Peterborough Blogs
Douro's Longest-Running Irish Party Returns To St. Joseph's Parish Hall
/Douro is going to be green all over as the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is returning to the St. Joseph Parish Hall for music, food and children’s activities this Saturday.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club.
Touted as the longest-running Irish party in Peterborough, the Irish Club’s celebration returns after a lengthy COVID-19 hiatus.
The event begins at 1 p.m., featuring musicians such as Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy, Fiddlestix, Roy Boyz and more.
Local band ‘The Patio Stones’ is performing from 7 - 11 p.m. for anyone who wants to get their dancing shoes on.
The day will also include activities for kids and Irish Soda bread for sale. A light dinner is available for purchase from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for Irish club members and $17 for non-members. Family passes (two adults and unlimited children) are $25 a member and $27 for non-members. Children under 12 are free admission. Tickets for only dancing (7 - 11 p.m.) are $10 for members or $12 for non-members.
For tickets contact Shelley Ryan (705) 875-5437 or purchase at the door.
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Marchers Old and New Eager To Participate In the 20th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
/It’s a tradition that goes through Peterborough and beyond but newcomers and veterans marching in the 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade are eager to get involved since the event was on a three-year hiatus.
Photo courtesy of Tim Burke.
The parade is taking place on March 12. A raising of the Irish flag at City Hall is occurring at 1 p.m. in honour of Irish week. The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Liz Shaughnessy and her family are first-time parade marchers for St. Patrick’s Day in Peterborough. She agreed after being reached out to by organizer Tim Burke.
Her family has been in Peterborough for generations and saw the parade as a way to honour the name.
“My grandpa is one of the dozen in this article and out of this photo there is only one brother left, Terry Shaughnessy,” said Liz. “As descendants of James and Loretta Shaughnessy, it’s time for us to gather and honour our ancestors so why not make the St. Patrick’s day parade a yearly gathering of our clan?”
Liz’s grandfater is featured in an old 1951 article that featured a dozen Shaughnessys. Terry Shaughnessy is the only surviving member. Photo courtesy of Liz Shaughnessy.
On Jan. 18, it was announced that former sports anchor and Peterborough’s Dan O’Toole was the grand marshall for the event. His family has been involved with the parade for several years.
“My other side of the family, the Crough’s, we’re in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year,” he explained in a prior interview. “We have one of the largest contingents, we have around 200 that show up to be in the parade so the fact that I get to lead the charge, that I get asked to lead the contingent, not just my family but all of Irish in Peterborough is a dream come true.”
TIM BURKE, ST. PATRICK’S DAY ORGANIZER (LEFT) WITH FORMER SPORTS ANCHOR DAN O’TOOLE (RIGHT). THE PARADE HAS NOT RUN FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.
His cousin Derek Crough — O’Toole’s aforementioned family — says it’s a great feeling to be able to return to marching in the parade after missing out for the last three years.
“Our family has been involved since the parade started. Hearing that our cousin Dan O’Toole was asked to be the grand Marshall is great news,” he said. “We've missed the parade as I'm sure all the local Irish families have and are very excited to have it return.”
There are currently over 90 entries to date including 11 family floats for this year’s parade according to Burke.
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Former Peterborough Sports Anchor Dan O'Toole Appointed Grand Marshall For 2023 St. Patrick's Day Parade
/Former sports broadcaster and Peterborough’s Dan O’Toole has been named the Grand Marshall for the 20th Annual Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade announced at One Eighty on Wednesday.
Tim Burke, St. Patrick’s Day organizer (left) with former sports anchor Dan O’Toole (right). The parade has not run for the last three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The announcement was made by organizer Tim Burke who wanted to make the 20th edition of the parade memorable after coming off a three-year hiatus.
“I wanted to make sure that his parade is bigger and better,” he explained. “Adding Dan has just been awesome. His character, who he is will really help the parade this year and get people involved.”
There are a record number of floats and entries into the upcoming parade according to Burke saying ‘it’s the highest it’s ever been.’
O’Toole is of Irish heritage and his family has been a part of the parade for many years.
