Mother-and-daughter team Lorraine and Emily Forbes have sold the Cow & Sow Eatery in Fenelon Falls to local business owners Sandy and Haley Pickering of On The Locks restaurant. (Photo: Cow & Sow Eatery / Facebook)
The Cow & Sow Eatery at 36 Colborne Street in Fenelon Falls will be under new ownership as of next Thursday (September 15).
Sandy and Haley Pickering, who own On The Locks restaurant at 26 Colborne Street, have purchased the business from mother-and-daughter team Lorraine and Emily Forbes.
“We are so excited and grateful for the Cow to continue on with local business owners and prominent members of the community,” announced Emily on The Cow & Sow’s Facebook page on Thursday (September 8).
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“Words cannot express how grateful my mum and I are to have had this opportunity to connect with such a wonderful community,” Emily wrote. “Fenelon Falls truly is more than a community, it is a family. We have had the pleasure of meeting and creating many long lasting friendships and will miss seeing you all regularly.”
The Forbes opened The Cow & Sow Eatery last October, after purchasing the restaurant in 2019 from former owner Dickon Robinson and completing extensive renovations.
The Cow & Sow was originally part of the Mansion House Hotel, built in the late 1800s, and has been home to a variety of businesses since then. Robinson opened the Cow & Sow in 1996.
Vern Bastable, director of GreenUP Ecology Park and landscape programs, at the park's Native Plant & Tree Nursery at 1899 Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough. (Photo: GreenUP / Facebook)
Peterborough GreenUP is asking for support after Ecology Park, located at 1899 Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough, recently suffered its third break-in this season.
“We have lost a variety of tools, and a bunch of peace of mind went with them,” the non-profit environmental organization wrote on social media on Thursday (September 8).
Ecology Park is home to the Native Plant & Tree Nursery, which sells plants, trees, shrubs, compost, wood chips, and more.
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“If you are able to support us during this time, cash donations will be appreciated and used to further secure our facilities, and replace items such as garden carts and tools which are desperately needed on a daily basis to run our nursery,” GreenUP wrote.
You can also support GreenUP by shopping at the Native Plant & Tree Nursery, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays until October 7.
The Boo Radley Project, a high-energy seven-piece alt-funk collective, performs at Jethro’s Bar + Stage in downtown Peterborough on Saturday, September 10. (Photo: Dan Dunlop)
Every Thursday, we publish live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, September 8 to Wednesday, September 14.
If you’re a pub or restaurant owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
Friday, September 16 5-8pm - Nick & Benton; 9pm - Between The Static
Saturday, September 17 5-8pm - Sonny and Cloudy (Wylie Harold and Richard Simpkins); 9pm - Gunslingers
Sunday, September 18 4-7pm - Washboard Hank & Mountain Muriel
Wednesday, September 21 6-9pm - Irish Millie
Burleigh Falls Inn
4791 Highway 28, Burleigh Falls
(705) 654-3441
Friday, September 9
5-8pm - Jake Dudas and guests
Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Tuesday, September 13
7:30-10:30pm - Jay Ezs
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Crook & Coffer
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
705-876-0505
Thursday, September 8
8pm - Michelle Moran
Saturday, September 10
7:30pm - Live music TBA
Dominion Hotel
113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954
Friday, September 9
7:30-10pm - Moulton/Dawson Project
Tuesday, September 13
5pm - Tiki Tuesday w/ Recycled Teenagers (no cover)
Coming Soon
Friday, September 16 7:30-10pm - Open mic w/ John Dawson
Saturday, September 17 7:30-10pm - Serendipity
Tuesday, September 20 5pm - Tiki Tuesday w/ Jeff Moulton (no cover)
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Coming Soon
Saturday, September 17 1-4pm - Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association presents Pat Temple and the Hi Lo Players ($10 or PWYC at the door or in advance by e-transfer to . All proceeds help musicians in need)
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Saturday, September 10
2-6pm - Blueprint
Coming Soon
Friday, September 30 7pm - Greatest of Ease w/ Graven, Shannon Linton, The Butcher and the Chef ($10 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/393052329097, $15 at door)
Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 at the Scottish residence of Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022. (Photo: The Royal Family / Twitter)
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at the Scottish residence of Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon (September 8), Buckingham Palace has announcerd.
At 96, Queen Elizabeth was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Her son Prince Charles, 73, who has been heir to the throne since the age of three, becomes King. His wife Camilla Parker Bowles is now Queen Consort. Prince William is the new heir to the throne at the age of 40.
