This new mural painted by artist Cliff Smith in the Village of Omemee is designed to encourage the drive-through traffic along Highway 7 to stop and explore the community. It is part of the Discover Omemee initiative, which also includes new maps and signage throughout the village. (Photo courtesy of the City of Kawartha Lakes)
If you’re driving through Omemee, you may have seen the new mural on the west side of the Omemee Legion building at 46 King Street East.
The 24-by-16-foot mural, celebrating the culture and heritage of Omemee and acknowledging the service of veterans, consists of four panels painted by Mount Forest artist Cliff Smith of GoBigMurals.
Mural artist Cliff Smith working on a section of the mural in February 2018. (Photo: Kate Smith / Facebook)
“The mural acts as a tribute to the village of Omemee,” says Laurie McCarthy, City of Kawartha Lakes Tourism Development Officer. “It highlights some of the great assets, like the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, that attract international visitors to our region each year.”
The mural is part of the Discover Omemee initiative and is designed to encourage the drive-through traffic along Highway 7 to stop and explore the community.
Discover Omemee also includes community-attraction maps produced by artist and photographer Carrie Cockburn, a music-themed mural on the wall of the former library at Coronation Hall, and guitar-shaped wayfinding signs on village streets.
The Discover Omemee initiative includes guitar-shaped wayfinding sights, a tribute to Omemee’s famous son musician Neil Young. (Photo: Omemee Downtown Revitalization Group / Facebook)
The mural initiative was a community collaboration led by the Omemee and District Lions Club through partnership with the Omemee Legion and Kawartha Trans Canada Trail.
The project was funded in part by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport through the Kawarthas Northumberland Partnership Allocation Program. The City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development department assisted in the facilitation of the funding and project development.
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony and public celebration of the new mural will take place as part of the Omemee Days event at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 30th at the Omemee Legion.
An illustration of a Neil Young themed mural. (Photo: Omemee Downtown Revitalization Group / Facebook)
A customer picking up her order from Locavorest, an online farmers' market carrying items from more than 25 local producters. As of May 25, 2018, in addition to picking up orders, customers can now arrange for home delivery within the City of Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
This week’s business news includes home delivery from online farmers’ market startup Locavorest, Peterborough businessman Cameron Green running for Mayor of Peterborough, the third annual Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakefield Muskoka Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and a private investor in Marmora and Lake seeking entrepreneurs to fund.
New regional business events added this week include the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas’ business banking seminar with RBC on May 30th, the Northumberland Chambers’ Small Business Access Workshop in Colborne on June 4th, the Peterborough Chamber’s Breakfast Meeting with Michael Konopaski on June 12th, the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Business After Hours: Woodview Hop on June 13, and the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre Annual General Meeting in Cobourg on June 19th.
We publish businessNOW every week. If you want your business news or even to be featured in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Home delivery of locally sourced food now available in Peterborough from online startup Locavorest
Online farmers’ market Locavorest, shown here at the Dandelion Day festival at Millennium Park on May 27, 2018, is now offering home delivery. (Photo: Locavorest / Facebook)
As of Friday (May 25), online farmers’ market Locavorest is now providing home delivery service of locally sourced food within the City of Peterborough.
Over the past year, Locavorest has provided food to over 100 customers in the region with products from more than 25 local producers, including Lunar Rhythms Organic Garden, Electric Juice Factory, Healey Falls Bison Farm, and Chick-a-biddy Acres. Previously, customer orders were delivered to designated “pick-up hubs”, where the customer would pick up their order.
While the pick-up hubs remain an option, with the home delivery service customers can pay a flat rate $7 fee to have a Locavorest employee deliver their order straight to their home. If Locavorest delivers when a customer won’t be home, they can simply leave a cooler and ice packs outside the residence so the employee can drop the produce off.
“By providing a home delivery service, we will be able to better provide consumers an efficient way of gaining local produce, without having to leave their home,” says Megan Boyles, Chief Executive Officer of Locavorest. “This service is also great for those that don’t have vehicles or general access to places like the farms or farmers’ markets.”
Locavorest co-founders Megan Boyles, Mark Kirton, and Vinay Viswanathan launched their business officially last year in downtown Peterborough. They plan to expand the home delivery service throughout Peterborough County in late 2018.
Local businessman and restaurateur Cameron Green to run for Mayor of Peterborough
Cameron Green, co-owner of McThirsty’s Pint and Kettle Drums Restaurant, in 2014. (Photo: Northview Gardens / Facebook)
Local businessman and restaurateur Cameron Green has entered the mayoral race for the City of Peterborough.
The 36-year-old Green, who co-owns McThirsty’s Pint and Kettle Drums Restaurant and previously opened Reggie’s Hot Grill and El Camino’s, filed his nomination papers last Wednesday (May 23).
Green has never run for political office before. He says two issues that concern him are the lack of affordable rental housing and addiction support.
Green is only the second mayoral candidate in the City of Peterborough, joining city councillor Diane Therrien. Current mayor Daryl Bennett says he intends announce his intentions after the provincial election on June 7th.
