Enthusiasts from across Ontario wlll be showcasing their antique and classic cars and vintage motorcycles at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene during the annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show on July 9, 2023. (Photo: Hailey Doughty)
If you love vintage cars and motorcycles, head to Keene on Sunday (July 9) for Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s 26th Annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., enthusiasts from across Ontario will be showcasing their antique and classic cars and vintage motorcycles throughout the historic village, where you can vote for your favourite car and motorcycle. Over 25 trophies will be awarded, including the coveted People’s Choice and Lang’s Choice awards.
While the car and motorcycle show is a highlight of the day, Transportation Day has even more to offer. You can also learn more about how transportation has changed over the years and the roles various trades have played in the creation of transportation methods. Take a leisurely stroll to explore the village or hop on board a horse-drawn wagon ride.
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At the Transportation Barn, you can browse a variety of 19th-century modes of transportation including sleighs, wagons, and milk carts. Visit the VIA Rail display at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, where you can also enjoy music from the ’50s to ’80s with DJ Del and Jenny Jams.
An antique clock and timepiece collection will be on display in the Menie General Store, and you can watch a variety of historic demonstrations throughout the village including broom making, shingle making at the Shingle Mill, grinding at the Lang Grist Mill, and weaving demonstrations on the Jacquard loom.
For the kids, there will be school lessons on pioneer travel and transportation, old-fashioned school yard games, and a craft-making activity at the Ayotte Cabin.
During the annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show on July 9, 2023 at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene, visit the Transportation Barn to browse a variety of 19th-century modes of transportation including sleighs, wagons, and milk carts. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
Food options (for an additional fee) include a pancake breakfast in the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building while supplies last, freshly popped kettle corn from Ben’s Kettle Corn, BBQ items from the Keene Lions Club food truck, fresh Empire Cheese curds in the Cheese Factory, and refreshments and sweet treats at the Keene Hotel.
New this year, Haven Brewing Company will be selling traditional European beers in the beer garden.
Admission costs $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors 60 and older, and $7 for children and youth ages five to 14, with free admission for children under five. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes two adults and up to four children and youth. Visitors may purchase admission at the gates or in advance online.
Over 25 awards, including Best Motorcycle in Show, are available to be won during Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s 26th annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show on July 9, 2023 in Keene. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
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If you’re a classic car or motorcycle enthusiast and want to display your vehicle, participant registration runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Space is limited and is available on a first-come first-served basis. The $10 registration fee includes admission into the village. The first 200 vehicles to enter will receive a complimentary dash plaque as a souvenir of their participation.
Other special events at Lang Pioneer Village Museum this summer include Village by Lantern Light on Saturday, August 12th and a Corn Roast on Sunday, August 27th. Outside of special events, the museum’s summer hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays until September 3.
Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough is seeking a new general manager to lead the region's premier mid-sized venue for the performing arts. (Photo courtesy of Showplace Performance Centre)
Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough is seeking a new general manager who is ready to “hit the ground running,” with the deadline to apply July 14.
Located at 290 George Street North, Showplace has been the region’s premier mid-sized venue for the performing arts since 1996. Showplace is an independent, incorporated not-for-profit organization and registered charity governed by a board of directors.
With a 632-seat mainstage theatre including a large stage, orchestra pit, and green room as well as a lower-level multi-purpose room with a seating capacity of 100, Showplace offers arts-related and community facility rentals for musical performances, dramatic productions, recitals, and meetings. A licensed foyer is on the main level with another licensed bar in the multi-purpose room. Showplace also provides a box office service with tickets available both on site and online.
Showplace Performance Centre recently replaced all the seats in its 632-seat mainstage theatre, which includes a large stage, orchestra pit, and green room. (Photo courtesy of Showplace Performance Centre)
Showplace has an annual operating budget of around $870,000 a year, including a service grant from the City of Peterborough, with facility rentals as its primary source of revenue.
The general manager, who leads Showplace’s team of two full-time and seven part-time staff and supports the organization’s 150 volunteers, is responsible for the operational leadership and overall management of the facility, directly supervising the front-of-house manager, the box office manager, the technical director, and the bookkeeper.
Reporting to the board of directors through the chairperson, the general manager’s responsibilities include programming and facility rentals, financial management, facility management, human resources, marketing and promotion, planning, and board relations.