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“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” reads a statement from Buckingham Palace. “The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The Queen has been under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle. Earlier on Thursday morning, Buckingham Palace has stated “The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.” British media reported that the Queen’s children and grandsons, William nd Harry, had rushed to Scotland to be at her bedside.
On Thursday afternoon, the Royal Family released a statement on behalf of King Charles, whose regnal name will be King Charles III.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” King Charles III writes. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.”
Queen Elizabeth II in her robes at her coronation in June 1953. (Photo: Cecil Beaton / Camera Press)
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth and by countless people around the world,” the statement continues. “During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”
Upon the death of her father King George VI in 1952, Elizabeth — then 25 years old — became queen of seven independent Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (known today as Sri Lanka), as well as Head of the Commonwealth.
Current and former world leaders have posted tributes to the Queen:
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It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service. pic.twitter.com/r5pjncyCu8
"Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow. Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign." – President Bush https://t.co/aG8uVcMaJopic.twitter.com/FKQnq6ANoh
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) September 8, 2022
The City of Peterborough is inviting feedback from residents on preliminary options to realign Ashburnham Drive further east of the Peterborough Lift Lock and to replace the McFarlane Street bridge north of the Lift Lock. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
The City of Peterborough is inviting input from residents on preliminary options to realign Ashburnham Drive between Maniece Avenue and McFarlane Street and to replace the existing McFarlane Street bridge crossing of the Trent-Severn Waterway north of the Peterborough Lift Lock.
Realigning Ashburnham Drive and replacing the McFarlane Street bridge are two recommended projects of the Eastside Transportation Study, which assessed transportation infrastructure needs and priorities associated with development planned east of the Trent-Severn Waterway and growth within the east portion of the city over the next 30 years. Peterborough city council reviewed the study’s recommendations in March 2022.
According to the Eastside Transportation Study, Ashburnham Drive near the Peterborough Lift Lock at Hunter Street is frequented by visitors but does not have sidewalks or dedicated cycling infrastructure, and parking is limited to a gravel shoulder. North of the Lift Lock, the roadway is located on a berm that forms the east bank of the Trent Canal, resulting in poor sight lines and creating challenges to make physical improvements including sidewalks, cycling infrastructure, transit stops, and pedestrian access.
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As for the McFarlane Street bridge, it is limited to one lane and does not have a cycling lane, posting potential safety concerns for cyclists who often use the bridge.
The three preliminary options for realigning Ashburnham Drive involve shifting the roadway east or further east between Maniece Avenue and McFarlane Street, or shifting the roadway east between Hunter Street and McFarlane Street and reconstructing Ashburnham Drive from Maniece Avenue to Hunter Street.
The five preliminary options for replacing the McFarlane Street bridge include constructing a new two-lane bridge that can accommodate both vehicles and cyclists and pedestrians, or retaining the existing bridge for cyclists and pedestrians only and constructing a new two-lane bridge for vehicular use only either north or south of the existing bridge.
The areas that are encompassed in the two recommended projects of the Eastside Transportation Study to realign Ashburnham Drive further east of the Peterborough Lift Lock and to replace the McFarlane Street bridge north of the Lift Lock. (Map: City of Peterborough)
Members of the public can review information about the preliminary options at connectptbo.ca/ashburnhamea, where a recorded presentation and a PDF copy of the slides in the presentation is available until September 30.
In addition, a live virtual presentation will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 23rd. The same presentation will be shared in both the afternoon and evening sessions followed by a question and answer period. To register for the virtual presentation, visit connectptbo.ca/ashburnhamea.
Interested residents who are unable to register online can call Jenn Robinson at 905-944-6232. Residents who wish to have their name added to the study’s mailing list or would like more information about the study can email ashburnhamEA@peterborough.ca.
One Peterborough homeowner and climate leader recently swapped out their dinosaur of a furnace for this ductless heat pump that provides home heating and cooling using electricity instead of fossil fuels like natural gas. (Photo: GreenUP)
Are you looking for cool ways to participate in addressing the climate crisis? Reducing your use of fossil fuels isn’t just about riding a bike. Homeowners have unique opportunities to conserve energy at home and improve comfort during extreme weather events.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s column is by Tegan Moss, Executive Director at GreenUP.
Locally, reducing CO2 emissions will happen by choosing energy sources that aren’t coming from fossil fuels. In this region, natural gas is one energy source used for heating that is a major contributor to emissions. In the City and County of Peterborough, over 30 per cent of total CO2 emissions come from our buildings.