Third annual Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame ceremony celebrates nine inductees
The Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakefield Muskoka 2018 Business Hall of Fame inductees include Robert Gauvreau, Monika Carmichael, Carl Oake, Sally Harding, Alf and June Curtis, and Paul Bennett (not pictured: Paschal McCloskey). Two posthumous inductees were also announced: John A. McColl and James H. Turner, and John James (Jack) Stewart. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Last Thursday (May 24), Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka inducted nine business leaders into the 2018 Business Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
The inductees are:
Alf and June Curtis, founders of Alf Curtis Home Improvements Incorporated
Paul Bennett, owner of Ashburnham Realty
John A. McColl and James H. Turner, founding partners of McColl Turner LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants
John James (Jack) Stewart, founder of J.J. Stewart Motors
Sally Harding, president and CEO of Nightingale Nursing Registry Limited and Nightingale Home Maintenance Incorporated
Monika Carmichael, dealer principal and general manager of Trent Valley Honda
Robert Gauvreau, president and CEO of Gauvreau and Associates Chartered Professional Accountants
Paschal McCloskey, president and CEO of McCloskey International Limited
Carl Oake, founding broker/owner and Century 21 United Realty
John A. McColl and James H. Turner and Jack Stewart were inducted posthumously.
Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka announced the inductees in January. They join the 2016 inductees (Erica, Harry and Meyer Cherney; Cameron Taylor; Charlotte and Robert Nicholls; Bill, Chester and Frank Fisher: Keith Brown; David Fife; James Stevenson; and Ross Smith) and the 2017 inductees (Jack McGee; Robert Young; Joseph James (JJ) Duffus; Isadore Black; Darrell Drain; Rhonda Barnet; John Bowes; and Michael Skinner).
Private investor in Marmora and Lake seeking entrepreneurs to fund
Marmora in Hastings County. (Photo: Wikipedia)
If you’re an entrepreneur in the Marmora area looking to start a business but lack funding, here’s an interesting opportunity.
A private investor has approached the Economic Development department of the Municipality of Marmora and Lake in Hastings County, looking for like-minded entrepreneurs to start a business before the summer season ends.
The local investor, who wants to help build Marmora’s business sector, is open to hearing any type of business idea and hopes to find a passionate and competent partner.
The ideal candidate would be up and running before the end of the summer season, to ensure they are prepared for the winter when business is slow.
If you are interested, you have until Thursday (May 31) at 5 p.m. to submit your business plan. The investor, along with staff from the Economic Development department, will review the submitted business plans in early June.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce hosts Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock All-Candidates Meeting on May 28
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting an all-candidates meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 28th at Pinestone Resort (4252 Haliburton County Rd. 21, Haliburton).
Hear from the candidates for MPP in Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock. The event is free and open to the public.
Next Level Peterborough featuring Ribbett, Teatro, and OUTDOORsmart! on May 30
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting Next Level Ptbo from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
This month’s event will feature Sana Virji and Ribat Chowdhury from Ribitt, Lynn Teatro from Teatro, and Cameron Taylor from OUTDOORsmart! Inc.
Learn how these three Peterborough entrepreneurs are taking their operations to the “Next Level”.
The event is free for Chamber members, or $15 for non-members. To register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Innovation Cluster hosts business banking seminar with RBC on May 30
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting its next “Hands-ON” semnar on the topic “Business Banking Basics with RBC” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30th at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., 3rd Floor, Peterborough).
The seminar — featuring Christa Sandiland and Kayla Andreoli from RBC and Chris Anastasopoulos from Moneris Payment Solutions — will cover business banking accounts, business borrowing solutions, and mobile and digital solutions for your business.
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas hosts its annual general meeting on May 31
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting its annual general meeting from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 31st at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Beginning at 2 p.m., the public can tour The Cube, the Innovation Cluster’s 10,000-square-foot business incubator, and meet some of the region’s most promising start-ups.
The annual general meeting, which is open to the public, takes place at 3 p.m. and will include highlights from 2017.
Public Open House on Downtown Lindsay Reconstruction on May 31
The City of Kawartha Lakes is hosting a drop-in public open house on the Downtown Lindsay Reconstruction Project from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 31st at the Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).
The design project involves the reconstruction of downtown Lindsay between Victoria Avenue to the west, Lindsay Street to the east, Russell Street to the south, and Peel Street to the north. Russell Street, Lindsay Street, and Peel Street —as well as the portions of Kent Street West, Cambridge Street, William Street, and York Street within these limits — will be reconstructed.
Elements of the project include new asphalt, sidewalk, curb and gutter, streetscaping, streetlights and underground utilities including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and watermain.
At the open house, you to review the project progress to date, review options, discuss any issues, and provide constructive feedback. Representatives from the City of Kawartha Lakes and the consulting engineer will be present for the discussion, and the project team will incorporate any potential improvements that can be implemented into the design. There will be a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m.
[Editor’s Note: The original location of the open house has been changed from City Hall to the Academy Theatre].
Lindsay Chamber of Commerce 2018 Evening of Excellence on June 1
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Evening of Excellence from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 1st at the Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
The 2018 award nominees are Lindsay Little Theatre, VCCS, Kawartha Care Wellness, Graham Bashford, Stewart Morrison Insurance Brokers, Days Inn & Suites Lindsay, Mariposa Dairy, Happy Days House Boats, Kawartha Art Gallery, Horizon Family Dentistry, A Place Called Home, Randy Burke, Pawz & Company, Di Bello Towing, Adelaide Clinic, and Adam Hawyard.
The evening will feature networking and a silent auction with a gourmet dinner and award presentations. Catering will be provided by Lakeview Arts Barn with photography by Laura Elizabeth Photography.
Tickets are $120 per person or a table of eight for $800. Tickets are limited and must be reserved by Friday, May 25th. To register, visit www.lindsaychamber.com/ or call 705-324-2393.
Northumberland Chambers host Small Business Access Workshop in Colborne on June 4
The four Chambers of Commerce in Northumberland County are hosting a Small Business Access Workshop from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 4th at The Keeler Centre (80 Division St., Colborne).