Along with its 632-seat mainstage theatre, Showplace Performance Centre has a flexible lower-level multi-purpose room with a seating capacity of 100, perfect for meetings and more intimate performances. (Photo courtesy of Showplace Performance Centre)
Showplace is looking for candidates with a minimum of three years’ experience in a performing arts facility either as a general manager, an assistant general manager, or a facility manager, and with a minimum of three years of arts management experience in the not-for-profit sector. Candidates must have a post-secondary diploma or undergraduate degree in arts administration or business administration or the equivalent. A valid driver’s license and Smart Serve training are assets.
The ideal candidate is an experienced performance venue leader looking to build a legacy who is ready to “hit the ground running.” A team-oriented leader with strong organizational, analytical, planning, and grant-writing skills, the ideal candidate will be a great communicator who is personable and approachable, as well as a nimble problem-solver and creative thinker who is decisive and accountable and operates with integrity.
Candidates should be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
Showplace Performance Centre has a licensed foyer is on the main level (pictured) with another licensed bar in the lower-level multi-purpose room. Showplace also provides a box office service with tickets available both on site and online. (Photo courtesy of Showplace Performance Centre)
Showplace has recently undertaken major renovations including brand new seats in the mainstage theatre, a new marquee, and new HVAC units. The organization has also just launched a year long consultant-led strategic planning process that will include an environmental scan, operational review, business continuity plan, and audience development review.
This full-time permanent position has an annual salary of $60,000 to $70,000, with salary and benefits package negotiable. To apply, email a single PDF containing both your cover letter and resume to jobs@showplace.org no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, July 14th. The PDF file should be named with your surname and first name (i.e., SurnameFirstname.pdf).
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted, and they will receive a detailed job description. Candidates are asked to refrain from follow-up inquiries regarding application status. All applications are considered confidential. Showplace in an equal opportunity employer. If you need accommodation to participate in the application process, let Showplace know in your email when submitting your application.
Located at 290 George Street North in downtown Peterborough, Showplace Performance Centre has been the region’s premier mid-sized venue for the performing arts since 1996. Showplace is an independent, incorporated not-for-profit organization and registered charity governed by a board of directors. (Photo courtesy of Showplace Performance Centre)
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Showplace Performance Centre. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the entire Kawarthas region beginning Tuesday (July 4).
The heat warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawarthas Lakes, Northumberland County, Hastings Highlands, and southern Haliburton County.
A two- or three-day hot and humid event is expected to begin on Tuesday and last into Wednesday or possibly Thursday for eastern regions.
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Maximum temperatures will be the high twenties to low thirties, with humidex values in the high thirties to low forties. Minimum temperatures overnight, in the high teens to low twenties, will bring little relief.
These hot and humid conditions will begin to end from west to east Wednesday night.
Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.
Extreme heat affects everyone. Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.
Husband-and-wife duo Cody Valliant and Maggie McCallum are taking customers back in time with EastEnd Electric Records in Fenelon Falls. The store sells used and new vinyl records from both big names and indie artists in a vibrant and welcoming space. But the retro store offers more than vinyl, as the space hosts regular live performance from local musicians, and offers venders selling everything from clothing, jewellery, accessories, décor, artwork, and even hot sauce. (Photo courtesy of EastEnd Electric Records)
A new record shop in Fenelon Falls is taking visitors back in time to an age of big hair, groovy bellbottoms, and soulfully good music. Not only is EastEnd Electric Records the new go-to spot for used and new records, it’s also a ’70s photo op, performance stage, and celebration of independent artists.
Even from the outside of the building, the vibrant orange brick and rainbow logo tell customers that EastEnd Electric Records is not like any other music store. Described by co-owner Cody Valliant as an “Instagrammable, experiential, destination record shop,” with swanky blue walls adorned with movie posters and a ceiling tiled with album covers, EastEnd Electric Records is a retro blast from the past.
“We really have a fondness for retro culture and design,” explains Vaillant, who also works as a sound operator for The Grove Theatre in Fenelon Falls. “Before we moved here, our apartment was virtually a one-to-one re-creation of what you see in the shop — the same colours, the same design elements, some of the same furniture and artwork. And we decided to bring our living room to the community and invite people to come in and sit down, have a coffee, enjoy a show, and browse a great selection of both new and used records, including independent and unsigned acts.”
