Kawartha Dows Releases 2025 Event Schedule; Harness Racing Moved to Back to Saturday Nights

It's close to post time for Kawartha Downs (KD) as they released their lineup of events for 2025, including their harness racing schedule announced at the track on Thursday morning.

(From left to right) Richard Waldon, Kawartha president; Alpacas Charm, Bijoux, Deidra and Frances Stewart Alpaca Ontario President. One event is the Alpaca Ontario Spring Show this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Harness racing has 18 dates, with the opening day on May 14. The grand opening will feature Ontario Sires Stakes Racing to kick off the racing season. A significant change this year is that harness racing nights are reverted to Saturdays with an earlier post time of 6 p.m. The move was to accommodate cottage-goers, account for highway traffic and be more accessible to everyone.

The track's major change is broadcasting KD races outside of in-house for the first time according to Lindsay Bax, Kawartha Downs harness racing manager.

“We will have our live racing signal on the live Simulcast that will be featured both in Canada and in the United States,” she explained.

The second floor and lounge have received upgrades, which include renovated spaces and increased television sets for viewing other racetracks for betting or entertainment. Bax says more upgrades will follow but they have been delayed due to several factors.

“We will be adding several more things as we come along,” she explained. “With the ice storm in the local area and obviously with all the political climate, a few things were delayed but I think you're going to see two or three more things roll out that will help.”

This year's new events include the Alpaca Ontario Spring Show, the Kawartha Hobby Toy and Collectible Show, and more.

KD wanted to make a concerted effort to ensure that harness racing is for all ages rather than the perceived notion of it just being an adult affair due to its gambling nature.

“100 per cent it is a stigma but harness racing specifically is one of the most approachable sports that you can go to as a family,” explained Bax. “There is no cost to come to the racetrack. If you don't want to wager, you don't have to wager. You can get food and beverage and watch the horses. Everybody's looking to save pennies when you do this as a family and this provides and checks all those boxes.”

A full event list can be found online.

The following are all harness racing dates on Saturdays with post time scheduled for 6 p.m.:

• May 17 (Grand Opening with Ontario Sires Stakes Racing)

• May 24

• May 31

• June 7

• June 14

• June 28

• July 5 (Weiner Dog Racing)

• July 12

• July 19

• July 26

• Aug. 2

• Aug. 9 (Kids Night, Powerwheel Racing)

• Aug. 16

• Aug. 23

• Aug. 30

• Sept. 6

• Sept. 13

• Sept. 20 (Customer and Caretaker Appreciation Night)

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Kawartha Downs Announces New Harness Racing Manager

Jim Huck is out as Kawartha Downs’s harness racing manager as the racetrack has given Lindsay Bax the new role, announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Jim for his dedicated service and leadership in Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs,” according to a press release statement.

Bax has spent several decades in the harness racing industry and hails from a well-known racing family.

“We’re excited to welcome Lindsay to the team and look forward to her vision for the future of harness racing here,” said Richard Weldon, Kawartha Downs president. “Her experience and dedication make her a fantastic fit for this role, and we’re confident she’ll continue to build on the strong foundation Jim has established.”

“I’m thrilled to join Kawartha and work alongside such a passionate team. This track holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to connecting with our racing community and enhancing the experience for both fans and participants,” said Bax. In 2025, Kawartha Downs Harness Racing will return to Saturday nights with an exciting year of programming in the works.

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Kawartha Dows Releases Schedule of Events for 2024; Harness Racing Moved to Friday Nights

Kawartha Downs (KD) has opted to get bigger and become a better hub as they released their lineup of events for 2024 including their harness racing schedule announced at the track on Thursday afternoon.

Daniel D’Ercole, Kawartha Downs general manager (left); Jim Huck, Kawartha Downs ‍Director of Horse Racing (middle) and Richard Weldon, Kawartha Downs President. One major change o the harness racing is they will start on Friday nights with post time at 7 p.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Daniel D'Ercole, KD's general manager, and Richard Weldon, KD's president, made the announcement.

Returning events include the Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby and pit party, Monster Madness and Agricultural Fair. New additions include Weiner Dog Races, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy, Axe Throwing, a Wedding Show and more.

“The reception from our community and township has been tremendous,” said D’Ercole. “Everybody’s excited about the events that we held last year and so our motivation to further that list and continue to build on that comes from their support.”

Harness racing moves to Fridays with post time at 7 p.m. with the first date for May 17.

The following is the 2024 event schedule:

• May 17 - Live Entertainment (Opening Night Harness Racing)

• May 18 - Live Entertainment

• May 25 - OTTPA Truck + Tractor Pull Door 5 p.m., start time 6 p.m.

