DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The wonder of the holiday season will light up Ken Reid Conservation Area, near Lindsay, once again, as The Illuminated Forest returns for its fourth year. From Friday, December 12th to Sunday, December 28th, visitors can wander through trails adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a winter wonderland for the whole family. Since it first opened in 2022, The Illuminated Forest has

Rob Van Der Vleuten The Standard SCUGOG: On Saturday, December 13th, The Bomb and their touring ‘Retro ‘80s Live Experience’ are continuing their tradition of blowing up everyone’s winter blues & wrapping up a full year of touring with some exciting pre-holiday musical cheer at Port Perry’s 1873 Town Hall Theatre! For fans of ‘80s hits (and the decade of new wave) who have not had the opportunity to enjoy a rocking night with The Bomb before; just imagine one band recorded a

by Lauren Walker It seems Christmas is coming quickly! I am so happy to share my latest happenings, as its been a busy few months. Christmas Ornaments It is that time of year, and my 2025 Christmas Ornament, “The Place to Meet for a Christmas Treat,” featuring Hanks Pastries, has already sold out. I currently have two designs available, so please check my Facebook page for more information. Santa’s Float Fundraiser I’ve partnered with the North Durham Chamber and my design, “

by Joanne Mulholland   Monday Morning Singers, the well-known women’s choir, directed by Anne Mizen, based in Uxbridge, draws its singers from many areas around the town, including York Region, Durham County, Brock and East Gwillimbury. The choir is starting work on the exciting repertoire for a Christmas concert, planned for Friday, December 5th, at 7:30 p.m., in the beautiful St Paul’s Anglican Church, in Uxbridge. The concert is called “Dancing Day,” the main work in the p

Phil Nero, Artistic Director, DreamCo SCUGOG: A New Family Musical. An original musical pantomime retelling of a classic tale. In the grand British tradition where audiences cheer the hero and boo the villain, Hook shifts the focus of the timeless classic Peter Pan to our anti-hero, the one and only Captain Hook! This production will feature flashy musical numbers, outrageous costumes, comedy, mayhem, and of course...you’re part of the show! Come and boo the villain (which

By Tracy Pastic SCUGOG: Do you have leftover Candy? Would you like to put it to good use while keeping it away from your waistline? We have a family-friendly solution for you! How about making a Gingerbread House and bringing it to the Scugog Memorial Public Library for the annual village? This year marks the 30th Anniversary of this very popular holiday event, and the best part is that it is FREE to enter and FREE to visit! Here are the guidelines: It is a non-judged event

JAY THIBERT  NDN NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: North Durham Nature and the Scugog Lake Stewards are hosting this special talk that will focus on aquatic plants and birds in Lake Scugog. These two organizations have invited Mark Dorriesfield to explain the importance of Lake Scugog to bird populations, and Brett Tregunno to share his expertise on aquatic plants in our lake. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the amazing ecology that is near and dear to the resident

SCUGOG: The Port Perry United Church Choirs are proud to present the 76th annual Choralfest. The full 40 person Choir will be led by musical director Joan Bretney in the historic sanctuary of Port Perry United Church, 294 Queen Street, Port Perry. A crowd favourite, “The Happy Harmonizers” (children’s choir) and special guest Liane James will entertain with seasonal melodies. Liane is an accomplished soloist, orchestral harpist, chamber musician, and harp teacher. Liane is t

Red Plaid Productions is bringing Canada's Celtic Rock Warriors Mudmen back to The Town Hall 1872 in Port Perry, Ontario, on Friday, January 2nd, 2026. Mudmen are looking forward to their annual stop at the Grand Old Theatre. The Mudmen are no strangers to the area, playing shows with Johnny Reid at the GM Centre, with Deane Brody at the Havelock Country Jamboree, performing at the Uxbridge Highland Games, and with numerous sold-out shows in Peterborough, Oshawa, and, of cour

by David Minns UXBRIDGE: St. Paul’s Anglican Church, in Uxbridge, is going to be a busy place, on the weekend of November 15th. The St. Paul’s Anglican Church and Trinity United Church invite you to the Festival of Trees. It starts on November 15th, before the Santa Claus Parade, from 10 a.m., in front of the St. Paul’s’ Church, at 59 Toronto Street S., in Uxbridge. Hot chocolate and treats will be served on the lawn. For Saturday, November 15th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and S

SCUGOG: The Durham Chamber Orchestra (DCO) presents ' A Christmas Celebration,' a festive concert, featuring selections from Handel’s Messiah , Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances: Suite II , and favourite seasonal songs, performed with New Song Community Choir, led by Jonathan Liebich. Performances take place on Sunday, November 30th, at 2 p.m., at Port Perry United Church, and again on Sunday, December 7th, at 2 p.m., at Forest Brook Community Church, in Ajax. Now, in its t

by Stuart Beaudoin UXBRIDGE: On Sunday, November 30th, at 7 p.m., St Paul’s Anglican Church in Uxbridge, Music at St Paul’s, will host a performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. The performance will be in English. The Cantorei sine Nomine choir and Orpheus Symphonietta orchestra under the direction of Stuart Beaudoin along with soloists, Leslie Higgins, Shannon Coates, Benjamin Done and Sebastien Belcourt will sing this marvelous setting of the Christmas story. Director Stu

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Last week, Port Perry’s historic downtown was transformed into a cinematic playground, as two film productions brought crews, equipment, and excitement to the community. From October 20th to 27th, the Currie Grain Elevator, Queen Street, and the surrounding areas served as backdrops for the pilot television series Witness Protection and the returning production The Way Home. Filming included interior

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Local history lovers and longtime residents have a new way to help celebrate the spirit of Kawartha Lakes, by sharing their own photographs which tell the story of life across the municipality. Two new photo displays are being prepared for City Hall, and organizers are asking community members, local museums, archives, and heritage groups to help bring the area’s history to life. The exhibits

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiativer Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The Brock Township Public Library is inviting residents to embark on an unforgettable adventure, without ever leaving Beaverton. National bestselling author and professional adventurer, Adam Shoalts will appear at the Beaverton Branch Public Library, on Tuesday, October 21st, from 6 to 7 p.m., sharing stories from his solo expeditions across some of Canada’s most remote wilderness regions. Mr. Shoalts

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The Scugog Environmental & Climate Change Advisory Committee (SECCAC) is encouraging residents to grab their cameras and celebrate the natural beauty of their surroundings, through the second annual Scugog Nature Photo Contest. Open to residents of all ages and skill levels, the contest highlights the plants, animals, and scenic landscapes which make Scugog such a remarkable place to call home. Twelve

By Tracy Pastic SCUGOG: Bakersville, the Animated Gingerbread Village is returning once again to the Scugog Memorial Public Library, this December, marking the 30th Anniversary! Starting from very humble beginnings, in the Kent Farndale Gallery, in 1995, this community project has grown into one of the most popular events in Durham Region. Visitors come from all over Ontario and beyond to see this spectacular holiday presentation, with creations made by members of our communi

DARRYL KNIGHT  The Standard SCUGOG:  Spooky season is fast approaching, and the Scugog Shores Museum Village is inviting the community to...

Jesse Gillis, Lake Scugog Historical Society SCUGOG: Scugog Recreational Community Centre will once again transform into a treasure...

by Lauren Walker Well, it has been a busy autumn thus far! I’m happy my September course filled up; and my October course is just about...