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A long, hot summer in store for Ontario?

By Bruce Head -
Victoria Beach on Lake Ontario in Cobourg. (Photo courtesy of Linda McIlwain)

After terrible weather for most of April so far, we’re finally getting some decent spring weather this weekend.

Saturday (April 21) was a beautiful spring day, and for Earth Day today and for the next two days, it’ll continue to be warm and sunny. That should take care of the last remnants of snow and ice. Rain will return on Wednesday though, so enjoy the sunny skies while you can.

But what about summer? Will it be hot and sunny this year, or cool and rainy like last year?

The inaugural Kawartha Craft Beer Festival in 2015. The fourth annual event returns to downtown Peterborough on June 8 and 9, 2018. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)
The inaugural Kawartha Craft Beer Festival in 2015. The fourth annual event returns to downtown Peterborough on June 8 and 9, 2018. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)

According to Dave Phillips, Environment Canada’s senior climatologist, we can expect a warmer than normal summer in 2018.

“I can already see the muscle shirts, the tank tops, and the beer starting to flow,” Phillips said in an interview with CTV back in March.

However, in that same interview Phillips said he wasn’t expecting any colder than normal conditions in March or April.

Okay, so he didn’t predict the freezing temperatures in April or the ice storm. We’ll give him a pass on that.

Free day use at all Ontario Parks returns this summer on Friday, July 20th. (Photo: Ontario Parks)
Free day use at all Ontario Parks returns this summer on Friday, July 20th. (Photo: Ontario Parks)

While we really, really, really want Environment Canada to be right about a hot summer, we’re taking it all with a grain of salt.

After all, last June Phillips also predicted we were in store for a “warmer than normal” summer. Two months later, after a summer marked by lots of rain and cool temperatures, he admitted it was “a bummer of a summer”.

Phillips has also predicted a “warmer than average” summer in each of the past five years (2014 to 2018). He was correct about 50 per cent of the time, which is about the same accuracy you’d get by guessing.

The inaugural Peterborough Pulse, Peterborough's Open Streets event, in 2015. A popular summer event, Pulse returns to downtown Peterborough in 2018 on Saturday, July 31st. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)
The inaugural Peterborough Pulse, Peterborough’s Open Streets event, in 2015. A popular summer event, Pulse returns to downtown Peterborough in 2018 on Saturday, July 31st. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)

If you prefer to throw meteorological science and computer modelling completely out the window, you can instead turn to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which has been publishing continously since 1792.

According to their long-range forecast for Ontario, we are in for a hot and dry summer:

“April and May will be a bit cooler than normal, with near-normal precipitation. Summer will be hotter than normal, with rainfall below normal in Southwest Ontario and above normal elsewhere. The hottest periods will be in early and late June, early July, and mid- to late August.”

The Farmer’s Almanac claims its non-scientific forecasts are 80 per cent accurate, but take that with a salt shaker — their forecast for this weekend is rainy and cool.

Head to Moondance in downtown Peterborough for its final Record Store Day

By kawarthaNOW -
Record Store Day on April 21, 2018 celebrates independent record stores, and there's only one week left before Canada's oldest one, Moondance in downtown Peterborough, closes. Owner Mike Taveroff is offering 70 per cent off of most of the remaining stock. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)

Today (April 21) is Record Store Day, a day held every April to celebrate independent record stores.

Related story

Moondance closing its doors after 46 years as a downtown Peterborough fixture

It’s the final Record Store Day for Moondance located at 425 George Street North in downtown Peterborough — Canada’s oldest independent record store having opened in 1972.

In January, owner Mike Taveroff announced he was closing the shop and retiring. The final day before Moondance closes for good is Saturday, April 28th.

For Record Store Day 2018, Taveroff is offering 70 per cent off of most of the remaining stock.

He will have some of the new releases for Record Store Day — musicians from Abba to Bob Dylan are issuing new vinyl, while there are also re-releases from Arcade Fire, The Who, and AC/DC.

New owner of Black Horse Pub says it’s ‘business at usual’

By Paul Rellinger -
The Black Horse Pub and Restaurant is located at at 452 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: National Trust for Canada)

Live music fans rejoice — The Black Horse Pub in downtown Peterborough will continue on its present form.

Current owner Ray Kapoor confirmed Friday (April 20) that he has sold the property at 452 George Street North to Desmond Vandenberg, a 54-year-old Trent University grad who has been living and working in Toronto in the technology sector since leaving Peterborough.

The deal closes May 7th, confirms Kapoor, noting the purchase price is “very close” to the listed $850,000.

“My goal is to keep it business as usual,” says Vandenberg.

“If someone comes (to The Black Horse) in a few months from now and says ‘Hey, you’ didn’t change anything’, I’m going to be like ‘Mission accomplished … we did what we set out to do.'”

Desmond Vandenberg, pictured here in 2015, has purchased The Black Horse Pub from Ray Kapoor and Nancy Kerr, who will be retiring. (Photo: Desmond Vandenberg / Facebook)
Desmond Vandenberg, pictured here in 2015, has purchased The Black Horse Pub from Ray Kapoor and Nancy Kerr, who will be retiring. (Photo: Desmond Vandenberg / Facebook)

He adds that his motivation to purchase the property, which also includes upper floor apartment units, was fueled by two things: good memories of his time in Peterborough and the prospect that the building could fall victim to the wrecking ball.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Trent,” Vandenberg recalls. “I waited on tables at Red Lobster and drove cabs and worked my way through school. I loved the city but work was in Toronto, so I went there and worked in restaurants … Red Lobster, The Keg, a number of independent places. But it was always in the back of mind that I want to get back to Peterborough.

“Over the last two years, I checked out every listing that came up in Peterborough. The Black Horse Pub is the kind of place I like going to. When I saw that Parkview Homes had purchased it, it was like ‘Aw, that’s terrible.’