Sealing and insulating the buildings we live and work in is an important step in reducing our use of fossil fuels. A home that is draft-proof and insulated well is far more comfortable, so conserving energy at home literally feels good for us!
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In Peterborough homes, 60 to 75 per cent of energy use is related to heating and cooling our spaces — we use a lot of energy to keep ourselves comfortable by running our furnaces and air conditioners. In the foreseeable future, many homes will switch their primary heat source to a heat pump that uses electricity to regulate temperatures, instead of natural gas.
GreenUP’s home energy advisor Clara Blakelock connects with local homeowners and residents to support them in the process of decarbonizing their homes, starting with the steps they can take to do so.
Clara tells us she “is proud to work in the field where I can talk directly with people about natural gas, build awareness that everyone needs to reduce our use of fossil fuel, and talk about how that will happen in our homes.”
What’s missing from this photo of a heat pump water heater? The exhaust pipes required when you burn natural gas indoors. When you use electricity in place of fossil fuels, guess what else goes missing from your home? Toxic carbon monoxide fumes. (Photo: GreenUP)
A home energy assessment, provided by registered home energy advisors like Clara, is the best first step in improving the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. An assessment will evaluate your home’s current energy performance and provide you with a clear plan on how to take action toward energy efficiency.
At GreenUP, we know it is far more cost-effective, healthier, and more inclusive to learn about and work together to address challenges like energy efficiency, sooner rather than later. That’s why we are proud to see leaders making investments in programs that support homeowners in being more energy efficient.
Currently, there are federal funding programs available for homeowners such as the Greener Homes Grant and the Greener Homes Loan.
Additional programs to support homeowners exist for Enbridge customers heating with natural gas.
Municipalities like the City of Peterborough are currently developing programs that will help to support deep home energy retrofits.
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All these programs start with a home energy assessment to determine what retrofits are suitable for a particular home. Depending on what recommended work you complete on your home, you may be eligible for rebates to help cover costs associated with energy assessments and the retrofits you complete. A home energy assessment is the first step in being eligible for rebates.
During an assessment, an energy advisor will visit a home, measure all windows and doors, assess the insulation in attics or basements, document heating and cooling systems, and perform a blower door test. This process typically takes three hours and provides a fascinating picture of how your home uses energy — and what you can do to improve home comfort and efficiency.
After an assessment is complete, a certified home energy advisor writes a report that summarizes the energy performance of your home, identifies retrofits that may improve energy efficiency, and recommends funding programs to support retrofits. GreenUP currently has home energy advisors who perform home energy assessments in Peterborough area postal codes K9H, K9J, K9K, K9L, and K0L.
A blower door is used by an EnerGuide-certified energy advisor to create pressure inside a home and measure air leakage. This test provides a homeowner with critical information on how to prevent heat from escaping and reduce energy spent on heating and cooling. (Photo: GreenUP)
Improving home energy performance has many benefits. Firstly, it makes you more comfortable and helps protect you from weather anomalies. Secondly, it conserves energy and helps protect the planet. Thirdly, it saves on monthly energy costs.
For all these reasons, making your home more energy efficient is a win for you and a win for our climate.
GreenUP believes deeply that addressing climate change is a responsibility shared by everyone. This means that political leaders, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play. We know that systems-level change, led by our governments, is required to meet pressing climate targets.
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We also take joy in sharing strategies empowering individuals to make the changes they can to address climate change. We hope that you, like us, enjoy the small wins and find ways to conserve energy at home.
To begin, call GreenUP’s home energy help desk at 705-536-9943 to find out more about what a home energy assessment entails, costs, and to inquire about your eligibility to take part in related rebate programs.
Anna Eidt and Erin Ebenbauer (née Watson) are amicably parting ways after five years as co-owners of downtown creative arts shop Watson & Lou. With Eidt having returned to her roots in music education, Ebenbauer will assume full ownership of the shop. (Photo: Watson & Lou)
Anna Eidt and Erin Ebenbauer (née Watson), who co-founded creative arts shop Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough five years ago, are amicably parting ways.
Last Tuesday (August 30), the pair announced Ebenbauer will assume full ownership of the shop as sole proprietor with Eidt having returned to her roots in music education.
Eidt and Ebenbauer opened Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough in 2017, after having met in 2016 while competing as finalists during the inaugural Win This Space contest organized by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.
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Since then, Eidt and Ebenbauer have successfully navigated their venture through a number of challenges — most notably the pandemic, which resulted in an enhanced online shop, local delivery service, and the conversion of their backroom workshop space into the “Gallery of Sorts.”