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Vaillant owns the space alongside his wife, Maggie McCallum, a graphic designer from Janetville. The couple met in Toronto and bonded over their shared passion.
“We’re both huge music fans,” explains McCallum. “He’s a musician and I’ve always loved ’70s and ’80s music and it just kind of grew from there, and we wanted to create a space where people can buy all this great music that we grew up with.”
Living costs encouraged the couple to alter their original plan of opening the store in Toronto. They were looking to buy a house in the Kawarthas when their real estate agent casually mentioned an available commercial space in the village of Fenelon Falls that was being used for storage. The couple took a chance and began planning EastEnd Electric Records the very next day.
Located at 14 Oak Street in Fenelon Falls, EastEnd Electric Records is a new vintage record store that offers an “Instagrammable” space for music lovers and independent artists. The store is also a venue for regular live performances from local musicians and provides vendor space for other local creatives. Customers can even pick up vintage clothing curated by co-owner Maggie McCallum herself. (Photo courtesy of EastEnd Electric Records)
Though vinyl records might seem outdated in the age of Spotify and Apple Music, the couple explains that there’s a surprisingly big demand for the medium right now.
“I think people are kind of getting sick of the disconnect with the digital world these days,” McCallum says. “They’re looking towards that nostalgia of having that physical element to music, and even just being in a record store — it’s just that warm feeling that people seem to like so much.”
“Not to mention the draw of the aesthetic and the lifestyle that it brings to your home,” adds Valliant, sharing that music is a form of self-expression and a way to get to know each other.
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“They’re really discovering that ownership of a physical item (is more personal than the) ethereal idea of ownership that just exists in a cloud somewhere,” Valliant notes. “They’re making connections with the artwork, with the physical item itself. They’re learning the subtleties of each of their personal albums. Even on a bad copy of a good album, you’ll remember where that little click or pop is. It’ll become yours.”
The couple adds that in the short time EastEnd Electric Records has been open, they’ve enjoyed seeing and helping their customers branch out from their interests and discover new music.
“A lot of the youth are coming in looking for newer acts and newer albums, which we do carry,” explains Valliant. “But in that process, they get exposed to a lot of other genres like the older classic rock, country — even some punk rock or electronic. And I see their interests picking up again and they may come in and buy Boygenius or Kendrick Lamar, but then they end up taking a look at Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.”
Inside EastEnd Electric Records in Fenelon Falls, customers can find a wide selection of used, new, and bootleg vinyl records. Co-owners Cody Valliant and Maggie McCallum explain that vinyl records have grown in popularity over the past few years as people want to get back the personal connection that comes from having their own physical copy of music. (Photo courtesy of EastEnd Electric Records)
For those who may be unfamiliar with the vinyl medium, the store has listening corners where customers can jive while getting tutorials on how to use the equipment.
“We want to have a safe space where people can ask those questions and not feel silly for asking, especially women,” McCallum points out.
Customers can also get their groove on with regular live performances from local, independent artists right inside EastEnd Electric Records. Upcoming Saturday afternoon concerts include Rory Taillon (July 15), Cassie Noble with Kalyna Rakel and Dan Gurman (August 5), and The Soviet Influence (August 26). The all-ages alcohol-free shows all start at 2 p.m. and cost $10 at the door.
VIDEO: Po’Boy Jeffreys & Calamity Jane perform at EastEnd Electric Records
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But the shop’s support for the independent arts extends beyond music, as the couple rents out vender space to a range of small businesses. Between the rows of classic vinyl albums, customers will find “inappropriate home décor” from Subversive Sisters, scrap metal artwork of band logos, handmade jewellery, magazines, and even hot sauce. The store also sells CDs from local and indie artists who don’t yet have their music on vinyl.
“We are both independent artists so we both know how hard it is to make a go of that in a professional way,” explains Valliant, saying they are always on the search for new vendors.