You can learn about Small Business Access and the programs and resources available to help Ontario small businesses, including the Ontario government’s new Small Business Access portal and hotline, funding for hiring youth and training apprentices, programs and rebates to help reduce your energy consumption and save money, and resources to help you access global markets.
Registration and networking (with light refreshments) takes place at 6 p.m., with a presentation from Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland at 6:30 p.m. and the Small Business Access Workshop at 7 p.m.
Peterborough Chamber Breakfast Meeting with Michael Konopaski on June 12
Michael Konopaski of Inclusive Advisory speaking at a FastStart E-Connect event in December 2017. (Photo; Inclusive Adivsory / Twitter)
The next Chamber AM, a breakfast meeting hosted by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough) with a presentation from Michael Konopaski, who will speak on the topic “The Truth About Finding Happiness for Entrepreneurs”.
Michael is the Managing Director of Inclusive Advisory and the Chief Financial Officer of Aligned Capital Partners. Inclusive Advisory is a local, third generation, multi–discipline partnership of accountants, lawyers and wealth management professionals. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has a PhD from one of the top business schools in the world.
His research interests include the connection between happiness and entrepreneurship. Over the years, Michael has studied hundreds of entrepreneurs to find out how they built their business while simultaneously achieving happiness. His presentation will focus on helping you increase your well being while keeping ahead of your competition.
Networking begins at 7 a.m. with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (where you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room) followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hosts Business After Hours: Woodview Hop on June 13
Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake. (Photo: Viamede Resort)
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its next Business After Hours event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th in Woodview.
The “Woodview Hop” begins at 5 p.m. at Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake (595 Mount Julian – Viamede Rd.) and then travels to Woodview on the Lake (6242 Highway 28) at 5:45 p.m. for networking and refreshments from 6 to 7 p.m., including beef tenderloin on a bun, fruit and cheese, cupcakes, and wine and beer.
Business owners from the Woodview area will also be in attendance to speak about their businesses.
Artspace hosts its Annual General Meeting on June 13
Artspace, Peterborough’s non-profit artist-run centre that assists artists with the presentation of new work, is hosting its annual general meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th in the main gallery at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).
Artspace will review the previous year’s operations and the organization’s audited financial statements, and will seek nominations for new members for the board of directors.
All members of the community are invited to attend, but only members in good standing with the centre are eligible to participate in voting.
The meeting will be held in a physically accessible space, and a cash bar and light refreshments will be provided.
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre Annual General Meeting in Cobourg on June 19
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre is holding its annual general meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19th in the Rotary Room at the Cobourg Public Library (200 Ontario St., Cobourg).
David Quesada, Community Outreach Officer with Horizons of Friendship, will be giving a special presentation on that organization’s partnership with Cornerstone, and will outline the itinerary for the upcoming gender-based violence knowledge exchange in Guatemala in which Cornerstone will be participating.
Cornerstone provides immediate shelter, counselling, and prevention services throughout Northumberland County.
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Annual General Meeting on June 27
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 27th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. with business at 6 p.m. The meeting will include updates on what’s happening in downtown Peterborough, as well as a general election of the board.
Everyone is welcome to attend, although only DBIA members can vote.
For more information on joining the board, contact Joel Wiebe at the DBIA at 705-748-4774 or joelwiebe@peterboroughbia.com.
Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting on June 20
Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator will be the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting. (Photo: Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre)
RTO8’s Kawarthas Northumberland is inviting tourism operators from within the Kawarthas Northumberland region (City of Kawartha Lakes, City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County) to its annual partners meeting (annual general meeting) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Iron Horse Ranch (804 Ontario 7A RR1, Bethany).
The meeting will provide tourism operators with the opportunity to meet Kawarthas Northumberland board members and staff, along with representatives and advisors from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and to network with other tourism operators.
The guest speaker at the session will be Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator. Lucier will speak on how tourism operators can leverage their own resources to build new and exciting visitor experiences, with an appreciation for the importance of community collaboration.
The event is free, but advance registration is required by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 8th. Register at Eventbrite.
City of Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett with some student atheletes on Special Olympics Day in Peterborough (May 22, 2018). Hosted by the Peterborough Police Service, the 2018 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships takes place from May 29th to 31st in Peterborough. (Photo: Special Olympics Ontario)
The 2018 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships are taking place this week (May 29th to 31st) in Peterborough.
Hosted by the Peterborough Police Service, the games will feature more than 1,000 secondary school athletes between the ages of 13 and 21 and their coaches competing on behalf of schools in Ontario and across Canada, including Alberta and Manitoba.
Athletes will compete in one of five sports — basketball, bocce, floor hockey, soccer, and track and field — in two divisions: traditional teams comprised of athletes with an intellectual disability, and unified teams comprised of athletes with and without a disability.
The event begins with a VIP reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29th at The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough), followed by an opening ceremony from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St., Peterborough).
Championship games take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30th, with basketball at Trent University (1600 West Bank Dr., Peterborough) and at St. Peter’s Secondary School (730 Medical Drive, Peterborough), track and field at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (1009 Armour Rd., Peterborough), soccer at Fleming College (599 Brealey Dr, Peterborough), and floor hockey at Kinsmen Civic Centre (1 Kinsmen Way, Peterborough). Medal presentations take place during the games.
The closing ceremony takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30th at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St., Peterborough).
During the school year, more than 7,500 student athletes in Ontario competed in around 60 regional qualifiers for a chance to compete at the championships.