“When that fell through, I thought here was my second kick at the can. The idea that people were getting ready to demolish that building, that’s a heartbreak. It’s a beautiful building.”

Desmond Vandenberg, new owner of The Black Horse Pub, brought his 1981 DeLorean sports car (one of approximately 6,000 believed to exist) to Galaxy Cinemas in 2015 (where his son was working at the time) to help promote a "Back to the Future" movie marathon. (Photo: Desmond Vandenberg / Facebook)
Desmond Vandenberg, new owner of The Black Horse Pub, brought his 1981 DeLorean sports car (one of approximately 6,000 believed to exist) to Galaxy Cinemas in 2015 (where his son was working at the time) to help promote a “Back to the Future” movie marathon. (Photo: Desmond Vandenberg / Facebook)
Related stories

Demolition permit aside, Peterborough’s Black Horse Pub has not been sold … yet

Developer who purchased Pig’s Ear Tavern has conditional offer on The Black Horse Pub

Black Horse property sale “dead as a doorknob”

According to Kapoor, he and Vandenberg started talking in December with the deal finalized “in the last month or so.”

He adds that Vandenberg’s intent to keep the pub open in its current state is a relief to everybody, including him, the staff, and the customers.

“It leaves me sort of my legacy,” Kapoor explains. “We started it and he’s going to continue it. He likes what’s here, he likes live music, and he wants to continue supporting that.”

Ray Kapoor, who opened The Black Horse in August 2005, says he and his wife Nancy Kerr will take a long overdue vacation and then settle into retired life in East City. (Photo: Black Horse Pub / Facebook)
Ray Kapoor, who opened The Black Horse in August 2005, says he and his wife Nancy Kerr will take a long overdue vacation and then settle into retired life in East City. (Photo: Black Horse Pub / Facebook)

Moving forward, Kapoor says he and wife Nancy Kerr will take a long overdue vacation and then settle into retired life in East City.

“I’m going to miss the people,” adds Kapoor, who opened The Black Horse in August 2005.

“I’m going to miss the industry. It’s still in my blood and is going to be there for awhile until I get comfortable doing something else.

“I do want to thank the people of Peterborough for supporting me the last 40 years. They followed me from the Holiday Inn to Falstaff’s and Rockwells and the Red Dog and then here. It’s been amazing.”

On Sunday (April 22), The Black Horse will host Musicians’ Appreciation Day from 1 to 9 p.m., featuring 15 acts with all proceeds going to benefit Peterborough musicians. Both Kapoor and Vandenberg will be at that event, with the intent to formally announce the purchase to patrons.

Vandenberg’s plan means Rick and Gailie Young, the longtime musical duo that is as much of a Black Horse fixture as the St. Patrick’s Day countdown clock above the stage, will continue their 12-year run of weekly performances.

“It (the sale) is great news but it’s not great news,” says Gailie, as it means their friend Kapoor will no longer be in the picture.

“But Ray deserves this retirement. I watch him at the end of the bar rubbing his face. I know he’s had enough.”

Reflecting on the Parkview Home’s plan to demolish the building, Gailie recalls “everyone was freaking out … thank God that fell through.”

“I had a had a chance to meet Desmond last week. A very nice guy. He knows what he’s doing, like if it’s not broke, why fix it? He said ‘Gailie, you’re keeping your Crash and Burn on Monday nights and I said ‘Oh, I love you.'”

Police seek help finding Lindsay area man now missing for 16 months

By kawarthaNOW -
34-year-old Cory Lanteigne has been missing since December 8, 2016. (Photo via Missing Persons of Ontario)

The City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service is asking the public for information to help them solve a cold case: the disappearance of 34-year-old Cory Lanteigne from Lindsay.

Lanteigne was last seen at 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2016, leaving a family member’s home on O’Reilly Lane in Ops Township near Lindsay.

After Lanteigne was reported missing, an unsuccessful search of the area around O’Reilly Lane was conducted by Kawartha Lakes Police with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Central Region Emergency Response Team, Canine Units and a helicopter from the OPP Aviation Services.

Since that time, Kawartha Lakes Police have continued to investigate Lanteigne’s disappearance but have failed to locate him.

He is described as a white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, and 165 lbs. He has brown hair that, at the time of his disappearance, was shaved very close to his head and he was unshaven.

Cory Lanteigne. (Photos via Missing Persons of Ontario)
Cory Lanteigne. (Photos via Missing Persons of Ontario)

Lanteigne was last seen wearing grey cotton casual pants, black Nike running shoes, a black canvas jacket, and a grey shirt. He has been known to have hitchhiked in the past.

Police do not suspect any foul play in his disappearance.

If you have information about Lanteigne’s disappearance or his possible whereabouts, contact Detective Constable Deb Hagarty at 705-324-6307 ext. 527 or dhagarty@klps.ca or Detective Sergeant Kirk Robertson at 705-324-6307 ext 515 or krobertson@klps.ca.

If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at www.khcs.ca.

Murder is a laughing matter at Lindsay Little Theatre

By Sam Tweedle -
Ben Whyte as Mitchell, Holly English as Arlene, and Seamus McCann as Paul in the black comedy "Murder at the Howard Johnson's", running April 20 and 21 and April 27 and 28 at Lindsay Little Theatre. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)

Three lovers, three murder plots, three acts, and one hotel room. This is the recipe for a year’s worth of romance and revenge in Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick’s Murder at the Howard Johnson’s, which opens on Friday, April 20th at Lindsay Little Theatre.