“My other side of the family, the Crough’s, we’re in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year,” he explained. “We have one of the largest contingents, we have around 200 that show up to be in the parade so the fact that I get to lead the charge, that I get asked to lead the contingent, not just my family but all of Irish in Peterborough is a dream come true.”
The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Mar. 12 with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
To register to be in the parade, visit the parade’s website to apply. For more information, contact Tim Burke at (705) 875-2542.
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Ukrainian Christmas Celebration Held at Peterborough Square This Saturday
/The Ukrainian Community of Peterborough and the Kawarthas (UCPK) is holding a free Ukrainian Christmas celebration at Peterborough Square this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
City Hall was lit in yellow and blue as a symbol of unity and support for Ukraine on March 1. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The celebration also known as Rizdvo falls every Jan. 7 every year according to the Julian Calendar and Orthodox Church.
The free family-friendly event features authentic Ukrainian food, music, carolling, colouring books for children and traditional craft workshops.
Performing at the event is a joy string quartet playing music with children and adult volunteers singing carols throughout. ‘Carol of the Bells’ is one of the featured songs and is based on the famous Ukrainian Christmas Carol ‘Shedryk’ by Nikolai Leontovich.
A fundraiser is being held to support UCPK during the event. Vendors are selling items such as fresh baked goods by Ukrainian community members, candles and Ukrainian-themed goods. Donations can also be made online by emailing ucpk.ca@gmail.com.
Holiday Hours for Peterborough Public Health Announced
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) notes that office hours will be adjusted for the holiday season, with some closures.
File photo.
PPH will be closed over the holidays at the following times:
Dec. 23 at noon to Dec. 27
Dec. 30 at noon to Jan. 2
PPH will resume regular hours on Jan. 3.
The after-hours line will be available for public health emergencies at 705-743-1000.
Holiday Adjustments to Peterborough Transit Service Routes Announced
/Peterborough Transit service adjustments for all routes will be made during the holiday period from Dec. 24 until Jan. 7 announced on Thursday.
File Photo.
All routes will end early on Dec. 24, with the last trip departing no later than 7:15 p.m. (7:33 p.m. on Route 3 Park).
There will be no service on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
On Dec. 26, a Holiday/Sunday service schedule will be in place, with the last trip departing no later than 7:15 p.m. (or 7:33 p.m. on Route 3 Park).
Routes will end early on Dec. 31, with the last trip departing no later than 7:15 p.m. (7:33 p.m. on Route 3 Park). Extended New Year’s Eve service will not be offered this year.
Evening PTBOnDemand service will not be available on these evenings.
All Route 11 and 11A Water trips will be suspended from Dec. 24 until Jan. 8, with regular weekday service resuming on Jan. 9.
On all routes, late evening trips departing after 11:32 p.m. are suspended between the period of Dec. 24 until Jan. 7.
The Customer Service desk at the Simcoe Street Terminal will operate with adjusted hours for the holiday period:
Saturday, Dec. 24: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25: closed
Monday, Dec. 26: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 27 to Friday, Dec. 30: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 31: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 1: CLOSED
Regular hours resume at the Simcoe Street Bus Terminal on Jan. 2.
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Five Counties Children's Centre Offers Holiday Preparation Tips
/Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is offering holiday tips for families to make the holidays merry and light.
Photo courtesy of Five counties Children’s centre.
“Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice, the holiday season comes with high expectations, changes in routine and extra stimulation that can be overwhelming for some kids,” says Ashley Parsons, FCCC occupational therapist. “As parents and families, it’s important to reduce the stress and anxiety created by the holidays to make it a more enjoyable time for everyone.”
According to FCCC staff, it is not just children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues who can be impacted by the holidays.
“The pandemic has disrupted large gatherings and in-person celebrations, creating a situation where many kids aren’t equipped or don’t know how to socialize or engage in play with others outside their immediate families,” Parsons says.
Preparation involves a plan for success, says FCCC. They suggest the use of calendars to mark events and count down the days and photos/maps/videos as visuals to share with younger family members or children who have communication challenges to help prepare them for who/where you’re visiting.