As the games’ host, the Peterborough Police Service has been one of the top fundraisers in Ontario for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, first launched in 1987.
Special Olympics, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is a registered charitable organization that empowers people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential and develop their skills through year-round sports training and competition.
Construction is complete on Peterborough's first adult outdoor gym in Beavermead Park. The project has been funded with contributions of $25,000 from each of the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha and the Rotary Club of Peterborough and $40,000 from the City of Peterborough. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Just in time for summer, construction of Peterborough’s first adult outdoor gym at Beavermead Park is now complete — although finishing touches still need to be added.
The gym is located in the northwest corner of the park, adjacent to the beach and near the volleyball courts and the children’s playground.
The Rotary Outdoor Adult Gym is located in the northwest corner of Beavermead Park, near the volleyball courts and the beach. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)While all the outdoor gym equipment has been installed and is functional some finishing touches including landscaping are required before the gym will officially open. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
The placement of the gym right next to Little Lake should offer a nice breeze for those working out, and then access to the water for a cool-off swim.
The gym’s equipment was installed by Brantford-based company New World Park Solutions Inc., the Canadian supplier of the American outdoor fitness equipment company Playworld.
The LifeTrail Advanced Wellness System station, designed for adults 50 and over, features Proprioceptive Neuromuscolar Facilitation (PNF) exercises, and tricep strength and torso stability exercises. (Photos: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)One of the LifeTrail stations is wheelchair accessible and offers upper body cycling, shoulder stability and abdominal strength exercises, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscolar Facilitation (PNF) and leg extension exercises. (Photos: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)The LifeTrail stations include upper-body cycling exercises, inverted row and core exercises, and push-up exercises.(Photos: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
The gym includes several products from Playworld different product lines, including the LifeTrail Advanced Wellness System, Energi, and Stretch & Go.
While the gym is intended for use by all adults, the LifeTrail equipment was specifically designed for adults 50 and over, and is focused upon functional fitness, helping you to maintain or improve your ability to perform everyday activities.
With the Shoulder Slide, you use the handles on the disks rotate them inwards or outwards to work the muscles in your shoulders and upper back. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)With this piece of equipment, you step into the “U”, hold a slider in each hand, and then slide from sides to front. The range of motion depends on where you stand. Turn around to work the back muscles. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)With the Twister, you step up onto the disk, hold onto the bar, and twist your torso from side to side, stetching the lower back and your oblique muscles. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
There are different fitness stations with several types of exercises, as well as standalone equipment such as a recumbent bike. The gym includes a fitness station that can accommodate wheelchairs, making it fully accessible for persons with disabilities.
Work on the project began in May. People are already testing out the equipment, even though some finishing touches such as an accessibility ramp and landscaping need to be completed. Once that work is complete, there will be an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The grand opening is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 13th.
First announced in June 2017, the project has been funded with contributions of $25,000 from each of the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha and the Rotary Club of Peterborough and $40,000 from the City of Peterborough.
Equipment for lower-body cycling exercises, a switch glider, and a recumbent bike that’s ergonomically friendly for lower back. (Photos: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)The Energi stations offer both power step exercises and agility step exercises. Each piece of equipment comes with visual instructions for use, the number of calories burned within a specific time, a QR code for more information, the muscle groups affected by the exercise, and any age and height restrictions. (Photos: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of the Kawarthas, including Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings County.
Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain.
Thunderstorms are already affecting the regions this afternoon (May 26) and early this evening.
Small hail and strong gusty winds are expected; however, some of these thunderstorms might briefly intensify to near severe threshold.
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
Gord Downie's siblings Patrick, Paula, and Mike attended the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund Benefit Concert on May 11, 2018, which raised $10,000 for the fund supporting awareness, education, and acts of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. (Photo: Journey Magazine Ptbo)
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund Benefit Concert has raised $10,000 to support awareness, education, and acts of reconciliation between the First Peoples and the settlers of Turtle Island/Canada.
“We had a packed house and a wonderful evening of music, humour, dance, and poetry,” say Melodie McCullough and Sue Nelson, who organized the event.
“Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and support of the Nogojiwanong/Peterborough community, we were able to raise a significant amount of funds to donate to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.”
The concert, held on May 11, 2018 at the Market Hall, raised funds through ticket sales, sponsorships from local businesses and community organizations along with a silent auction.
More than 300 people attended the sold-out event that featured both Indigenous and non-Indigenous performers. Hoop dancer Crystal “Beany” John, the Wshkiigomang Women’s Hand Drum Group from Curve Lake First Nation, and spoken word artist Keara Lightning were joined by Mayhemingways, the Thomas A. Stewart Jazz Combo Band, and headliners The Sadies.
“Last October we set out with a goal of raising $10,000 and that’s exactly what we achieved,” say Nelson and McCullough. “The enthusiastic community response is such an encouraging sign of the good intentions of so many in the spirit of reconciliation.”
The event was emceed by Curve Lake author and playwright Drew Hayden Taylor, and residential school survivor Shirley Williams (a member of the Bird Clan of the Ojibway and Odawa First Nations of Canada and Professor Emeritus of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University) delivered the welcoming prayer.
The Thomas A. Stewart Jazz Combo Band performing at the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund Benefit Concert on May 11, 2018. (Photo: Vincent Abrahamse)
Mike Downie, who co-founded the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) in 2016 with his late brother Gord and the Wenjack family, attended the event along with his siblings Patrick and Paula.