Lindsay Little Theatre presents
Murder at the Howard Johnson’s

When: Friday, April 20 Saturday, April 21, Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 8 p.m.
Where: Lindsay Little Theatre (55 George St W., Lindsay, 705-880-2445)
How much: $20

Written by Sam Bobrick and Ron Clark, directed by Kathryn Wooldridge-Condon with Dylan Robichaud and Rebecca Anne Bloom, and starring Holly English, Seamus McCann, and Ben Whyte.

Tickets are available in person or by phone at the Academy Theatre box office (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-911), online at www.kawarthatickets.ca or at the door the night of the performance. Advance tickets by phone or online are subject to a $2 surcharge.

Directed by Kathryn Wooldridge-Condon with assistance from Dylan Robichaud and Rebecca Anne Bloom, Murder at the Howard Johnson’s stars Holly English, Seamus McCann, and Ben Whyte in a farcical black comedy where loyalties change faster than you can get room service.

Opening on Broadway in 1979, Murder at the Howard Johnson’s wasn’t the biggest hit of the year, and after only 10 previews and four performances, the show closed abruptly. However, the show has remained popular for over three decades in community theatres throughout the world. Not everything can be a Broadway classic, but that doesn’t stop it from being a really fun show to watch.

Lindsay Little Theatre is able to bring life to this clever little show filled with seedy characters, bad ideas, and poorly executed killings.

Murder at the Howard Johnson’s follows a dysfunctional love triangle of likeable losers over the course of a year. On Christmas Eve, bored housewife Arlene (Holly English) checks into a room at the Howard Johnson’s with her lover Dr. Mitchell Lovell (Ben Whyte), a local dentist and self-proclaimed ladies’ man. The two plan to start a new life together, and summon Arlene’s husband Paul (Seamus McCann) to the hotel room to reveal their affair.

The plan is to give Paul a choice: either he can give Arlene a divorce or they’ll kill him. When Paul doesn’t take the pair seriously, they decide that Paul must meet a watery demise. But sometimes the best-laid plans don’t work out. As the show progresses, loyalties change, relationships change, rivalries are formed, and murder is on everybody’s mind. Tonight could be anybody’s last night at the Howard Johnson’s.

Bored housewife Arlene (Holly English) with her lover Dr. Mitchell Lovell (Ben Whyte). The pair decide to issue an ultimatum to Arelen's husband. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Bored housewife Arlene (Holly English) with her lover Dr. Mitchell Lovell (Ben Whyte). The pair decide to issue an ultimatum to Arelen’s husband. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)

The strength of Lindsay Little Theatre’s production is in the casting of the characters, who could be considered relatively unlikeable. Due to each actor’s on-stage charisma and dedication to the role, likeable qualities begin to emerge so each character becomes fun to watch. The evolution of their situation, and the ever-changing loyalties between the three, keeps the audience captivated with the drama until the end.

At the centre of the show is Holly English as Arlene. Neurotic, bored, and not the sharpest crayon in the box, Arlene rips through the lives of the men in her world like a juggernaut of anxiety and selfishness. Although her husband has always treated her well, Arlene feels she has outgrown him and is looking for a better thing in the arms of her dentist.

What is interesting in Holly’s portrayal of Arlene, a true train wreck of a human being, is that she creates a character who may be the most divisive to the audience. Some audience members will really loathe her, while others may find her disturbingly relatable. Playing a succubus in thigh-high boots, Holly also manages to give Arlene a slightly trashy quality which is not over the top, but peeks out just above the surface to show the audience her true colours.

When her husband Paul (Seamus McCann) refuses to give Arlene (Holly English) a divorce, she and her lover decide to murder him. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
When her husband Paul (Seamus McCann) refuses to give Arlene (Holly English) a divorce, she and her lover decide to murder him. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)

Ben Whyte, in his acting debut, gives a strong performance as Dr. Mitchell. He plays the kind of jerk who has money, a good career, and is sleeping with your ex-girlfriend. You just can’t help but hate that guy. Successful and smooth with the ladies, Mitchell lies somewhere between a Casanova and a scoundrel. With a cocksure attitude, he believes he can always get the girl and literally get away with murder. So when the tables get turned on him, it’s a lot of fun to watch.

Despite his character’s potential unlikeability, just as Holly does with Arlene, Ben’s charisma brings a certain charm to his character.

But often it is Seamus McGann, as the cuckold husband Paul, who gets the biggest laughs and becomes the most likeable of the three. A wonderful actor who can take on any sort of role, Seamus presents Paul as a loveable loser who just can’t seem to get a break. He has a sort of self-deprecating confidence that keeps him safe and often keeps him coming out on top.

Seamus also has this unique delivery of his lines that is just intensely funny. It’s hard to describe and, when I asked Shamus what he’d call the tone of voice that he uses for his character, he was unable to define it himself. But his voice work, combined with his bewildered expressions and ability to always find the right comeback, makes him the real audience favourite.

The love triangle: Ben Whyte as Mitchell, Holly English as Arlene, and Seamus McCann as Paul. As the play progresses, loyalties change, relationships change, rivalries are formed, and murder is on everybody's mind. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
The love triangle: Ben Whyte as Mitchell, Holly English as Arlene, and Seamus McCann as Paul. As the play progresses, loyalties change, relationships change, rivalries are formed, and murder is on everybody’s mind. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)

Together, the trio of performers has a strong chemistry that holds the show together. As partnerships and relationships change in each act, the actors change their relationships with one another. Each act forces two of the actors to play off each another and against the third member. This creates both an interesting narrative and a constantly changing dynamic between the actors, keeping the audience guessing just how it’s all going to end.

A fun show with a likeable cast, Murder at the Howard Johnson’s will be performed at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 20th and Saturday, April 21st and Friday, April 27th and Saturday, April 28th at the Lindsay Little Theatre (55 George St., Lindsay).

