DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: For nearly 160 years, the Blackstock Fair has brought the community together to celebrate agriculture, local talent, and the traditions which make rural life such an important part of Scugog’s identity. That tradition continues, on Saturday, August 29th, when the 159th annual Blackstock Fair welcomes families, farmers, exhibitors and visitors to the Blackstock Fairgrounds, for a full day of competitio

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: The agricultural community is mourning the loss of one of its longtime supporters, following the passing of Keith Frederick Phoenix, who died peacefully at his home, on Tuesday, August 4th, at the age of 79. For decades, Mr. Phoenix was a familiar face throughout Scugog's farming community, dedicating his life to agriculture and the dairy industry. Farming was more than a career, it was a lifelong passion for him which reflected his unwaveri

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The field of candidates is now set for the 2026 municipal election in Scugog Township, with 24 people officially entering the race for mayor, regional councillor and five ward councillor positions. Nomination day passed, on Friday, August 21st, giving residents a clear picture of the choices they will face when they head to the polls in October. The mayor’s race features the largest field, with six ca

by Helen Nicolaou The harvested wheat fields and local farm stands are a true sign of summer winding down into quieter autumn days. The rain this summer has many vegetable gardens looking they’re best. Tomato plants are producing an abundance of tasty fruit; beans and cucumbers continue to be productive as well. Pickling cucumbers were scarce last season, compared to this one, as now there will be extra pickles to enjoy through the winter. If you have any boxwood shrubs, you

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard The Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new commemorative $2 circulation coin honouring a century of service, remembrance and support for Canada’s veterans and military community. The Royal Canadian Mint has released the 2026 commemorative coin in recognition of the Legion’s official centennial, which marks 100 years since a special Act of Parliament incorporated the organization on July 17, 1926. The Legion traces its

by Faye Ashton The rain this weekend was welcome for the dry earth and the rain barrels that needed filling back up. Hope you have enjoyed the cooler mornings for a walk. Congratulations to all members of the Durham West 4-H Go for the gold! Earlier this week, five members from Durham West travelled to Peterborough County for an evening of challenging questions and fun. After a hard-fought game against the Kawartha Lakes Halliburton team, Durham West came out on top and will

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: There is still plenty of time for local residents to make the most of the summer, at Scugog Public Library, with reading programs, a new collection of puzzles, community displays, and a chance to win gift cards to some of Port Perry’s local businesses. The library’s Summer Reading Club continues through to August 31st, and more than 500 people have already signed up for the summer program. It is not

SCUGOG: This year The Port Perry Fair will be hosting a ticketed concert, at 7p.m., on the Friday night of the fair. Headlining the concert is the James Barker Band. James Barker Band is proof that big dreams can grow from small-town roots. Made up of James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Connor Stephen (drums), Taylor Abram (guitar/background vocals) and Bobby Martin (bass), their big break came in 2015 at the Emerging Artist Showcase at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, where t

KEN WILSON, PPTC SCUGOG: The Port Perry Tennis Club (PPTC) held their 2026 Junior Tennis Championships on Sunday, August 16th. The weather could not have been better. It was a nice sunny day with a slight breeze. Play began at 9 a.m., with 17 players competing in the Championships. Six players competed in the 9 & Under Division with Justin Semoff and Addie Tasse advancing to the final. Justin Semoff was the 2026 9 & Under Division Champion. Six players competed in the 12 & Un

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The race for Scugog Township council is taking shape, as voters set to choose from contested fields for mayor, regional councillor, and all five ward councillor positions, in October. With nomination day just around the corner, 17 candidates are currently listed for the Township’s seven municipal offices, setting the stage for a competitive election campaign across Scugog. Mayor Wilma Wotten is seekin

The Port Perry Agricultural Society (PPAS) welcomes the community's extraordinary response to July 13th's Special Council meeting, and thanks every resident who showed up, spoke up, and made clear that the Port Perry Fairgrounds are not for sale. But the PPAS will not mistake a deferral for a victory. The uncertainty that has put this organization and this community's most beloved institution at risk has not been resolved. It has simply been postponed. Let's be direct about w

PAUL PUCKRIN President, Port Perry Agricultural Society PORT PERRY: Amateur bakers will have the chance to earn bragging rights and a share of generous prize money, when the Port Perry Fair's popular Women's Only and Men's Only Baking Contests return, over the Labour Day weekend. Open to bakers of all ages, both competitions offer a grand prize of $1,000 and celebrate the creativity and tradition of home baking. The Men's Only Baking Contest will be held at noon, on Sunday, S

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard SCUGOG: The Port Perry LumberJacks will open their 2026-27 Provincial Junior Hockey League season with a celebration of the past and a clear goal for the future. The club will mark its 55th season of junior hockey this autumn, while joining the Township of Scugog's celebration of the 50th anniversary of Scugog Arena in a special anniversary weekend, on September 19th and 20th. The weekend will pay tribute to the franchise’s roots, including its earl

by Faye Ashton We know many farmers are out surveying their crops after the late afternoon storm on Saturday, including heavy hail for the Utica and Manchester area. This is one of several times a devastating storm has hit this area at this time of year. Please know the community has you in their prayers. We’ve watched the crops grow and grow with all the rains we’ve been blessed with, but in a flash all can change. Which makes us realize we don’t control much. Friday night w

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: RoyPop Candy officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, on Friday, July 24th, welcoming community leaders, supporters and residents to its new location, at 76 Water Street, in Port Perry. Joining owners, Margret Kizza and Ronald Magala, for the celebration were: Scugog Mayor, Wilma Wotten; Durham Regional Chair, John Henry; Doug Ellis, representing MPP Todd McCarthy's office; Ward 3 Councillor, Terry Coyne; membe

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The spirit of the Old West rode into Port Perry and the surrounding Lake Scugog community over the weekend, as the 96th annual Lake Scugog Regatta celebrated its Western Hoedown theme from July 31st to August 2nd. The long-running summer tradition brought together residents and visitors for a weekend of family entertainment, community events, and plenty of Western-themed fun. The mechanical bull prove

by Faye Ashton The month of August has crept up on us as we were looking backward. We have experienced some very warm July days, but with the beauty of the rain which fell, our lawns and garden have survived very well. Don’t talk to me about the Japanese beetles, which are here by the thousands, and I pick twice a day. I sure hope you’re not plagued with them. I am wishing Birthday, Anniversary and any celebration you’re having this month the best of times shared with the one