As well as teaching with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Eidt accepted a position in June as the new youth choir conductor with the Peterborough Children’s Chorus, an auditioned choir open to all children and youth from ages eight to 18 living in Peterborough and the surrounding area.
Eidt has a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario in London and taught vocal music and English for eight years with the Toronto District School Board before a chronic illness cut short her teaching career.
Erin Ebenbauer and Anna Eidt sending a message to their coronavirus pinata during the pandemic, which forced them to enhance their online shop, offer a local delivery service, and convert their backroom workshop space into a gallery. In January 2023, Ebenbauer plans to offer creative workshops in the space again. (Photo: Watson & Lou)
Having now made a full recovery, Eidt decided to return to teaching.
“While witnessing the devastating effects of cutbacks and a pandemic on music education programs, my choir nerd heart has led me straight to high school band and the Peterborough Children’s Chorus,” Eidt says. “With Watson & Lou nearly landed on its feet after pandemic losses, I’m a little bit sad but also completely at peace to be leaving this special place in the unbelievably capable hands of Erin Watson and our superb staff.”
Working with artistic director and choir director Julie Deck at the Peterborough Children’s Chorus, Eidt will help youth singers (Grades 7 to 12) develop vocal techniques and choral literacy.
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As for Watson & Lou, Ebenbauer will retain the shop’s name and mission “to provide a space for all things artsy and craftsy in downtown Peterborough, with a focus on quality handmade local goods,” including showcasing the work of more than 100 local artists and makers.
Ebenbauer will be introducing new products to the shop this fall, and is also planning to bring back creative workshops to Watson & Lou in January.
In the interim, the Gallery of Sorts will continue through the fall, with “Shaping the Invisible” by Carolyn Code and Michael Green in September, ceramicist Kirsti Smith of Gallery K in October, “shape and colour wizard” Gwyneth Fischer in November, and new work by Cyd Hosker in December.
Anna Eidt (right) with Julie Deck of the Peterborough Children’s Chorus. In June 2022, Eidt accepted a position as youth choir conductor to help youth singers (Grades 7 to 12) develop vocal techniques and choral literacy. (Photo: Peterborough Children’s Chorus)
Randy Meredith, the popular owner of Grr8 Finds Market in Fenelon Falls and a LGBTQ+ champion, passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2022. (Photo: Grr8 Finds Market)
The community of Fenelon Falls in the City of Kawartha Lakes has been devastated by the news of the unexpected passing of Randy Meredith, the popular owner of Grr8 Finds Market and a LGBTQ+ champion. Meredith passed away peacefully at his Fenelon Falls his home on Saturday (September 3) at the age of 56.
Meredith opened Grr8 Finds Market in downtown Fenelon Falls 13 years ago, initially as an indoor vendors market at 27 Colborne Street, and then expanding to include 29 Colborne Street. With an eclectic mix of antiques and upcycled, recycled, and retro collectibles and home decor, it was voted as Best Antique Shop in Kawartha Lakes six times and also appeared on HGTV’s “Scott’s Vacation House Rules.”
Grr8 Finds Market also became known as a pillar of love and acceptance in Fenelon Falls with Meredith, who identified as gay, offering a safe and inclusive space for anyone, including those in the LGBTQ+ community and especially youth who needed support.
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Meredith also became known for the often-outrageous outfits he wore for “Wacky Wednesdays,” with photos shared on the store’s social media accounts.
Rylee Rae, who works at Grr8 Finds Market and is an organizer of Kawartha Lakes Pride, posted Sunday morning about Meredith on the Grr8 Finds Market’s Facebook page.
“Our community lost one of its pillars yesterday and I lost someone who was an elder, parent, friend and anything else I could ever need,” the post reads in part. “Randy was and will always be the unconventional necessity we all needed. He lived his truth so loudly, it made it safe for anyone and everyone else to do the same. His heart was almost as enormous as his wardrobe.”
There are no words great or wacky enough to describe all that he was. Our community lost one of its pillars yesterday…
Since news of Meredith’s passing, social media has been flooded with comments from people mourning his passing.
“We were devastated yesterday to find out that our dear friend Randy Meredith passed away in his sleep early Saturday morning,” wrote Fenelon Falls resident Sylvia Keesmaat on Facebook. “Randy was, in many ways, the beating heart of downtown Fenelon Falls. He was a pastoral presence for young people who needed a listening ear, a staunch friend in all circumstances, and his heart was one of welcome, especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community.”