The contribution of the Nogojiwanong/Peterborough community was recognized by DWF on their Facebook page on Friday (May 25):
“A big thank you from the Downie Wenjack Fund goes to the organisers, artists and musicians and everyone who came to support the DWF Benefit in Peterborough. A sold-out event! Thank you!”
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund seeks to promote and inspire grassroots and community-based acts of reconciliation across the country. It supports activities that bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, such as canoe trips, hockey exchanges, a rugby program, and an Arctic expedition.
Gord Downie’s brothers Mike and Patrick and Chanie Wenjack’s sisters Pearl Achneepineskum, Daisy Munroe, and Evelyn Baxter along with Professor David Newhouse, the school’s director, and Trent University president Dr. Leo Groarke, at the official launch of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies on March 2, 2018. (Photo: Trent University)
The fund was established about a year before Gord Downie’s death from brain cancer in 2017, and arose two years after The Tragically Hip front man created The Secret Path, a personal project to tell the story of Chanie Wenjack through an music album, graphic novel, and documentary.
Gord was inspired to develop The Secret Path after learning about Chanie, a 12-year-old Anishinaabe boy who died from exposure on October 22, 1966, after escaping his forced confinement at Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora and attempting to walk the almost 600 kilometres back to his family home on the Marten Falls First Nation in Manitoba.
The Wenjack Theatre and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University in Peterborough are both named in honour of Chanie.
The six recipients of the Peterborough Arts Awards: Robert Winslow, Melody Thomas, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Krista English, Beth McMaster, and Brad Brackenridge. The inaugural awards were presented on May 25, 2018, at The Mayor's Luncheon for the Arts in Peterborough. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Earlier today (May 25), the Electric City Culture Council (EC3) handed out the inaugural Peterborough Arts Awards at The Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts at McDonnel St. Activity Centre in Peterborough.
Six awards of $2,000 each were presented for outstanding achievement in the arts. Funding for the awards has been provided by sponsors through the efforts of Bill Lockington of LLF Lawyers, who led the sponsorship campaign to successfully raise $60,000 to support each of the awards over five years.
The awards were open to professional artists and arts supporters in any discipline living in the city and county of Peterborough. Almost 50 nominations were received, with winners selected by a peer assessment jury comprising Caroline Langill, Nadine Changfoot, Jonathan Bennett, and Rob Fortrin.
The Peterborough Arts Awards were handed out at The Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts at McDonnel St. Activity Centre in Peterborough on May 25, 2018. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts featured performances by Curtis Driedger, Two of Strings, Unity Singers, Justin Million, and Beau Dixon, with remarks by EC3 executive director Su Ditta, EC3 president and Public Energy artistic director Bill Kimball, Bill Lockington, and City of Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett, who was the event’s honourary patron.
“Peterborough has a thriving, vibrant arts community that contributes to the exceptional quality of life in our region,” said Mayor Bennett.
“In galleries, performance venues and public spaces, artists help to define who we are as a community. They express. They reflect. They inspire. The Peterborough Arts Awards allow us to come together as a community to recognize excellence in the arts that benefits the social, cultural and economic well-being of our city.”
Over lunch, Wandy Nanimbush, Curator of Indigenous Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario, delivered a keynote address.
Alex Bierk with three of the recipients of the Bierk Art Fund Bursary Awards, named in honour of his late mother Liz Bierk. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Her address was followed by the presentation of the Bierk Art Fund Bursary Awards for post-secondary students in the visual arts. The four $500 bursary awards were made possible with support from the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough’s Bierk Art Fund, established to honour the memory and celebrate the life of Peterborough resident Liz Bierk, wife of renowned artist David Bierk.
One of the Bierks’ sons, artist Alex Bierk, presented the awards to Jemma Woolidge, Lauren Kenzora, Dasha Egudkina, and Miles Hamilton.
After lunch, Su Ditta and Kate Story announced the shortlist of Peterborough Arts Awards finalists in each award category, with short videos describing each finalist’s contribution to the arts, before the winners were announced:
Melody Thomas (Music) – Outstanding Emerging Artist (Sponsor: Merit Realty)
Soprano Melody Thomas performing with the Georgian Bay Symphony Orchestra. (Photo: Sophia Cho)
Brad Brackenridge (Theatre) – Outstanding Mid-Career Artist (Sponsors: Betty and Bill Morris)
Actor and puppeteer Brad Brackenridge performing in Kate Story’s “Festivus Rattus Rattus 2035!” (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Robert Winslow (Theatre) – Outstanding Senior Artist (Sponsor: BrandHealth)
4th Line Theatre’s creative director Robert Winslow performing in his original play The History of Drinking in Cavan in 2017. (Photo: Wayne Eardley)
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson (Writing) – Outstanding Achievement by an Indigenous Artist (Sponsor: LLF Lawyers)
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson is a renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer and artist, who has been widely recognized as one of the most compelling Indigenous voices of her generation. Leanne is also a musician combining poetry, storytelling, song writing and performance in collaboration with musicians to create unique spoken songs and soundscapes. She is a member of Alderville First Nation. (Photo: Nadya Kwandibens)
Krista English (ReFrame Film Festival) – Arts Catalyst (Sponsors: Kate and Alex Ramsay)
Krista English co-founded the Travelling World Community Film Festival in Peterborough in 2004, with the first festival held in January 2005. It was officially renamed Reframe Film Festival in 2009 and has grown into the Kawarthas’ preeminent film festival, with the 2018 festival featuring 64 films from 25 countries. After 14 years as the festival’s executive director, Krista left the festival in 2018. (Photo: Reframe Film Festival)
Beth McMaster (Showplace Performance Centre and Peterborough Theatre Guild) – Arts Champion (Sponsor: Ashburnham Realty)
Local playwright and author Beth McMaster (pictured here with Danny Bronson and Len Lifchus in 2017) is best known for her work with the Peterborough Theatre Guild and with Showplace Performance Centre, notably the popular Spring Tonic services and the Legendary Icon Series which she presented with her late husband Stuart. Beth was instrumental in the creation of both the Peterborough Theatre Guild in 1964 and Showplace Performance Centre in 1996. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
City of Kawartha Lakes staff and council members joined Kawartha Conservation and RBC staff for a cheque presentation on May 24, 2018, at the Omemee Beach. Pictured are: Emily Johnston, Kawartha Conservation Stewardship Outreach Technician; Mark Majchrowski, Kawartha Conservation CAO; Nancy Lee, RBC Group Services Representative; Doug Richardson, RBC Lindsay Branch Manager; Andy Letham, Mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor; and Mary Ann Martin, Kawartha Lakes Ward 15 Councillor. Not pictured: Jenn Johnson, City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture Division Manager; Kristie Virgoe, Kawartha Conservation Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands; Mike Goodhand, Kawartha Lakes Area Parks Supervisor. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Conservation)
On Thursday (May 24), the RBC Foundation presented Kawartha Conservation with a cheque for $20,000 to fund improvements at the Omemee beach.