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance in person or by phone at the Academy Theatre box office (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-911), online at www.kawarthatickets.ca, or at the door the night of each performance.

New and expanded S.O.S. offers fashion fixes and absolute empowerment

By Barb Shaw -
Shelby Leonard-Watt outside her new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. Leonard-Watt has moved and expanded her previous retail store, Save Our Souls at 388 George Street, to sell women's clothing and accessories as well as women's shoes. (Photo: Bryan Reid)

When Shelby Leonard-Watt was a kid, her favourite thing was “playing store.” She’d raid her mom’s closet and hang up all the beautiful clothes. Then she’d sit, in the middle of her display, waiting for imaginary customers, while smoking a fake cigarette.

Now there’s no time for Leonard-Watt to sit, and her ever-increasing number of customers are the inspiration and the reason for her S.O.S. brand expansion.

S.O.S. (Save Our Soles) was opened 12 years ago on George Street in downtown Peterborough. The shoe and lifestyle boutique was a spin-off from PLUSH, the fashion-forward destination shop she was running with her husband Mike Watt. Over the years, the energy of S.O.S. just kept growing.

With high ceilings and lots of natural light, the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough is airy and bright with lots of shopping space. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
With high ceilings and lots of natural light, the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough is airy and bright with lots of shopping space. (Photo: Bryan Reid)

Leonard-Watt built S.O.S. with small, well-edited collections that focused on events and with a deep understanding of the local retail market and downtown community vibe.

Proudly identifying as a “Townie,” Leonard-Watt grew-up in Peterborough and says she loves running her shop on George Street.

“There’s an energy to the people downtown,” she explains. “We were feeling this fun, giddy energy in S.O.S. It was a place where girls were just hanging out.”

But as more and more people started connecting with the boutique, it started to be a problem.

“There were times we were so jammed, people couldn’t come in to the old store,” Leonard-Watt reflects.

Everything a women needs to complete an outfit, including shoes, bags, and accessories, is now in one location at the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
Everything a women needs to complete an outfit, including shoes, bags, and accessories, is now in one location at the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
S.O.S. owner Shelby Leonard-Watt loves shoes. Those prints of shoes on the wall at the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough are by Andy Warhol. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
S.O.S. owner Shelby Leonard-Watt loves shoes. Those prints of shoes on the wall at the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough are by Andy Warhol. (Photo: Bryan Reid)

So, with S.O.S. bursting at the seams and with a feeling that PLUSH had run its course, the decision was made to move the men’s collection from PLUSH to Mike Watt’s new Hunter Street West shop, Providence, and for the PLUSH space to be re-launched as the new, expanded S.O.S. retail experience.

Besides the usual chaos that comes from running multiple retail locations and the challenge of insane winter weather over the past few weeks, the move has been going well and S.O.S., now re-opened at the former PLUSH location at 384 George Street, can start a new chapter as a female-focused space.

“It was time to make this change,” Leonard-Watt explains. “It was time to go back to the experience that people and customers want. It’s about being able to have an interaction in the store with a stranger about a pair of shoes that you’re trying on. It’s about having fun with clothing.”

Leonard-Watt says this is what she’s always loved — having fun with clothing.

Shelby Leonard-Watt with her wall of shoes, which are both fashion-forward and wildly nostalgic, at the new and expanded S.O.S. location at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
Shelby Leonard-Watt with her wall of shoes, which are both fashion-forward and wildly nostalgic, at the new and expanded S.O.S. location at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bryan Reid)

She has a real thing for shoes, heels in particular, but now with three kids and shop swaps and with constant running around, you’re more likely to find her in a pair of sneakers. She smiles, remembering the days when she could be a bit more expressive with clothing.

“I don’t go to my kids’ school in elbow length gloves and a fur hat,” she laughs. “Fashion is where you can push your comfort and you can feel good and you can feel confident.”

And with the new female-focused space, she’s planning to put even more emphasis on this notion of women empowering women — something that Leonard-Watt has had success with in the store and through social media.

“My voice was heard and wanted to be heard on Instagram,” she admits. “I let myself have my own voice and I share what’s happening in the moment, good and bad and funny.”

Social media has helped S.O.S. grow and the store’s brand is anchored through Leonard-Watt’s ability to be loud, empowering and, at times, proudly irreverent. She’s focused on the strength of women and how much better life is when women do great things for each other.

Again, this translates into the George Street fashion hub. With high ceilings, lots of natural light, and bright, even on a dull day, the store is filled with girly fashions, pops of colour, and a wall of shoes that are both fashion-forward and wildly nostalgic.

Reflecting Shelby Leonard-Watt's personality, the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough also sells irreverent and funny items, such as the "Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's an Instagram filter" make-up bag (mocking the Maybelline slogan) and the "Bless This Mother-effing Home" cross-stitch book. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
Reflecting Shelby Leonard-Watt’s personality, the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough also sells irreverent and funny items, such as the “Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s an Instagram filter” make-up bag (mocking the Maybelline slogan) and the “Bless This Mother-effing Home” cross-stitch book. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
A selection of irreverent coffee mugs and Corkcicle tumblers at the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
A selection of irreverent coffee mugs and Corkcicle tumblers at the new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bryan Reid)

Customers of all ages wander into the store. There’s great conversation, fun music, and an unspoken understanding that a great outfit can absolutely fix a bad mood.

“If you’re having a shitty day, we’ve got $10 earrings that can help,” Leonard-Watt says. “If you need a pick-me-up, it doesn’t have to be a third cup of coffee.”

These insights are what Leonard-Watt will be growing the new S.O.S. with. That and her ability to buy great pieces for her faithful customers and for those who are just discovering the downtown space for the first time.

“Our market can be casual and gravitates towards easy dressing, events, and must-haves, but I will always buy what I consider to be something special,” she says about choosing pieces for her store. “If I get excited for a style, I’ll buy it.”