As a champion of both Fenelon Falls and the LGBTQ+, Meredith has hosted a window window display for Kawartha Lakes Pride every year for the past five years.
Randy Meredith was known for the often-outrageous outfits he wore for “Wacky Wednesdays,” including the final outfit (right) he work on August 31, 2022. (Photos: Grr8 Finds Market)
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The Fenelon Falls community rallied behind Meredith in July 2022, after a man entered Grr8 Finds Market and subjected both Meredith and Rae to hateful slurs about their sexual orientation.
In December 2021, CBC’s comedy-reality series Still Standing with comedian Jonny Harris filmed an episode in Fenelon Falls.
That episode, broadcast in March 2022 on the series’ seventh season, featured a segment on “Wacky Wednesdays” with Meredith and Rae.
VIDEO: “Wacky Wednesdays in Fenelon Falls” – Still Standing
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On Wednesday (September 7), members of the Fenelon Falls business community were asked to pay tribute to Meredith with a village-wide “Wacky Wednesday,” with everyone invited to wear wacky clothing and gather outside of of Grr8 Finds at noon for a group photo.
People were also are encouraged to post photos of their “Wacky Wednesday” outfits on social media with the hashtag #WackyforRandy.
Here a few of the #WackyforRandy posts on Facebook:
Not often I am speechless but this definitely did it. The overwhelming support to honour Randy is incredible to say the least. #wackyforrandy
A celebration of Meredith’s life will take place at The Grove Theatre (27 Veterans Way, Fenelon Falls) at 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 18th, followed by a candle light service. People are encouraged to come dressed as their most authentic selves to honour Meredith.
Memorial donations can be made to Kawartha Lakes Pride or the Kawartha Lakes Animal Wellness Society (KLAWS).
This story has been updated with some of the #WackyforRandy photos posted on Facebook and details about the celebration of life planned for Randy Meredith.
Some of the $7,000 worth of items reported stolen on August 31, 2022 from the car of an American woman who was dropping her son off at Trent University in Peterborough. (Police-supplied photo)
Peterborough police are seeking suspects after a student moving to Trent University had their belonging stolen from their car.
Last Wednesday (August 31), police received an online report that items worth about $7,000 were stolen while the car was parked overnight at a local hotel.
The victims, a mother and son from New York State, had just driven to Peterborough to drop the son off at Trent University.
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Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555.
If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at stopcrimehere.ca.
The Kawartha Fall Festival, taking place at Ken Reid Conservation Area near Lindsay from October 1 to 10, 2022, will feature family-friendly activities including a birds of prey demonstration on Sunday, October 2 with Royal Canadian Falconry. (Photo: Janet Griffin)
Kawartha Conservation’s inaugural Kawartha Fall Festival takes place from October 1 to 10 at Ken Reid Conservation Area at 277 Kenrei Road north of Lindsay.
The festival will feature a week of family-friendly activities, special guests, up-close animal encounters, birds of prey demonstrations, guided hikes, and more.
All activities are free, although some will require registration in advance due to limited space.
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“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this wonderful event to our entire community and visitors,” says Kristie Virgoe, Kawartha Conservation’s director of stewardship and conservation lands, in a media release. “Autumn is such a beautiful time to visit our conservation areas and spend time in nature and we thought this would be a great way to celebrate the season with everyone.”
Throughout the festival, Kawartha Conservation staff and volunteers will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Kawartha Lakes Food Source.
Kawartha Conservation decided to create a fall seasonal event for families at Ken Reid Conservation Area given the positive response to its annual Christmas at Ken Reid event, which returns on Saturday, December 3rd.
Kawartha Conservation’s Rob Stavinga will lead a free fun and informative waterfowl birding guided hike from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, one of the family-friendly activities during the Kawartha Fall Festival taking place at Ken Reid Conservation Area near Lindsay. (Photo: Kawartha Conservation)
“We really wanted to create another seasonal event that would not only attract new visitors to Ken Reid Conservation Area, but create a regional destination that the entire Kawartha Lakes community will benefit from,” Virgoe explains.
“Kawartha Lakes has so much to offer visitors from the beautiful quaint towns and villages, shopping and dining experiences, and the amazing fall road driving tours. The Kawartha Fall Festival helps to support all of the best our communities have to offer.”
Here are the activities taking place during the festival.