Along with a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the grant from the RBC Foundation’s Blue Water Project will support a $30,000 “BlueScaping” lake management plan for the beach.
BlueScaping is a program that helps landowners manage storm water while enhancing the qualities of the watershed. Working closely with City parks staff, Kawartha Conservation’s BlueScaping project will create a rain garden at the Omemee beach, naturalize the shoreline, remove more than 500 square feet of invasive plants, add more than 250 native plants, and install interpretive signage.
“This will be an exciting project for the Omemee community,” explains Kawartha Conservation Stewardship Coordinator Holly Shipclark. “We will be working with the City’s parks and recreation staff, local community groups, and residents to improve this well-used and enjoyed beach area, which will have a positive impact for years to come.”
On May 24, 2018, Kristie Virgoe (left), Kawartha Conservation Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands, and Emily Johnston (right), Kawartha Conservation Stewardship Outreach Technician, speak with Mike Goodhand, Kawartha Lakes Area Parks Supervisor, about the BlueScaping work planned for the Omemee beach. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Conservation)
The grants will also support three public workshops and a rainwater harvesting demonstration at Omemee beach.
“Our beaches are popular destinations for residents and visitors during the summer months and shoulder seasons,” says Jenn Johnson, City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture Division Manager. “Managing invasive plants and improving water quality by reducing urban run-off will benefit residents and beach users in Omemee.”
The first workshop, “Storm Water Harvesting”, took place on May 17th, with the second workshop, “Using Native Plants and Managing Invasives”, scheduled for June 7th and the third workshop, “Rain Gardens”, for August 8th
“Omemee has a really active and engaged community,” Shipclark says. “We’re really looking forward to working with the residents there to help restore and protect the Omemee beach, as well as their own properties.”
Work at the Omemee beach will get underway in June.
“This is the seventh year in a row that we have benefitted from RBC Foundation support for lake plan implementation projects,” Shipclark says. “RBC’s support has been and continues to be invaluable in helping to improve lake health and the environment throughout Kawartha Lakes.”
Peterborough indie folk-rock band Paper Shakers, led by Michael and Whitney Hall with Jackson Sole, Luke Benjamin, and David St. Pierre, are one of more than 90 acts performing during the Peterborough LIVE Music Festival from May 24 to 27 in downtown Peterborough. The band performs at the "Indie-go" show on Saturday, May 26 at The Garnet. (Photo: Paper Shakers)
Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas 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, May 24 to Wednesday, May 30.
If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.
10pm - ARIA Megahits w/ The Muddler & Morgan Chamberlain
Arlington Pub
32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080
Friday, May 25
8pm - Movie Night - "Purple Rain"
Saturday, May 26
9pm - Sherry Ryan ($10)
Coming Soon
Saturday, June 2 9pm - Derek Harrison ($10)
Arthur's Pub
930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105
Thursday, May 24
8pm - Karaoke night
Friday, May 25
8pm - Madman's Window
Saturday, May 26
8pm - The Devlin Brothers
Sunday, May 27
4:30-8pm - Celtic Sunday w/ Ugly Horse
Monday, May 28
6pm - Rob Phillips
Tuesday, May 29
7:30pm - Beatles Tribute w/ Don Owen & Bruce Longman
Wednesday, May 30
8pm - Open mic
Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub
4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450
Thursday, May 24
8pm - Jam Session w/ Wino Blues Band and Open Mic Night (bring your own instruments)
Friday, May 25
9pm - Live music TBA
Beard Free Brewing
649 Unit 4 The Parkway, Peterborough
(705) 775-2337
Saturday, May 26
2-5pm - Mathieu Murdoch Band
Coming Soon
Saturday, June 2 2-5pm - Gordy Craig
Black Horse Pub
452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633
Thursday, May 24
7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues w/ Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio
Friday, May 25
5-8pm - Tonya Bosch; 8:30pm - Game of Tones
Saturday, May 26
5-8pm - 3/4 House Brand; 8:30pm - Four Lanes Wide
Sunday, May 27
3-6pm - Odd Man Rush
Monday, May 28
7-11pm - Crash and Burn w/ Rick & Gailie
Tuesday, May 29
7pm - Open mic w/ Randy Hill
Wednesday, May 30
7pm - Nicholas Campbell
Coming Soon
Thursday, May 31 7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues w/ Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio
Friday, June 1 5-8pm - Cheryl Casselman; 8:30pm - Pop Machine
Saturday, June 2 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Pop Machine
Sunday, June 3 3-6pm - Bluegrass Menagerie
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884
Friday, May 25
7-9pm - Nathan Truax & His Troubles
Coming Soon
Friday, June 1 7-9pm - Gerald Van Halteren
Canoe & Paddle
18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111
Coming Soon
Tuesday, June 12 8pm - Hunt the Hare ($10)
The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg
38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029
Friday, May 25
8pm - Shaun Savoy
Champs Sports Bar
203 Simcoe St., Peterborough
(705) 742-3431
Thursdays
7pm - Open mic
Chemong Lodge
764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435
Friday, May 25
7-11pm - Live music TBA