Shelby Leonard-Watt poses with a mock cigarette in her new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. When she was a kid, she'd "play store" by raiding her mom's closet, making a display of the clothes, and then pretend to smoke while waiting for her imaginary customers to arrive. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
Shelby Leonard-Watt poses with a mock cigarette in her new S.0.S. store at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. When she was a kid, she’d “play store” by raiding her mom’s closet, making a display of the clothes, and then pretend to smoke while waiting for her imaginary customers to arrive. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
Shelby Leonard-Watt moved S.O.S. to 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough and expanded it to accommodate the every-increasing number of customers and to provide an enhanced retail experience. Here she takes a quick break from the usual chaos of being a mom, a retailer, and a social media maven. (Photo: Barb Shaw / kawarthaNOW.com)
Shelby Leonard-Watt moved S.O.S. to 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough and expanded it to accommodate the every-increasing number of customers and to provide an enhanced retail experience. Here she takes a quick break from the usual chaos of being a mom, a retailer, and a social media maven. (Photo: Barb Shaw / kawarthaNOW.com)

The expanded S.O.S., now open at 384 George Street in Peterborough, offers women’s clothing, shoes, fun lifestyle items, fashion fixes, and absolute empowerment. There will be a clearance sale in May at the old S.O.S. space (388 George St. North, Peterborough) that will feature S.O.S. footwear and clothing from the former PLUSH boutique.

“It’s going to be a slash-and-burn clearance sale,” Leonard-Watt says. “It’s all about the new growth — and people love telling stories about the deals they get.”

S.O.S. is located at 384 George Street in downtown Peterborough. For more information, call 705-741-4326, email info@sossaveoursoles.ca, or visit www.sossaveoursoles.ca (where you can buy products online). You can also follow S.O.S. on Facebook and Instagram.

VIDEO: S.O.S. “The little shop that could.”

Emily Martin appointed general manager of Showplace Performance Centre

By kawarthaNOW -
Emily Martin with Showplace board chair Pat Hooper. Martin has been appointed as general manager after almost a year of acting in the position, leading the day-to-day operations of the non-profit downtown Peterborough performance venue. (Photo courtesy of Showplace)

The board of Showplace Performance Centre has appointed Emily Martin to the position of General Manager as of April 18, 2018.

Martin has been acting in the position since July 2017, when the non-profit organization’s previous general manager, Ray Marshall, resigned to pursue other interests.

For the past year, Martin has provided day-to-day management for the organization and, with the support of staff and volunteers, has led Showplace through successful fall, winter and spring seasons.

Prior to becoming interim general manager in July 2017, Emily Martin was the Marketing and Administrative Manager at Showplace for three years. (Photo courtesy of Showplace)
Prior to becoming interim general manager in July 2017, Emily Martin was the Marketing and Administrative Manager at Showplace for three years. (Photo courtesy of Showplace)

“Working with the board, volunteers, and the incredible team at Showplace of Kait Dueck, Rael Corkery, Theresa Foley, Susan Oliver, Arlene Davis, Bill Batten, Maureen Lewis, Diane Stiles and Bill Porter has been an absolute pleasure over the past year,” says Martin. “I’m looking forward to continuing the amazing work that Showplace does for the community.”

Martin came to Showplace in the position of Marketing and Administrative Manager in 2014, following 10 years with Musicfest (the last four as General Manager), where she moved that organization through a significant period of change and rejuvenation.

Her other arts management experience includes positions with the Sudbury Theatre Centre and Georgian Theatre Festival. Martin is also a current board member of New Stages Theatre Company.

Showplace board chair Pat Hooper says Martin will be leading the organization through the normal financial pressures of running a non-profit organization while ensuring the needs of the aging building.

“We are confident that Emily has the skills, knowledge and expertise to lead this journey,” Hooper says.

nightlifeNOW – April 19 to 25

By kawarthaNOW -
Pop Machine (Jean Greig, Cal Coons, Mike Pickett, Harley Payne, and Dave McLeod) is one of 15 local bands performing at Peterborough Musicians Appreciation Day on Sunday, April 22 at the Black Horse Pub in downtown Peterborough. Proceeds from the event will go to support local musicians in need. (Photo: Pop Machine)

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, April 19 to Wednesday, April 25.

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.

Arlington Pub
Arthur's Pub
Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub
Black Horse Pub
Boathouse Cafe at Golden Beach Resort
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg
The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)
Champs Sports Bar
Chemong Lodge
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
Coach & Horses Pub
Dobro Restaurant & Bar
Dominion Hotel
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
Frank's Pasta and Grill
Ganaraska Hotel
The Garnet
Golden Wheel Restaurant
Gordon Best Theatre
Hot Belly Mama's
Junction Nightclub
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
McThirsty's Pint
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
Moody's Bar & Grill
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
Oasis Bar & Grill
Pastry Peddler
Pattie House Smokin' Barbecue
Publican House Brewery
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
Red Dog Tavern
Riley's
The Social
Southside Pizzeria
Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant
The Venue

Arlington Pub

32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080

Saturday, April 21

9pm - The Weber Brothers ($10)

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 28
9pm - Blue Hazel ($10)

Arthur's Pub

930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105

Thursday, April 19

8pm - Karaoke night

Friday, April 20

8pm - Busker Brothers

Saturday, April 21

8pm - Ugly Horse

Sunday, April 22

4:30-8pm - Celtic Sunday w/ Clan Hannigan

Monday, April 23

6pm - Rob Phillips

Tuesday, April 24

7:30pm - Beatles Tribute w/ Don Owen & Bruce Longman

Wednesday, April 25

8pm - Open mic

Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub

4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 26
8pm - Jam Session w/ Wino Blues Band and Open Mic Night (bring your own instruments)