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Cultural Show and Tell Circle (Saturday, October 1 & Sunday, October 2)
Jake Charles from First Nation’s Cultural Tours will lead visitors in a “cultural show and tell” circle. Visitors will gather around a camp fire, learn about the importance of the drum, shakers, traditional clothing, and other crafts. Jake will also lead visitors in some traditional songs. This is an interactive show designed to build understanding between cultures.
Waterfowl Birding with Rob Stavinga (Saturday, October 1)
Kawartha Conservation’s watershed resources technician Rob Stavinga will lead a free fun and informative waterfowl birding guided hike from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Amphibians and Reptiles with Scales Nature Park (Saturday, October 1)
Join Scales Nature Park for an engaging and educational hands-on reptile and amphibian experience from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Visitors will learn fun facts and information about amphibians and reptiles from Scales Nature Park staff, as well as have the opportunity to interact with several animals up-close during the second half of the program. This is a free event that does not require registration.
Music at the Park with Freddie Caveen and Edmund Stay (Saturday, October 1)
Bring a lawn chair and gather around the campfire at 7 p.m. at the Group Camb for some acoustic tunes by Freddie Caveen and Edmund Stay. Following the end of their performances, attendees are invited on stage for an open acoustic jam session to close off the event.
Explore the Night Sky with the Peterborough Astronomical Association (Saturday, October 1)
Members of the Peterborough Astronomical Association will take visitors on a free tour of the night sky, including Saturn, the first quarter moon, and deep space objects. All telescopes will be provided by the Peterborough Astronomical Association.
Birds of Prey Demonstration with Royal Canadian Falconry (Sunday, October 2)
Haliburton’s Royal Canadian Falconry will provide a birds of prey demonstration on Sunday, October 2, one of the family-friendly activities during the Kawartha Fall Festival taking place at Ken Reid Conservation Area near Lindsay. (Photo: Royal Canadian Falconry)
Royal Canadian Falconry will provide a free educational, informative, and entertaining 90-minute birds of prey demonstration, beginning at noon near the former beach area. Visitors and their families will enjoy seeing six birds of prey and in-flight demonstrations.
Zoo to You Wildlife Display Show (Sunday, October 2)
Zoo to You will provide visitors with a opportunity to interact with a variety of animals up close (including reptiles, amphibians, and mammals) while sharing fun facts along the way. This free event takes place from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
Mushroom Walk with Jan Thornhill (Monday, October 3)
Join fungi expert Jan Thornhill for an exciting and informational mushroom walk amongst the forests of Ken Reid Conservation Area. From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., participants will wander along the trails, stop to observe different types of mushrooms, learning fun facts about their characteristics and habitat along the way. This is a free event, but advance registration is required as space is limited.
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Waterfowl Birding with Rob Stavinga (Tuesday, October 4)
Kawartha Conservation’s watershed resources technician Rob Stavinga will lead a free fun and informative waterfowl birding guided hike from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Advance registration is required.
Guided Nature Hike with Rebecca Pomeroy (Wednesday, October 5)
Join nature guide Rebecca Pomeroy for a refreshing and relaxing hike along the trails from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will travel along the Cedar Loop and Point Loop trails, exploring and learning about various trees, plants, and fungi along the way. This is a free event, but advance registration is required as space is limited.
Storytime, Crafts, and Games with the Kawartha Lakes Public Library (Wednesday, October 5)
Join the Kawartha Lakes Public Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the the former beach and playground area for a nature-themed storytime, fall leaf headband craft, bubble machine, and more.
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“Working with Invasives: Buckthorn” with Sustainable Roots Ecological Restoration Inc. (Thursday, October 6)
Join Sustainable Roots Ecological Restoration Inc. from 1 to 3 p.m. for an outdoor workshop that explores the characteristics and uses of Common Buckthorn, an invasive species in Ontario. The goal of this workshop is to guide participants towards connection with the natural world through stewardship and hands-on learning. This is a free event, but advance registration is required as space is limited.
Movie Night in the Park featuring “The Lorax” (Friday, October 7)
An outdoor screening of the popular children’s movie “The Lorax” from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Popcorn and hot chocolate will be offered for free at the event, and it is recommended that attendees bring their own foldable lawn chairs and blankets for the viewing.
The schedule of events for the Kawartha Fall Festival at Ken Reid Conservation Area north of Lindsay. (Graphic: Kawartha Conservation)
For the remainder of the festival, from October 8 to 10, visitor to Ken Reid Conservation Area are encouraged to enjoy self-guided activities, The Talking Forest, and the Kawartha Quest Booklet.
A donation bin will be available throughout the festival to donate non-perishable food items for Kawartha Lakes Food Source.
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