29 Sparrows Leather Company has even created custom leather record mats and tote bags that are sold exclusively at EastEnd Electric Records. Customers can also find collections of vintage clothing, including some pieces that have been handmade by McCallum herself.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the vinyl medium, EastEnd Electric Records in Fenelon Falls has listening corners where customers can play records while getting tutorials on how to use the equipment. The store also offers T-shirts, tote bags, hats, patches, buttons, and more. (Photo courtesy of EastEnd Electric Records)
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Though McCallum and Valliant only began on their business venture, they already have plans to grow. Valliant explains that down the road a few years, he hopes to bring in an audio system that could record the store’s performers direct to vinyl.
“We want to help smaller artists that otherwise couldn’t afford such things,” Valliant says. “I’d like to use this stage as a ground to show that they’re talented artists and that there is interest in them. It’s kind of our way of shaping that local culture and music.”
EastEnd Electric Records is located at 14 Oak Street in Fenelon Falls. To browse and shop online, visit eastendelectricrecords.com. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
EastEnd Electric Records in Fenelon Falls also offers regular live performances from local artists on a groovy stage inside the store. (Photo courtesy of EastEnd Electric Records)
Toronto music collective Dwayne Gretzky returns to Peterborough Musicfest for the fourth time to perform unique covers of classic hit songs in Del Crary Park on on July 5, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest)
Peterborough Musicfest presents Dwayne Gretzky
When: Saturday, July 5, 2023 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
If the past 12 years has taught us anything about Dwayne Gretzky, it’s that there isn’t a stage the Toronto-based pop-rock time machine doesn’t love to be on.
For Peterborough Musicfest, that feeling is mutual as ‘Canada’s reigning champs of nostalgia’ prepare to make a fourth festival appearance — their third since 2018 — at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5th.
Playing anywhere and everywhere, and at all points in between, Dwayne Gretzky has garnered a huge following by breathing exhilarating new life into classic hits, its repertoire comprised of 700-plus songs and counting.
Drawing upon a shared love of the music that has defined decades past, each member brings to the table not only extraordinary talent but also a selfless willingness to allow any one of their number to grab the spotlight.
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Formed on a whim by friends, Dwayne Gretzky began with a residency at Toronto’s famed Dakota Tavern, followed by a regular gig at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, another of the big city’s live music landmarks. Word quickly spread and more gigs followed, both in and beyond Toronto.
In an October 2019 interview with Jamie Lawlis of Spill Magazine, Lindsay-raised original member Nick Rose noted that while each band member has had his or her own creative projects on the go since, Dwayne Gretzky “is this fun thing … we all come together in the sense of it being more our day job.”
“It sort of pays the bills and it’s the thing we spent a lot of time and energy on, but it’s important that everyone in the band have their own creative outlets, whether it’s writing and arranging music and so on.”
VIDEO: “Listen To The Music” by The Doobie Brothers – Dwayne Gretzky
A typical set list, explains Rose, features “music that was in our parents’ record collection, everything from Fleetwood Mac to Paul Simon to The Bee Gees.” As the years passed, the band set its sights on performing music from more recent decades.
In 2019, Dwayne Gretkzy released its debut self-titled album, the tracks ranging from The Beatles’ “Please Please Me” to ELO’s “Livin’ Thing” to The Cars’ “Just What I Needed.”
While the pandemic put a halt to live performances, it provided an opportunity to take things to a new level. On New Year’s Eve in 2020, and again in 2021, the band livestreamed a marathon performance via YouTube from its rehearsal space in Toronto.
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What was a best-kept secret was no longer so and the phone has rang incessantly since.
“We started out doing Van Morrison, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen,” notes Rose. “We started with the roots rock artists that we love. We just try to push the envelope and try different things — Don’t Stop (by Fleetwood Mac) and Bohemian Rhapsody from Queen, to Whitney Houston, to Toto, and wild ’80s stuff that is difficult to pull off. That forced us to challenge ourselves.”
While Dwayne Gretzky is often labelled a cover or tribute band, that description does a grave injustice to the band’s unique interpretations of classic songs — a process that often sees slower chord arrangements at its core.
VIDEO: “Once In A Lifetime” by Talking Heads performed by Dwayne Gretzy
“That’s all very deliberate,” explains Rose. “We feel very fortunate that we stumbled into this something that there’s a demand for, and we do it well within the confines of being a cover band.”
In an April 2013 interview with Sara Harowitz for She Does The City, band members Allie Hughes and Robyn Hatch note that, the band’s sound aside, the dynamic is the game changer.