Black Horse Pub

452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633

Thursday, April 19

7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues w/ Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, April 20

5-8pm - Joe Bulgar; 8:30pm - Flashback

Saturday, April 21

5-8pm - 3/4 House Brand; 8:30pm - Northern Soul

Sunday, April 22

1-9pm - Musicians Appreciation Day ft. Rob Phillips, Terry Finn and 4 Front, Wylie Harold, Cadillacs, Northern Soul, Rick & Gailie, House Brand and 8 more bands ($10 at door or from Gailie Young)

Monday, April 23

7-11pm - Crash and Burn w/ Rick & Gailie

Tuesday, April 24

7pm - Open mic w/ Randy Hill

Wednesday, April 25

7pm - Nicholas Campbell

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 26
7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues w/ Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, April 27
5-8pm - Rick and Gailie; 8:30pm - Pop Machine

Saturday, April 28
8:30pm - Four Lanes Wide

Sunday, April 29
3-6pm - The Bucklebusters

Boathouse Cafe at Golden Beach Resort

7100 County Rd.18, Roseneath
(905) 342-5366

Saturday, April 21

6-9pm - Mike Kelly

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 28
6-9pm - Tyler wilson

Boiling Over's Coffee Vault

148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884

Friday, April 20

6pm - Open mic hosted by Gerald Van Halteren

Coming Soon

Friday, April 27
7pm - Rob Barg

The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg

38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029

Friday, April 20

7pm - Darrin Johnson Band

The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)

1600 West Bank Dr., Peterborough
(705) 748-1011

Note

Closed for school year

Champs Sports Bar

203 Simcoe St., Peterborough
(705) 742-3431

Thursdays

7pm - Open mic

Chemong Lodge

764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435

Thursdays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Fridays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse

26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001

Thursday, April 19

8pm - Tubourg

Friday, April 20

9pm - Live music (TBA)

Saturday, April 21

8pm - Beach Party

Monday, April 23

Trivial Pursuit

Tuesday, April 24

OpinioNation w/ Bill Davenport

Wednesday, April 25

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, April 20

9pm - Live music TBA (no cover)

Saturday, April 21

9pm - Live music TBA (no cover)

Wednesday, April 25

Open stage

Dominion Hotel

113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954

Coming Soon

Friday, April 27
8pm - Lance Anderson and Roly Platt ($20, available at www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-blues-legends-anderson-platt-in-concert-tickets-42823752998)

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717

Saturday, April 21

1:30-5pm - PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam hosted by The Dave Mowat Band featuring Clayton Yates, Rob Foreman and Alan Black (by donation)

Coming Soon

Friday, April 27
8pm - Special Olympics Peterborough fundraiser ft Standard Electric w/ Lagan & Derelict (donation at door)

Frank's Pasta and Grill

426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727

Friday, April 20

9pm-12am - Karaoke; 12am - DJ

Saturday, April 21

7pm - Flood Lines, Kinsale Social Club, and more; 11pm - DJ

Wednesday, April 25

8-11pm - Open Mic

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 28
7pm - The Spirits; 11:30pm - DJ Brown Sugar

Ganaraska Hotel

30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254

Friday, April 20

8pm - Float Your Funny T'ree Comedy Night ft Newfoundland comics Ryan Dillon w/ Mike Hammond and Wanda Carrol ($20 in advance at http://floatyourfunnytree.eventbrite.ca, $25 at door)

Saturday, April 21

2pm & 10pm - The Gator James Band

Coming Soon

Friday, April 27
10pm - DJ Loco Joe

Saturday, April 28
2pm & 10pm - Marty and the Mojos

The Garnet

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107

Thursday, April 19

Mike Kerr, Greg Smith

Saturday, April 21

9pm - Dub Trinity

Monday, April 23

Belle Plaine

Tuesday, April 24

8-10pm - Jazzmania; 10pm - Richard Garvey

Wednesday, April 25

Raine Hamilton

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 26
9pm - The Real Shade

Saturday, April 28
Riot Grrl, The Costanzas, The Beat Abbatoir

Sunday, April 29
8pm - Keyboards

Golden Wheel Restaurant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Thursday, April 19

7-9pm - Pop Country Line Dancing Lessons w/ Tina O'Rourke (beginner plus to intermediate, $7)

Wednesday, April 25

7-9pm - Line Dancing Lessons w/ Marlene Maskell ($7 per person, all levels welcome)

Coming Soon

Saturday, May 26
2-5pm - Spring Social/Dance hosted by Marlene Maskell and Tina O'Rourke (no cover)

Saturday, June 2
Jade Eagleson fundraiser for Centreville Presbyterian Church Youth Mission Trip ($15)

Gordon Best Theatre

216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884

Friday, April 20

9pm - The Odessa, ELMS, DBAS, garbageface ($10, $8 for students)

Coming Soon

Saturday, May 26
9pm - Peterborough LIVE Music Festival - Punk and Morty ($10 show or $15 festival pass at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21058/)

Hot Belly Mama's

378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544

Thursday, April 19

8pm - Quickshifters (PWYC)

Junction Nightclub

253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550

Friday, April 20

10pm - Y2K Flashback w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)

McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600

Thursday, April 19

7-11pm - Karaoke w/ Jefrey Danger

Wednesday, April 25

7-10:30pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Friday, April 27
8pm - Cindy & Scott

Saturday, April 28
12-5pm - Cale Crow

McThirsty's Pint

166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220

Thursdays

9pm - Live music with Tony Silvestri / Greg Cave

Fridays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Saturdays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Sundays