• May 28 - Yoga Class 6 p.m. start time

• May 30 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 dance class

• June 8 - Yuk Yuk’s Comedy 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show

• June 9 - FoxFest Car Show 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• June 4, 11 & 18 - Yoga Class 6 p.m. start time

• June 20 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• June 27 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• July 6 - Demolition Derby Pit Party 5 p.m., Start time 6:30 p.m.

• July 13 & 14 - Agricultural Fair TBD start time

• July 19 - Weiner Dog Races (Harness Racing)

• July 20 - Monster Madness

  • Show 1- 1 p.m. pit party and 2:30 p.m. show time

  • Show 2- 5 p.m. pit party and 6:30 p.m. show time

• July 24 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• August 1 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• August 14 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• August 24 & 25 - Beer + BBQ Fest TBD start time

• August 29 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• Sept. 18 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• Sept. 26- Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• Sept. 28 - Model Train Show TBD start time

• Nov. 10 - Wedding show TBD start time

The following are all harness racing dates on Fridays with post time scheduled for 7 p.m.:

• May 17

• May 24

• May 31

• June 7

• June 14

• June 21

• June 28

• July 5

• July 12

• July 19

• July 26

• Aug. 2

• Aug. 9th

• Aug. 16

• Aug. 23

• Aug. 30

• Sept. 6

• Sept. 13

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Kawartha Downs Hosting 'The Battle of Quebec VS. Ontario' Truck and Tractor Pull On Labour Day Weekend

‘The Battle of Quebec VS. Ontario’ truck and tractor pull is hitting Kawartha Downs this Labour Day weekend in a two-day event for Saturday and Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Downs.

Gates open at 4 p.m. with pulls beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Pullers can register at 4 p.m. on the day of the competition or can call Rod Cochrane at 905-243-1124.

The tractor pull marks the end of the summer events season for Kawartha Downs, but plans are already in the works for this fall and winter according to said Summer Nickerson-Hagen, Kawartha Downs marketing director.

“Management is already planning for some smaller events in the fall and winter,” she said. “And of course, planning the 2024 season that we are already so excited for. Stay tuned for some big announcements this fall/winter.”

Harness racing is still scheduled for Friday and Saturday night races resume on Sept. 9 through Sept. 23.

Admission to the pulls is $20 for general admission, $10 for children (ages two-11), and a newly-added weekend pass for all ages is $35. Tickets are available online via kawarthadowns.com/events or at the gate. Guests can still expect free parking onsite, bleacher seating, beer tents, and food trucks.

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Photos, Video: Family Fun For Kawartha Downs At Inaugural Kawartha County Fair

Kawartha Downs’s inaugural Kawartha County Fair gave family midway thrills in a three-day event that ran from Friday to Sunday.

All photos by Keegan Beekers.

The fair delivered a classic midway experience including a variety of rides and games, a vendor village and nightly fireworks.

The evnet also showcased a Truck and Tractor Pull competition, demolition derby and a Serena Ryder concert on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.

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Kawartha Downs to Host Inaugural Three-Day Kawartha County Fair This Weekend

Kawartha Downs is going to add fun to the Civic long weekend as they are hosting the inaugural Kawartha County Fair running from Friday to Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Downs.

The fair says it will deliver a classic midway experience including a variety of rides and games. In addition to the midway, there will be a vendor-village area, big events every day, and fireworks every night of the fair.

Friday showcases a Truck and Tractor Pull competition starting at 7 p.m. The Ontario Truck and Tractor Pull Association has been Kawartha Downs’ promoter for the tractor pulls since the new track last year.

Saturday features a demolition derby by Impact Motorsports at 5 p.m. The Kawartha County Fair demo derby competition currently has over 50 pre-registered vehicles.

Sunday includes Juno-award-winning singer and songwriter Serena Ryder to perform live in concert in the evening.

“It’s always special coming back to Peterborough to perform there,” she said. “Kawartha Downs is not far from where I lived in Millbrook. I always passed by it and I can’t wait to perform there.”

The Peterborough-based Gunslingers band will open the concert from 6:30 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. and Ryder will headline the stage at 8 p.m.

“I always had memories of going to the farmer’s markets with my dad in Fraserville,” said Ryder. “I haven’t performed in Fraserville yet so this is going to be new and exciting for me. All my family and friends are going to be there.”