“It’s fun ’cause it’s all your best friends,” says Hatch, with Hughes adding, “It’s the best hang ever … We all get along really well.”
“And it’s so informative, as a music writer, learning new songs,” Hughes explains. “You learn so much about writing good music. I know there are some musicians who are like ‘A cover band?’ but all of us have no shame. It’s a lot tougher than people think. These are pop songs but a lot goes into them.”
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In a July 2018 interview with The Pop Break, Rose explains what he loves about being in Dwayne Gretzky.
“We’re very fortunate that we get to do this as a full time gig — play our favourite songs with our best buds,” he says. “We’ve got a really great group of people in this band and I’m very grateful for that. They’re all a bunch of sweethearts and there is never a shortage of dumb jokes to go around.”
Dwayne Gretzky is being presented on Invest In Musicfest Night that will provide attendees the opportunity to make a donation, of any amount, with all proceeds going toward the signing of premier artists for future concerts. That initiative aside, as has been the case since 1987, admission to all Musicfest concerts is free, and will remain so, thanks in no small way to the generous support of all levels of government and some 100 sponsors including kawarthaNOW.
VIDEO: “Bobcaygeon” by The Tragically Hip – Dwayne Gretzky
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 15 free-admission concerts during its 36th season, each staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights until August 19th, and supported by more than 100 sponsors, kawarthaNOW among them.
Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission remains “to provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the entire 2023 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
VIDEO: “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel – Dwayne Gretzky
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2023 season.
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for part of the Kawarthas region for Saturday afternoon and evening (July 1).
The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for all of Peterborough County, Northumberland County, and Hastings Highlands. Currently, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County are not included in the watch.
Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts up to 90 km/h, nickel to toonie size hail, and heavy rain with torrential downpours.
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Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.
Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Emergency Management Ontario recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
What could be more quintessentially Canadian than this photo posted by Kawarthas photographer Fred Thornhill on Instagram in July 2021? (Photo: Fred Thornhill @kawarthavisions / Instagram)
What does the Canadian flag mean to you?
There is no doubt that the Canadian flag has been surrounded with controversy since it was first conceived in 1963, when Canada began the process of creating its own flag to replace the British Union Jack. When Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson proposed a flag designed around the maple leaf, it quickly became a divisive issue for Canadians.
Pearson’s preferred design of three maple leaves was ultimately rejected in favour of a design proposed by historian George Stanley that featured a single maple leaf flanked by red bars. A lengthy and ugly parliamentary debate on the design began in June 1964 and continued for six months until Pearson finally forced a vote. The new flag was inaugurated on February 15, 1965, a date that has been commemorated as National Flag of Canada Day since 1996.
Over the past few years, the flag has also been used by special interest groups that have co-opted it for their promotional use. The flag is not a promotional or marketing symbol — it is the ensign of our country. It belongs to all the people, not just a few. Please display and fly your flag proudly this year.
We think that there is nothing better than seeing the Canadian flag in the wild — our natural wild, The Kawarthas. So I’ve picked out some of my personal past faves and gathered them for your viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy and wish you a Happy Canada Day!
The Canada Day long weekend has begun in tragedy after one person died in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 35 south of Coboconk on Friday afternoon (June 30).
The two-vehicle collision resulted in the death of one driver, according to Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The driver of the other vehicle was transported via ambulance to a local area hospital with unknown injuries.
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Highway 35 is currently closed between Somerville Concession 3 and Somerville Concession 5 while police investigate and document the scene.
Police expect the highway will remain closed for several hours into Friday evening.
Anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision and has not spoken with police is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
Victoria Park Beach in Cobourg. (Photo: Town of Cobourg)
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region< and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of Thursday, July 6, the following beaches are unsafe for swimming:
Norwood Beach at Mill Pond – Peterborough County
Beach Park – Bobcaygeon – Kawartha Lakes
Harwood Waterfront & Dock – Hamilton Township – Northumberland County
Hastings Waterfront North – Trent Hills – Northumberland County
West Beach – Port Hope – Northumberland County
Wicklow Beach – Alnwick-Haldimand – – Northumberland County
Centennial Park, Deseronto – Bay of Quinte – Hastings County and Prince Edward County
Tweed Park – Stoco Lake – Hastings County and Prince Edward County
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health provides weekly testing results for beaches in Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
During the summer, local health units sample water at area beaches and test for bacteria such as E. coli to determine if the water quality at a beach is safe for public use. Popular beaches, like the beach at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City, are tested every business day while most other beaches are tested weekly. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
Peterborough's Canada Day festivities at Confederation Square begin at 10 a.m. with children's activities, live music, a birthday cake, and more, with the parade departing City Hall at noon. The theme of this year's parade is "Happy Birthday Canada!" (Photo: City of Peterborough)
Happy first week of summer! It’s certainly been a strange start to the season — did we have warmer weather in April than we did in June? If rainy days and smoky skies have kept you locked inside the past few weeks, it’s time to pull out those barbeques, lather up in sunscreen, stock the fridge with cold drinks, and finally welcome summer with a long weekend celebrating our country.
Communities and organizations across the greater Kawarthas region are hosting a range of family-friendly Canada Day events this weekend, complete with parades, good food, all-ages activities, and, of course, lots of fun. Although a total fire ban is still in place for most of the region and restricting residents from using personal fireworks this Canada Day, several local events will be lighting the sky with extravagant fireworks displays.
Here are 15 events happening across the Kawarthas to help you get festive and summer-ready this Canada Day long weekend.
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1. The Peterborough Canada Day Parade
Morello’s Your Independent Grocer will once again donate a crowd-size birthday cake to Peterborough’s Canada Day festivities. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
This year, Peterborough’s Canada Day Parade theme is “Happy Birthday Canada!” Pre-parade festivities kick off at 10 a.m. at Confederation Square with children’s activities including face painting, henna, temporary tattoos, a bike decorating contest, giveaways, and more.
It’s not a birthday party without cake, and Peterborough Pop Ensemble will take the stage beginning at 10:30 a.m. to lead the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to Canada before the cake is served, courtesy of Morello’s Your Independent Grocer.
The parade starts at noon at City Hall before heading down George Street to the Memorial Centre at Lansdowne Street. If you can’t be there in person, the parade will also be broadcast live by Cogeco on YourTV.
If you’re looking to shake your boots this weekend, Kawartha Downs is hosting their second annual Kawartha Country Music Festival on Saturday and Sunday in Fraserville, just 20 kilometres south of Peterborough.
On Saturday, Baillieboro-born Jade Eagleson and a surprise act will set the stage for headliner Dean Brody, before a massive fireworks show ends the celebrations. On Sunday, Sacha will be kicking off the night, before Juno award-winners The Recklaws return to the Kawartha Downs stage for the second year, followed by the James Barker Band to end the weekend festivities.
Tickets are still available at $129.44 for weekend passes and $83.04 for day passes. VIP tickets, which includes a dinner with visits from the artists, are still available. To purchase tickets, visit www.kawarthadowns.com.
3. Canada Day at Buckhorn Community Centre
Buckhorn Community Centre is hosting a full day of free family-fun activities on Canada Day. (Photo: Buckhorn Community Centre)
There’s something for everyone up in Buckhorn this Saturday with free family-fun activities running all afternoon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Buckhorn Community Centre at 1782 Lakehurst Road.
Rain or shine, guests can enjoy a magic show, pony cart rides, a marketplace, walk a farm animal, play games, watch the Birds of Prey show, get creative in the Play Zone, engage in games of skill, and much more.
4. Strawberries on Canada Day at the Peterborough Downtown Farmer’s Market
Fresh-picked strawberries from McLean & Buckhorn Berry Farms in Selwyn Township. (Photo: McLean & Buckhorn Berry Farms)
Nothing says the beginning of summer like strawberries, and the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market will be celebrating the delicious seasonal fruit during a special Canada Day celebratory market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Along with the usual wide range of local produce, prepared foods, and crafts, there’ll be strawberries with whipped cream and strawberry honey lemonade.
Running every Saturday and Wednesday, the Peterborough Downtown Farmer’s Market is located at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street just east of Aylmer.