8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon

Mondays

9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green

Tuesdays

9pm - Topper Tuesdays w/ DJ Jake Topper

Wednesdays

9pm - Live music with Kevin Foster

The Mill Restaurant and Pub

990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177

Thursday, April 19

7pm - Brian Jones

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 26
7pm - Brian Bracken

Moody's Bar & Grill

3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663

Coming Soon

Saturday, May 13
2-5pm - Charlie Glasspool, Wyatt Burton,and Trevor Davis of the Silverhearts

Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio

3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100

Thursday, April 19

8pm - David Evans Trio

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

Pastry Peddler

17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333

Sunday, April 22

1-4 pm - Matthew MacLeod

Pattie House Smokin' Barbecue

6675 Highway 35, Coboconk
(705) 454-8100

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 28
8pm - B&B Blues Band (no cover)

Publican House Brewery

300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743

Friday, April 20

8-10pm - Ace & the Kid

Saturday, April 21

8-10pm - Shai Peer

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078

Coming Soon

Saturday, May 5
10pm - Brookdale Mafia (Black Sabbath tribute)

Red Dog Tavern

189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400

Friday, April 20

Borderless presents Goodnight Sunrise

Saturday, April 21

Silverhearts

Sunday, April 22

9pm - Birds of Belwood

Tuesday, April 24

9pm - Open mic w/ Matt Diamond (sign up at 8pm)

Coming Soon

Friday, April 27
8pm - Texas King ($10 at door)

Saturday, April 28
9pm - Rainbow Romp dance for LGBT+ and supporters ($5 with proceeds to RSO)

Thursday, May 3
9pm - The Lazys ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20955/)

Friday, May 4
Pindles

Saturday, May 5
9:30pm - New Swears ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20591/)

Thursday, May 10
Modern Space

Friday, May 11
Borderless presents SHIRAZI, Peachykine, people you meet outside of bars

Saturday, May 12
10pm - Frigs ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20896/)

Thursday, May 17
9pm - Sloan ($25 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20814/, $30 at door)

Friday, May 18
Mokomakai

Friday, May 25
10pm - The Box ($15 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20641/)

Thursday, May 31
10pm - Bif Naked ($25 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20815/)

Riley's

257 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 750-1445

Thursdays

Travis Berlinbach

Fridays

Travis Berlinbach

Saturdays

Josh Gontier

Sundays

Josh Gontier

Mondays

Josh Gontier

Tuesdays

Josh Gontier & Cale Gontier

Wednesdays

Guest performers

The Social

295 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 874-6724

Friday, April 20

10pm - Nashville Night

Saturday, April 21

10pm - Saturday Night Live

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 28
6:30-9:30pm - International Jazz Day Peterborough presents Carrie Chesnutt Quartet (no cover)

Southside Pizzeria

25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120

Fridays

9am-12pm - Open mic ($2)

Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant

64 John St., Port Hope
(905) 885-7200

Saturday, April 21

2:30-4:15pm - Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny Post-Race Hip Hop Show w/ DJ Spinmart and Luke Force (family friendly)

The Venue

286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008

Coming Soon

Friday, June 1
7pm - RiseUp TV Tour Spring 2008 hosted by Roger Boucher and ft Ian Kurz, Taylor Merrick, Missy Knott, and more ($10)

Peterborough Pop Ensemble gets groovy with tribute to music of the 60s and 70s

By kawarthaNOW -
A few of the members of the Peterborough Pop Ensemble getting in the spirit for "Hip to the Groove", a tribute concert to the music of the 1960s and 1970s on April 28, 2018 at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will go to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Pop Ensemble)

Zip up your gogo boots, dig out a pair of bell bottoms, pull on your favourite hippy vest, and get ready to dance the night away with the Peterborough Pop Ensemble while supporting a good cause.

"Hip to the Groove" takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. (Poster courtesy of Peterborough Pop Ensemble)
“Hip to the Groove” takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. (Poster courtesy of Peterborough Pop Ensemble)

The vocal group will be performing “Hip to the Groove”, a tribute to the music of the 1960s and 1970s, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough).

A portion of the proceeds from the concert will go to the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation — a registered charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children receiving services from the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.

The 1960s and 1970s produced popular music that continues to influence our culture to the present day. From early rock and roll to funk, folk, and disco, these two decades have made an indelible mark in music history.

At “Hip to the Groove”, the Peterborough Pop Ensemble will perform iconic tunes by The Eagles, ABBA, Aretha Franklin, The Doobie Brothers, Bread, The Carpenters, KC and the Sunshine Band, and more to guarantee a night of nostalgia and fun.

All attendees are encouraged to wear their favourite garb from the era and, by doing so, will be eligible to win tickets to a future Peterborough Pop Ensemble concert in the 2018/2019 season.

Supporting the collective voices of the Peterborough Pop Ensemble will be musical accompaniment from local musicians including Barry Haggerty, Andrew Affleck, Curtis Cronkwright, Sean Hully, Doug Sutherland, and Peter Hanmore under the direction of the ensemble’s own Dustin Bowers.

At "Hip to the Groove", a tribute to the music of the 1960s and 1970s on April 28, 2018 at Peterborough's Market Hall, audience members are encouraged to wear clothing from the era. The Peterborough Pop Ensemble along with a backing band of local musicians will perform tunes by The Eagles, ABBA, Aretha Franklin, The Doobie Brothers, Bread, The Carpenters, KC and the Sunshine Band, and more. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Pop Ensemble)
At “Hip to the Groove”, a tribute to the music of the 1960s and 1970s on April 28, 2018 at Peterborough’s Market Hall, audience members are encouraged to wear clothing from the era. The Peterborough Pop Ensemble along with a backing band of local musicians will perform tunes by The Eagles, ABBA, Aretha Franklin, The Doobie Brothers, Bread, The Carpenters, KC and the Sunshine Band, and more. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Pop Ensemble)

This concert is part of the Peterborough Pop Ensemble Charity Program, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation. A representative from the organization will be on hand at the concert to answer any questions about the charity.