Saturday, May 26
7-11pm - Live music TBA
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001
Thursday, May 24
8pm - Open mic
Friday, May 25
5pm - Blues in a Bottle; 9pm - David Papple
Saturday, May 26
7pm - Tom Eastland Triage
Monday, May 28
Trivial Pursuit
Tuesday, May 29
OpinioNation w/ Bill Davenport
Wednesday, May 30
8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard
Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Thursdays
10pm - Open Mic w/ Gerald Vanhalteren
Fridays
9:30pm - Karaoke Night w/ DJ. Ross
Wednesdays
7-11pm - Live music
Dobro Restaurant & Bar
287-289 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9645
Friday, May 25
9pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Blues Breaker ft Al Black & The Steady Band, Nicholas Campbell, Luxury Mammals Jazz Collective ($10 show or $15 festival pass at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21026/)
Saturday, May 26
9pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Boot Knockers ft Kayla Howran, Jason O'Brien, Michaela Hetherington, Patrick Rees ($10 show or $15 festival pass at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21339/)
Saturday, June 2 5pm - 6 Year Anniversary Celebration w/ guest of honour MP Kim Rudd and music by Aaron & Deanna (5pm) and Head Case (8pm) w/ DJ McPimpin at 11:30pm
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Friday, May 25
10pm - DJ Loco Joe
Saturday, May 26
2pm & 10pm - Blueprint
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, May 24
Keith Hallet
Friday, May 25
9pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Holy Folk! ft Lance Isaacs, Blue Hazel, St. Homer, Nathan Miller ($10 show or $15 festival pass at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21028/)
Saturday, May 26
9pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Indie-go ft Shirazi, Paper Shakers, Nathan Bottomley Band, Niall Cormac ($10 show or $15 festival pass at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21056/)
VIDEO: "Lennon Shoes" - Paper Shakers
Sunday, May 27
8pm - Show and Tell Poetry Series presents Keyboards!
Tuesday, May 29
Jazzmania
Wednesday, May 30
Derek Harrison, Bobby Dove
Coming Soon
Thursday, May 31 8pm - Teenage Wedding and guests ($8)
Friday, June 1 8pm - Steelburner, The Quadrupeds of North America ($7)
Sunday, June 3 9pm - Cruel Bloom, The Corporate Life
Golden Wheel Restaurant
6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838
Thursday, May 24
7-9pm - Pop Country Line Dancing Lessons w/ Tina O'Rourke (beginner plus to intermediate, $7)
Saturday, May 26
2-5pm - Spring Social/Dance hosted by Marlene Maskell and Tina O'Rourke (no cover)
Wednesday, May 30
7-9pm - Line Dancing Lessons w/ Marlene Maskell ($7 per person, all levels welcome)
Coming Soon
Saturday, June 2 8:30pm - Jade Eagleson fundraiser for Centreville Presbyterian Church Youth Mission Trip w/ DJ Vince Steeenburg ($15 in advance, $18 at door)
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Thursday, May 24
7pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Songbirds ft Hillary Dumoulin, Niall, Raphael Nawaz, Michaela Hetherington, Lance Isaacs, and more ($10 show or $15 festival pass at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21348/)
Friday, May 25
7pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Mic Drop ft Forest Gumption, NSY, Dave Cave, Richelle Nantais, Charmaine Magumbe, & more ($10 show or $15 festival pass at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21126/)
Saturday, May 26
9pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Punk and Morty! ft E.L.E., Beaver Slap, Antixx, Death Sticks, The Beat Abattoir, Deviants, and more ($10 show or $15 festival pass at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21058/)
Sunday, May 27
8pm - Peterborough LIVE Industry Night ft Eleanor Shore, Brandon Humphrey Experience, Puppet, LIVE Open Jam ($10 show or $15 festival pass at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21130/)
Hot Belly Mama's
378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544
Thursday, May 24
6-8pm - Keigan & Whitney; 8pm - Quickshifters
Sunday, May 27
12-5pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Jazz Cumbo ft Pete Woolidge & Friends, Ambrose Veno Trio, Devil May Care, Luxury Mammals Jazz Collective (free)
Junction Nightclub
253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550
Friday, May 25
10pm - Country Night w/ DJ Bill Porter ($5 cover)
Marley's Bar & Grill
17 Fire Route 82 Catalina Bay, Buckhorn
(705) 868-2545
Friday, May 25
7-10pm - Sonny and Cloudy
Saturday, May 26
7-10pm - Vatcher & The Kid
Coming Soon
Friday, June 1 7-10pm - Patrick Maloney
Saturday, June 2 7-10pm - Blue Hazel
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600
Thursday, May 24
7-11pm - Karaoke w/ Jefrey Danger
Friday, May 25
8pm - Cale Crowe
Saturday, May 26
8pm - Gillies' Live Mic
Wednesday, May 30
7-10:30pm - Open mic
Coming Soon
Friday, June 1 8pm - Scott Maybee
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
9pm - Live music with JJ Thompson
Fridays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Saturday, May 26
6pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Celtic Jam ft Kane Miller, Fiddling Jay, & friends (free)
Sundays
8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon
Mondays
9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green
Tuesdays
9pm - Vintage Tuesdays ft Brendan Lawless
Wednesdays
9pm - Live music
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, May 24
7pm - Down Beats
Coming Soon
Thursday, May 31 7pm - Ryan Lacroix
Moody's Bar & Grill
3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663
Coming Soon