5. New Canadians Centre’s “Lessons of the Land” at Beavermead Park in Peterborough
The New Canadians Centre’s “Lessons from the Land” event on July 1, 2023 features an engaging River Race game that explores the journey of different fish in the Trent-Severn Waterway and the challenges they have getting to their spawning grounds. (Photo: New Canadians Centre)
Peterborough’s New Canadians Centre is using Canada Day to celebrate the Indigenous culture and heritage with “Lessons from the Land,” which also encourages Canadians to reflect on the work of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, the historic unjust, violent, and racist treatment of Indigenous Peoples, and Canada’s path forward.
From 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the pavilion at Beavermead Park, the public is welcome to attend a family-friendly day of guided nature walks, an interactive educational “river race” game, a community lunch, storytelling, a dance and drum circle, a beading circle, and more.
6. Canada Day fun at Sir Sam’s Ski & Bike in the Haliburton Highlands
The chairlift at Sir Sam’s Ski & Bike in the Haliburton Highlands gives stunning views of Eagle Lake. (Photo: Sir Sam’s Ski & Bike)
On Saturday, Sir Sam’s Ski & Bike at 1054 Liswood Road on Eagle Lake in the Haliburton Highlands will be celebrating Canada Day with good food, music, and outdoor adventure.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visit Sir Sam’s for live music with Bill Black, a barbeque lunch by Truss Foodworks on Haliburton’s largest sundeck, and enjoy the scenic chairlift taking you to 23 kilometres of biking and hiking trails.
Visit Sir Sam’s website at www.sirsams.ca for more information.
7. Canada Day Kids’ Fishing Derby in Minden
Children enjoy fishing at the Canada Day Kids’ Fishing Derby in Minden. (Photo: Canada Day Kids’ Fishing Derby Haliburton Highlands / Facebook)
July 1st marks the beginning of Family Fishing Week in Ontario, where residents can fish for free and without a license until July 9. Kick off the week of fun by casting out in downtown Minden at the Kids’ Fishing Derby for kids 14 and under on Saturday. Prizes have been donated by local organizations, and the first 350 kids to sign up will get a custom T-shirt.
The Kids’ Fishing Derby runs from 8 to 11 a.m. with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 10 a.m. Legal guardians must sign a waiver for kids to participate, and fish must be caught between the walking bridge and the boat launch dock off Anson Street. The event encourages a live fish weigh-in. All provincial fishing rules apply.
8. Canada Day celebrations during the Cobourg Waterfront Festival
Fireworks about the harbour during Cobourg’s Canada Day festivities. (Photo: Town of Cobourg)
Head to the historic town of Cobourg on the Lake Ontario shoreline on Saturday for a full day of Canada Day celebrations as part of the annual Cobourg Waterfront Festival, which runs from Friday until Sunday.
Saturday’s festivities will begin in Victoria Park with a hearty breakfast, before the Canada Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Following will be the opening ceremonies and multicultural performances. A lineup of musical acts will set the soundtrack all afternoon as guests check out the festival’s food vendors and amusement rides. A spectacular fireworks display over the water will end the Canada Day celebrations, though the festival will continue to run all weekend long.
A children’s race at a past Bobcaygeon Canada Day celebration. (Photo: Bruce Hobley)
The Canada Day Bobcaygeon Committee is hosting a full day of free fun at the Bobcaygeon Community Centre and Fairgrounds on Saturday.
Family-friendly programming will run between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., including children’s races, free draw prizes, creative dance classes, face painting, bouncy castles, photo booths and live entertainment by Burrows and Clark. Kids can satisfy their sweet tooth with birthday cake and cupcakes donated by Strang’s Your Independent Grocer and ice cream donated by Kawartha Dairy.
The parade will commence at 2:30 p.m. beginning at the fairgrounds, heading along Mansfield, Canal, Bolton, King Street and ending at the Bobcaygeon Community Centre. A 360-degree fireworks extravaganza will dazzle the audience beginning at 10 p.m. at Tommy Anderson Park.
10. An outdoor play at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook
A scene from D’Arcy Jenish’s play “The Tilco Strike.” (Photo: Wayne Eardley / Brookside Studio)
Spend your Canada Day evening enjoying an outdoor play with the first production of 4th Line Theatre’s 31st season at the Winslow Farm near Millbrook: the world premiere of The Tilco Strike. Written by D’Arcy Jenish and directed by Cynthia Ashperger, the play recounts the year-long battle in 1965 between 35 female employees of Peterborough manufacturer Tilco Plastics and their male bosses.
