care facilities, respite care, and one-on-one programming for youth with special needs. Families come from as far away as Montréal for programming at the farm, and Semach now supports other like-minded organizations to craft their own programs.

Located in Minden, Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Association is a charitable organization that offers no-cost equine-assisted therapy and other programs to support people and families with special needs. The farm runs entirely on donations and hosts regular fundraising events to support operations and to keep the programs accessible. (Photo courtesy of Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association
Located in Minden, Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Association is a charitable organization that offers no-cost equine-assisted therapy and other programs to support people and families with special needs. The farm runs entirely on donations and hosts regular fundraising events to support operations and to keep the programs accessible. (Photo courtesy of Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association

Semach explains how participants can benefit from receiving programming in the farm’s natural setting.

“The clinical stuff is very overwhelming, but when they have a natural and a horse-based program that is very therapeutic, they don’t often realize they’re actually getting some therapy while they’re at the farm,” she says.

Walkabout Farm also acts as a sanctuary, often taking in horses who are rescues or who have retired from competitive careers in racing or jumping.

“It’s giving them a second career to follow into, giving them an opportunity to live beyond their ‘usefulness’ as a money-making horse or performance horse,” Semach says. “Being able to provide those opportunities for horses is just so meaningful to me.”

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One such horse was Chewbacca, who was rescued from a meat processing plant by Semach and brought to the farm. Chewbacca became the ambassador of the farm before passing away suddenly in 2022.

“He had a lot of challenges psychologically,” she recalls. “He’d been very badly abused, but then it turned around so that he became a wonderful horse, being very aware of children with autism and being drawn to them and providing comfort and security. He was remarkable.”

Since the programming runs entirely on community donations, Walkabout Farm hosts regular fundraisers that also show off the natural beauty of the farm. That will be the case during the Warped Woods Halloween Show when the property will be transformed into a haunted forest.

Chewbacca was rescued from a meat processing plant by Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association founder Jennifer Semach and became the charity's ambassador before passing away suddenly in 2022. Many of the horses on the farm are rescues or retirees from a career in competition. (Photo courtesy of Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association)
Chewbacca was rescued from a meat processing plant by Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association founder Jennifer Semach and became the charity’s ambassador before passing away suddenly in 2022. Many of the horses on the farm are rescues or retirees from a career in competition. (Photo courtesy of Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association)

Between 1 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, visitors can walk the roughly half-a-kilometre trail while volunteers — including many program participants — will jump out from behind the trees and the natural caves dressed in their best zombie and ghoul costumes.

“We’ll definitely have some jump scares and we’ll definitely have some gore and all the ghoulish things,” Semach says. “It’s a lot of fun for everybody, including the volunteers who are providing the entertainment.”

Young children or those who are on the autism spectrum who don’t want to be scared can carry a skull lantern that will signal to volunteers to disengage and just act as a “scary presence” in the woods. To take away overstimulation, the decorations — all of which are loaned by friends and neighbours — do not include foggers, audio output, or flashing lights.

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“We base the scare factor on each family, so we do an intake before they go into the woods so we can communicate with the team,” Semach explains. “We can up the ante and make it scarier for those who are brave, and then we can make it autistic aware and take away the overstimulation. We’re very sensitive to sensory needs.”

The trail is easily accessible, but for those who require additional assistance, Walkabout Farm will also be offering side-by-side rides.

“Inclusion is so important to our mission,” says Semach. “We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this fun event.”

Entry to the trail requires a minimum donation of $10, which goes directly towards buying bales of hay for the winter, the cost of which has increased to $12 due to droughts.

When hosting their second annual "Warped Woods Halloween Show" on October 25, 2025, Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association will be using spooky decorations that were loaned from friends and neighbours. To be sensitive to children who are overstimulated, the decorations will not include foggers, noise, or flashing lights. (Photo courtesy of Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association)
When hosting their second annual “Warped Woods Halloween Show” on October 25, 2025, Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association will be using spooky decorations that were loaned from friends and neighbours. To be sensitive to children who are overstimulated, the decorations will not include foggers, noise, or flashing lights. (Photo courtesy of Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association)

To address the increased cost of hay, Walkabout Farm launched the “Operation Hay Storm” campaign earlier this this fall with the goal of raising enough to purchase the 700 bales that will be needed to support the horses throughout the winter.

“Hopefully hay prices come down and we will be putting (funds from next year’s Halloween event) towards programming,” says Semach. “That money will go towards supporting our program participants so that they don’t have to ever pay for our services. It’s really important that we are able to offer what we do at no additional cost to families.”

To learn more and to donate to Walkabout Farm, visit www.walkaboutfarmtra.com.

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