Every evening has the Downs’s signature fireworks shows to cap off each night. There will be food trucks and vendors, such as Nomad Striking Academy, Happy Fun Zone, The Candy Lady, Shop Beauty by Bree, Gemonyx Designs, Foodland, The Twisted Fork and more. A special addition to the fair festivities will be horse-drawn wagon rides, by Earl Cochrane.

Admission for adults is $25 and $15 for kids (Ages 6-18) and children five and under enter free. These prices are inclusive of fees/taxes as well as parking. Only single-day admission tickets are available for purchase and the admission ticket includes entry to the main event (Tractor Pull, Demo Derby, and Serena Ryder concert).

Admission tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the gate in person. Prices are now the same for both online and gate purchases.

Ride tickets are sold separately and must be purchased in person at the fair:

• Single ticket - $1.50

• Sheet of 20 tickets - $25

• Sheet of 50 Tickets - $50

• All day Rides bracelet - $30

• Games are cash only ($2 - $10)

Kawartha County Fair hours of operation:

• Friday: 2 p.m. - 11 p.m.

• Saturday: Noon - 11 p.m.

• Sunday: Noon - 11 p.m.

There is no harness racing scheduled for this week due to events with the next harness race on August 11.

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Truck & Tractor Pull Returns to Kawartha Downs With Five Scheduled Dates

The Truck & Tractor Pull is returning to Kawartha Downs for four dates on July 22, 23, Aug. 4, Sept. 2 and 3, announced on Friday afternoon.

File Photo.

The event is a collaboration with the Ontario Truck and Tractor Pulling Association. The third tractor pull is part of the Aug. 4 Kawartha County Fair and the final two pulls are on labour day weekend.

The tractor pull is a continuation of last year with their new track built last summer. Food trucks and a beer tent are some of the available amenities for spectators. The July 22 pull is 6 p.m. with gates open at 5 p.m. The July 23 start time is 1 p.m. with gates open at noon. Day-of registration for tractor pullers is two hours prior to the start time on both days. A variety of classes will be offered to competitors.

“This is one of our favourite events to host,” said Summer Nickerson-Hagen, Kawartha Downs marketing director. “It’s incredible to see these trucks and tractors pushed to their limit and the pullers certainly are competitive. The vibes are so good and these tractor pull events just give you that middle-of-summertime feeling.”

All registrations and inquiries for Kawartha Downs pulls are to be directed to Rod Cochrane who can be reached by phone at 905-243-1124.

Tickets are available online and at the gate on the day of the event. They can be purchased in person at Kawartha Downs in advance.

In addition to the tractor pulls, Kawartha Downs is hosting their very first Kawartha County Fair on Aug. 4, 5, and 6 during the Civic Long Weekend. Visitors will be given the classic midway experience from Campbell Amusements, main events; a tractor pull on Aug. 4, a demolition derby on Aug. 5 and Serena Ryder concert on Aug. 6. There are fireworks displays at dusk every night of the fair. Tickets are available on the Kawartha Downs website and at the gate.

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Kawartha Downs Harness Racing Cancelled For June 30 Due To Poor Air Quality

No sulkies are hitting the track as Kawartha Downs has cancelled all June 30 harness racing due to poor air quality, announced by the track on Friday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Downs.

There were ten one-mile races slated for Friday’s harness racing with post time slated for 7 p.m.

The Kawartha Country Music Festival scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday is still a go as no cancellations have been reported for the second-annual concert series at the publication of this article.

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Dean Brody, Jade Eagleson and The Reklaws to Perform at Second Annual Kawartha Country Music Festival

The Reklaws, Bailieboro’s Jade Eagleson and headliner Dean Brody are performing at the second-annual Kawartha Country Music Festival at Kawartha Downs for Canada Day weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with the show starting at 6:30 p.m. for both days. Brody, Eagleson and a surprise artist kick off the Saturday event. A fireworks show will follow the concert scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Artist Sacha opens things for Sunday with the Reklaws and the James Barker Band. The latter made a surprise appearance in last year’s event and are officially recognized as an act this year according to Summer Nickerson-Hagen, Kawartha Downs marketing director.

“It’s just so great that we have them performing at this year’s festival,” she said. “We feel very lucky to have such a fantastic lineup.”

VIP Experiences packages/add-ons are ticket options that include a pre-show dinner with a Jade Eagleson appearance for Saturday and The Reklaws for Sunday. Photos and videos are permitted to be taken with the acts during the experience. They also get priority event entry, a free t-shirt, semi-private bar access, semi-private washrooms and a designated VIP viewing area.

VIP tickets are available at half-price until Friday at midnight with the code ‘VIP50.’

Tickets can be purchased online at ticketweb.ca and kawarthadowns.com.

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