“We have now supported eleven charities with our program with Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation being our twelfth,” says Pop Ensemble director Barbara Monahan. “It is nice to be able to continue to give back to this wonderful community.”

More information about the concerts and the charities can be found on the Pop Ensemble website at www.popensemble.com or by calling 705-740-6052.

Tickets for “Hip to the Groove” are $23 general admission ($13 for students) and are available now at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at the Market Hall website markethall.org.

Tickets are also available at Pensieri Shoes (73 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-9558), Pammett’s Flower Shop (208 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-742-5093), and Happenstance Books and Yarn (44 Queen St., Lakefield, 705-652-7535).

Kavtek and Percheron Plastic Inc. win Bears’ Lair

By kawarthaNOW -
Percheron Plastic Inc. (which produces FireStraw fire starters) and virtual and augmented reality start-up Kavtek accepting their cash prize of $6,500 each at the final pitch event of the 2018 Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, held on April 18, 2018 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. Along with the cash prize, the winners receive in-kind prizes, all donated by the 2018 Bears' Lair sponsors. (Photo courtesy of Scott Howard)

Two local businesses, Kavtek and Percheron Plastic Inc., took home the grand prize at the final pitch event of the annual Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, held last night (April 18) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.

The two businesses will receive $6,500 cash and in-kind prizes, including public relations, accounting and consulting services, a promo video, and more — all donated by the 2018 Bears’ Lair sponsors — which amount to a value of $35,000.

The Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition final pitch event on April 18, 2018 was emceed by successful local entrepreneurs Andressa Lacerda of Noblegen and Darren Goldin of Entomo Farms. (Photo: Innovation Peterborough / Twitter)
The Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition final pitch event on April 18, 2018 was emceed by successful local entrepreneurs Andressa Lacerda of Noblegen and Darren Goldin of Entomo Farms. (Photo: Innovation Peterborough / Twitter)

Kavtek, a digital startup that creates virtual and augmented reality platforms for realtors and tech companies, won in the innovation category.

“This has been an inspiring experience and we felt supported with a lot of enthusiasm from our community and from the Bears’ Lair team,” says Kavtek co-founders Alexandra Campbell and Sanu Somaweera.

“Moving forward, we are excited to expand our platform nationwide and put Peterborough on the map for augmented reality technology.”

The team from Percheron Plastic Inc. making their final pitch to the Bears' Lair panel of judges: Rhonda Barnet, Geordie Konrad, and Nicole Verkindt. (Photo: Bears' Lair / Facebook)
The team from Percheron Plastic Inc. making their final pitch to the Bears’ Lair panel of judges: Rhonda Barnet, Geordie Konrad, and Nicole Verkindt. (Photo: Bears’ Lair / Facebook)

Percheron Plastic Inc., a plastic tank and material handling manufacturer that develops FireStraw fire starters made 100 percent from natural straw and a little wax, won in the goods and services category.

“The process leading up to tonight’s finale has been a great experience for our company and the team,” says Percheron Plastic Inc. co-founder Matt Tanguay.

“It really helped us focus on our business and on our pitch. Going forward, it is going to be a great boost for FireStraw and, really, all of our products.”

Kavtek and Percheron Plastic Inc. were competing against four other finalists for the $35,000 grand prize: ViSmart, Transit On, Full Tilt Cycle, and Indigo Green.

VIDEO: Meet the 2018 Bears’ Lair Finalists

2018 Finalists

At last night’s final pitch event, each of the six finalists delivered five-minute pitches to a live audience and a panel of three judges (Rhonda Barnet, Chief Operating Officer of Steelworks Design; Geordie Konrad, Cofounder of Konrad Group; and Nicole Verkindt, Founder & CEO of OMX), followed by a question-and-answer session with the judges.

While Kavtek and Percheron Plastic Inc. were selected the grand prize winners, the other four finalists each received $1,000. In addition, FastStart awarded $200 to ViSmart to recognize an entrepreneur under the age of 30, and the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough awarded a free 2018/19 membership to Kavetek co-founder Alexandra Campbell.

Percheron Plastic Inc. co-founder Matt Tanguay preparing his winning final pitch for Bears' Lair. (Photo: Percheron Plastic Inc. / Facebook)
Percheron Plastic Inc. co-founder Matt Tanguay preparing his winning final pitch for Bears’ Lair. (Photo: Percheron Plastic Inc. / Facebook)

Diane Richard, chair of the Bears’ Lair competition, says that the value of the competition for entrepreneurs — originally launched in 2010 — increases every year.

“This year, we did have a jump on the prizes, where each winner got $6,500 cash,” Richard says.

“The line up of entrepreneurs did an incredible job with their business plans, displays and pitches, and I’m happy to see the top finalists take home those extra winnings. We applaud everyone who participated in this year’s competition and we encourage all those with an entrepreneurial spirit to continue to develop and grow their businesses and connect with the business support community in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.”

Kavtek co-founders Sanu Somaweera and Alexandra Campbell discussing their winning final pitch for Bears' Lair. (Photo: Kavtek / Facebook)
Kavtek co-founders Sanu Somaweera and Alexandra Campbell discussing their winning final pitch for Bears’ Lair. (Photo: Kavtek / Facebook)

Sponsors of the 2018 competition are Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Innovation Cluster, Peterborough Angels, Mega Experience, kawarthaNOW, Workforce Development Board , WeDesign, PartTime CFO Services, Fox Lawyers, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Savino Human Resources Partners, Diatom Professional Consulting, Sofie Andreou and Associates, Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants, Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, The Venue, and Ashburnham Realty.

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