Saturday, June 16 2pm - Emily Burgess Band
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Thursdays
6:30pm - Live music
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Wednesdays
6:30pm - Live music
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010
Saturday, May 26
1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays presents Keigan & Whitney (1pm) and Jacques Graveline (2pm)
Pastry Peddler
17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333
Friday, May 25
5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Night ft Bernardo Padron and Mark Sepic ($45 per person)
Publican House Brewery
300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743
Friday, May 25
8-10pm - Shai Peer
Saturday, May 26
8-10pm - Rob Phillips
Coming Soon
Friday, June 1 8-10pm - Shai Peer
Saturday, June 2 8-10pm - Cindy and Scott
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Saturday, May 26
9:30pm - Live music TBA
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Thursday, May 24
8pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Rockafellas w/ Broken Harmony, Heartless Romantics, and more ($15 for all-access festival pass or $10 per show, in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21027/)
8pm - Peterborough LIVE presents Mayhem w/ The Divided Line, Odd Ones, Jagged, and more ($15 for all-access festival pass or $10 per show, in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21057/)
The B-29 Superfortress Bomber known as "Fifi", one of the last two flying B-29s, will be at the Peterborough Airport from July 30 to August 5, 2018. Designed by Boeing, the four-engine propeller-driven heavy bomber was flown primarily by the United States during World War II and the Korean War. It was one of the largest aircraft operational during World War II and featured state-of-the-art technology at the time. (Photo: Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum)
Last summer, the Peterborough Airport hosted a once-in-a-lifetime experience by offering ground tours (or even a flight) of a World War II B-17 heavy bomber.
If you missed it, this summer you’ll get another chance to tour (or fly in) a World War II era bomber — and this year there will be two bombers to choose from.
“Air Legends at the Peterborough Airport” takes place from Monday, July 23rd through Sunday, August 5th, when you can experience the B-25 Bomber known as “Maid in the Shade” (from July 23 to 30) and the B-29 Superfortress Bomber called “Fifi” (from July 30 to August 5).
The B-25 Bomber known as “Maid in the Shade”, one of only 34 B-25s still flying today, will be at the Peterborough Airport from July 23 to 30, 2018. The B-25 was manufactured by North American Aviation as a low-altitude bomber, and versions of the aircraft were used extensively in the European and Pacific theatres during World War II. (Photo: Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum)
The “Maid in the Shade” is part of the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum’s “Flying Legends of Victory Tour” and “Fifi” is part of the Texas Commemorative Air Force’s “Airpower History Tour”.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the aircraft through displays and questions and answers from experts, take a ground tour of the aircraft, or even book a flight on either bomber for an additional fee.
Ground tours of “Maid in the Shade” will cost $10 per person (or $20 for a family of four). Flights on cost $325 US (or $650 US if you want to fly in a bombardier or navigator seat in the plane’s nose). You can book your flight online at www.azcaf.org/location/peterborough-tour-stop/.
If you want to fly in the bombardier seat of B-29 Superfortress Bomber “Fifi”, it will cost you $1,595 US. (Photo: Commemorative Air Force)
Ground tours of “Fifi” are $12 for adults or $6 for children, with children under 10 free. Flights are more expensive, ranging from $570 US to $1,595 US for the bombardier seat. You can book your flight online at www.airpowersquadron.org/book.
“Air Legends at the Peterborough Airport” culminates with a special weekend of events on Saturday, August 4th and Sunday, August 5th.
Plans for the weekend include a display of military, vintage, and civil aircraft — including a Curtis P4 Kittyhawk, L29 Delfin Military Trainer Jet, Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster, Antonov AN2, Harvard II Trainer, CC-130 Hercules, and SKT Helicopter — and the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association will fly in to be part of the array of aircraft on display.
The B-25 Bomber “Maid in the Shade” in flight. (Photo: Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum)
The weekend will also feature a car and motorcycle display, live emergency training exercises conducted by The Loomex Group using their mobile 44-foot jet simulator, and food and beverages at Gibson’s Finest Pilot Lounge.
Finally, at 7 a.m. on Sunday, August 5th, the Peterborough Airport is hosting “Run on the Runway”, a fundraiser for the Brock Mission where you can participate in a 10k, 5k, and 1k run/walk on the 7,000-foot runway at the airport.
The Peterborough Airport is also supporting the Brock Mission by waiving admission fees to the airport grounds during “Air Legends at the Peterborough Airport”. Instead, donations will be accepted for Brock Mission, which is currently being redeveloped.
The B-29 Superfortress Bomber “Fifi” on the runway. (Photo: Commemorative Air Force)
The airport notes that event attractions and schedules are tentative and subject to change. For updates, visit www.peterboroughairport.com.
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