FCCC also offers the following tips to help prepare your family for the holidays:
Decorate less or do it gradually. While holiday decorations make the season brighter, they can also be disruptive for some kids. Pulling out pictures from previous holiday seasons can help children adjust to what’s planned (if you don’t have photos, take some this year). Having kids involved in decorating can ease the process, as can taking a step-by-step approach to decorating. For instance, set up the tree one day, but wait until the next day before starting to decorate. Once decorations are up, set clear rules about what can and can’t be touched.
Give gifts the right way. Most children get excited over holiday gifts, but for some kids, it can be overwhelming. If a child starts to obsess over a desired gift, find ways to manage their interest. For example, try a ‘five-for-five swap.’ Give your child five stickers that can be exchanged for being able to talk about the gift for a five-minute interval. To help manage holiday gift expectations, make a list with your child of realistic items he or she wants for the holidays. This list can then be shared with family members and friends who can register to purchase one of the desired gifts.
Change for the better isn’t always better. Many children thrive on routine, and the holidays can throw off schedules. Having familiar items on hand can help calm stressful situations. If you are travelling for the holidays, make sure you have a child’s favourite books, toys, games and activities. Rehearse in advance what will happen or what can be expected to also ease children through any change or disruption of routine.
Here’s food for thought. Enjoying a holiday meal with friends or family may not be enjoyable for all kids, especially if they are picky eaters or unlikely to enjoy unfamiliar food that’s on the menu. Some kids may also have allergies or require special diets. Have some of your child’s favourite or familiar foods on hand for dinner, either by bringing it yourself or ensuring some will be served during the holiday meal. If needed, identify a quiet area where your child can go to eat on their own if mealtime with others is too much.
Take a break. Have a plan in case holiday visits or festivities become too overwhelming. Develop a signal that you child can use to say they need a break or want to be on their own. Work with your host to find a pre-determined quiet space for your child to de-stress. Have headphones with songs or stories that your child can wear to calm themselves and drown out surrounding noises.
Dress for success. Ensure your child wears clothing that is familiar and will not cause discomfort if going to a special holiday dinner or event.
Prepare others for what to expect. The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, so help them to understand your child. Be open and honest. Offer strategies on how they can help reduce anxiety or stress with your child. Help them see that your child may prefer not to be hugged. Share potential triggers that could cause your child to become upset. Stress to loved ones the importance of remaining calm and neutral to avoid outbursts.
“You know your child best, so look to what has worked for your family in situations or holidays past,” said Parsons. “With a bit of planning and preparation, you and your child can enjoy a wonderful holiday season that is merry and a bit light!”
City of Peterborough Issues Road Closures In Place For 2022 Santa Claus Parade
/The City of Peterborough has road closures set in place during the 47th annual Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade downtown Peterborough for Saturday.
To allow for both staging and the parade procession, the following road closures will be in place starting at 4 p.m.:
Antrim Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
Edinburgh Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
Dublin Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
London Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
McDonnel Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
Murray Street — Aylmer Street to Water Street
George Street — Parkhill Road to Brock Street
Prince Street — George Street to Park Street
Aylmer Street — Lansdowne Street to Romaine Street
The parade will travel south on George Street beginning at McDonnel Street, passing in front of City Hall at 4:45 p.m. and ending and dispersing at Prince Street. Peterborough Police Services is supervising a rolling road closure and is in place along George Street during the parade.
Event volunteers will be available to remove barricades to allow for local access for residents and emergency vehicles along side streets. All road closures are expected to be over by 7:30 p.m.
On-street parking is not permitted on George Street between Brock Street and Prince Street starting at 3 p.m. Parking staff will be on-site to help relocate cars if necessary. Any remaining cars parked on George Street at 3 p.m. will be towed to a nearby lot.
Parking is available at the King Street Parkade at 202 King St., the Simcoe Street parking garage at 190 Simcoe St. or municipal surface lots at the following locations:
Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St.
Reid Lot at 350 Reid St.
Surface lot at 365 Aylmer St.
Rehill Lot at 210 Wolfe St.
Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N.
Downie Lot at 336 Downie St.
Parking in municipal lots and parking garages is free on weekends. Any voluntary parking fees during December will be donated to Kawartha Food Share.
Residents are reminded to follow all on-street parking regulations that may be in place in the downtown area including calendar parking where applicable. The City urges everyone to not block fire hydrants and driveways.