The play begins at 6 p.m. sharp. If you can’t make it to the Canada Day performance, The Tilco Strike runs every Tuesday to Saturday until July 22. Tickets are $50 ($45 for youth aged five to 16) and can be purchased online at www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca, by calling 705-932-4445 (toll free at 1-800-814-0055), or in person at 4th Line Theatre’s box office at 9 Tupper Street in Millbrook.
11. Canada Day in Fenelon Falls
Canada Day in Fenelon Falls features all-day festivities and fun for all ages including at Garnet Graham Park and Maryboro Lodge. (Photo: Maryboro Lodge Museum)
Fenelon Falls has always made Canada Day one of the best days of the year. This year, the festivities are taking place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a long line-up of fun for all ages. Activities take place at Maryboro Lodge, Garnet Graham Park, Country Cupboard, Colborne Street Gallery, Fenelon Falls Brewing Company, the Legion, Lotus Indian Bistro, and more.
Throughout the day, visitors will have the chance to hold a snake, take a pony ride, have their picture taken in a barrel headed over the falls, jam to some live music, join a ’90s dance party, hoola hoop, participate in the pool noodle Olympics, play ski ball, jump in a bouncy castle, and much more.
If that’s not enough fun, the day of fun will come to a close with a spectacular fireworks display. See the full line-up at maryboro.ca/events/canada-day/.
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12. Canada Day in Bancroft
Rocky the Rockhound, mascot of the annual summer Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree, will be visiting the Canada Day festivities in Bancroft. (Photo: Bancroft Gemboree)
Head to Riverside Park in Bancroft on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an afternoon of community Canada Day celebrations.
The park and playground will be taken over with live music, crafts, the Bancroft Farmers’ Market, and a barbeque, drinks, and donuts from Wattle & Daub. Community organizations including Think Turtle, Art Gallery of Bancroft, and Bancroft Cruisers, will have booths at the event, and there will be visits from the Bancroft Fire Department, Rocky the Rockhound, and Sparky the Fire Dog. Colouring contest and free draw winners will be announced in the afternoon.
13. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy perform at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park
Married Celtic fiddling superstars Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will open a summer of free-admission concerts at Peterborough Musicfest with an evening performance at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough on Canada Day. (Photo: Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy website)
At 8 p.m. on Saturday in Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough, Celtic fiddling sensations Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will launch the 36th season of Peterborough Musicfest, Canada’s longest-running free-admission concert series.
The Canada Day performance will be the first of 15 free-admission shows happening every Saturday and Wednesday until mid-August. Following the performance, a fireworks display provided by the City of Peterborough will be held over Little Lake from 9:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Canada Day celebrations in Brighton including a pancake breakfast, free family fun, food vendors, a vendor market, live entertainment, and fireworks. (Graphic: Municipality of Brighton)
Start your Canada Day celebrations in Brighton at the Owen Gibb Community Hall with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Kinsmen Club at 8 a.m. Then head to King Edward Park for free family fun, including face painting, bouncy castles, a kids’ fishing pond, and Brighton Arts Council display. Come hungry as vendors like Just like Grannys, Harry’s Hots, Rotary Food trailer, Lions Food Trailer, and Pollywogs will be set up all afternoon.
There will also be a vendor market at Proctor House Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., live music by Down Beat at King Edward Park from 12 to 3 p.m. and Ian Roy Entertainment at Memorial Park from 7 to 9 p.m. The day will end with a bang with a fireworks display just after dusk.
The Township of Minden Hills is hosting Canada Day festivities in downtown Minden, the Minden Hills Cultural Centre, and the Minden Fairgrounds. (Graphic: Township of Minden Hills)
Along with the kids’ fishing derby in Minden (#7 on our list), a full line-up of festivities will be taking place on Canada Day in Minden Hills township. in downtown Minden, visitors can enjoy a fashion show, magic shows, and a rubber duck race. The Haliburton County Farmers Market and the Minden Hills Artisan Market will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the downtown municipal parking lot.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre, visitors can tour the museum and participate in hands-on activities, play games with bouncy inflatables, and get free ice cream from Kawartha Dairy. At dusk, a fireworks display will light the sky at the Minden Fairgrounds.
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