Peterborough Transit will have detours in place for Route 2 Chemong, Route 4 Weller, Route 6 Sherbrooke, Community Bus 22 – Blue and Community Bus 23 – Red starting at 4 p.m.
Route 2 - Chemong
Southbound from Terminal: Simcoe to Aylmer Street to Romaine Street to Park Street to Lansdowne Street to Lock Street
Northbound from Lansdowne at Borden: Regular route to Lansdowne Street to Park Street to Romaine Street to Aylmer Street to Simcoe Street
Route 4 - Weller
During the rolling road closure #4 westbound will follow regular route to terminal only.
The eastbound bus will travel to the bus stop at Simcoe at Water streets. Customers will be directed to catch the bus at the Simcoe and Water bus stop.
Route 6 - Sherbrooke
Southbound from Trent (4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: regular route to Parkhill Road, right on Parkhill to Reid Street, left on Reid Street, left on Simcoe Street.
Northbound from Terminal (during rolling road closure): Simcoe to Aylmer Street, Aylmer to McDonnel Street, left on McDonnel to Reid Street, right onto Parkhill Road where regular route resumes.
Community Bus 22 - Blue
Southbound on George Street to Parkhill Road, right on Parkhill to Reid Street, left from Reid to McDonnel Street, travels right on Aylmer Street and continues on Aylmer Street to Charlotte Street where regular route resumes.
Community Bus 23 - Red
Until rolling road closure begins: Eastbound on McDonnel Street to Aylmer Street, right on Aylmer to Simcoe Street and continues on regular route.
During the rolling road closure: Eastbound on McDonnel Street to Aylmer Street, right on Aylmer to Romaine Street to Park Street, where regular route resumes.
A Peterborough Petes game is occurring at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. With the Santa Claus Parade being in that vicinity, anyone attending the game is encouraged to plan for extra travel time. Paid parking at the Memorial Centre opens at 4 p.m. and the arena doors open at 6 p.m.
The City is expecting increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic so extra time and exercising caution while travelling in-and-around downtown is encouraged.
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Holiday Shows at The Peterborough Memorial Centre
/The Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) has several family-friendly shows and acts locked in for December this holiday season.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
CATS Musical
When: Fri. Dec. 2, 8 p.m.
Tickets: Available for purchase here.
The record-breaking musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America.
Winner of seven Tony Awards, CATS tells the story of one magical night when tribe of cats gathers for an annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theatre; ‘Memory’.
The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom) and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Stars on Ice Holiday Tour
When: Tues. Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
Tickets: Available for purchase here.
The award-winning figure skating show features four-time World Champion and four-time Canadian Champion Kurt Browning. He is joined by two-time Olympic Silver Medalist, three-time World Champion and seven-time Canadian Champion Elvis Stojko to headline the show.
The cast includes Olympic Bronze Medalist, World Champion and three-time Canadian Champion Jeffrey Buttle; three-time Canadian Dance Champions, three-time World Medalists and 2018 Olympians Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje; three-time and reigning Canadian Pair Champions Kirsten Moore-Towers & Michael Marinaro; two-time Canadian Champion Nam Nguyen; Canadian junior champion and social media sensation Elladj Baldé; two-time United States Champion Alissa Czisny.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Champions of Magic 2022
When: Fri. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Tickets: Available for purchase here.
Break away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with Champions Of Magic, an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects.
Described as the ‘Avengers of Magic,’ catch this team of magicians as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions during the Champions of Magic Show.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Holiday Dreams, A Spectacular Holiday Cirque!
When: Wed. Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Tickets: Available for purchase here.
Holiday Dreams tells a story that connects all of the performers featuring a mischievous elf that thinks he has mailed himself to a tropical island but instead finds himself delivered to the wrong address.
"I wanted to create a show that celebrated the spirit of the Holidays and would serve as a bridge for families from different generations to come together and experience something together,” said Fernando Quevedo, creator and producer. “We are all absorbed in our little technological worlds. Theatre allows a communal experience."
This holiday show is coming to the PMC for one night only and features holograms, projection mapping, holiday music and incredible lasers, along with a cast of award-winning acrobats, daredevils and cirque performers.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
