​Smash Courts Pickleball Court and Sports Store is open at 799 Erskine Avenue. The pickleball and multi-sport court is available 24-hours a day through an online reservation system. They also have a dinking court and pickleball machine available for hourly rental. The store has all your top-of-the-line pickleball paddles, court shoes and accessories. They’ve recently been announced as an official lululemon retailer. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in Canada right now. Try it out by booking some court time and get the gear you need at their new sports store.
 
Want to see the stunning fall colours from the water? Le Boat is extending its cruising season on the Trent-Severn Waterway through to October 31, providing more opportunities to experience the breathtaking fall colours on Ontario’s picturesque waterway. Fall cruise highlights includes, taking in tranquil Rice Lake, known for its fishing, and traveling 56 km from the Le Boat base to the quaint community of Hastings at Lock 18. Book your experience at leboat.ca.
 
Dan Joyce Clothing is on the move! After many years in downtown Peterborough at 87 Hunter Street, they are heading to 1525 Chemong Road, right beside Shop The Lake. Dan Joyce Clothing has evolved as a beloved name in women’s fashion, crafting simple and timeless wardrobes that empower women. In 2022, owner Nancy Wiskel opened a second location in Apsley that offers relaxed casual styles. In the meantime, drop by the downtown location for some great deals and quality fashion.
 
The Local Show is back on September 14 for its second year. Hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce at Lansdowne Place, the show will run from 10am to 6pm. The Local Show is an opportunity for new residents to see what the community has to offer and for long-time residents to rediscover what new businesses and services are available. Booths are still available for businesses looking to meet new customers with about 14,000 people expected to pass through the mall that day. Visit pkchamber.ca for more information.
 

 Are you interested in owning a local bakery? Wildflower Bakery in Havelock is up for sale. This is an opportunity for an aspiring entrepreneur to buy their very own well-appointed bakery and café business with a great reputation. The owners are hoping to find someone to carry on what they’ve built. In the mean time, it’s business as usual as they continue baking amazing treats. Wildflower Bakery features hand-crafted organic bread and European-style pastries. Drop by 4 Oak Street in Havelock to try some delicious baked goods.
 
A correction to last week’s Business Beat – the downtown Peterborough end of summer sidewalk sale and block party is August 31. Head downtown on the last Saturday in August to get some deals and find something unique. George Street will be closed between Simcoe and Hunter streets to make for a pedestrian-friendly area with some live music, giving it that block party feel. Get more info at theboro.ca.
 
The finalists are in for the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Excellence Awards. The annual awards publicly acknowledge and honour local businesses and business leaders in our community who go above and beyond. While the shortlist of finalists is out, recipients will be announced live at the awards ceremony on October 29. The evening starts with a pre-show party at The Venue at 5:45pm with the show starting at 7:30pm at Showplace. Get your tickets at pkexcellence.ca.
 
The new Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lakefield is officially open! The new Lakefield location provides Selwyn and the surrounding area with a spot to shop for great deals and donate previously enjoyed furniture and building products. Proceeds from the ReStore play a crucial role for Habitat for Humanity by covering the organization’s operating costs, ensuring all donations go straight to local housing projects. Habitat have been busy building, including recent developments at Leahy’s Lane Phase 1 and 2, providing 53 local families and individuals the opportunity to become homeowners. Help fund local affordable homebuilding projects by dropping by the ReStore at 3001 Lakefield Road.
 

 
There’s an end of summer sidewalk sale and block party in downtown Peterborough on August 26. Organized by the Downtown Business Improvement Area, the event will offer exclusive deals, unique finds, and a lively atmosphere as George Street is closed between Simcoe and Hunter streets. There will be live acoustic music and a pedestrian-friendly space to shop and explore downtown. Get more info at theboro.ca.
 
Would you like to master the art of a successful grant application? The Chamber of Commerce is holding a seminar for not-for-profits with facilitator Gail Moorhouse of Recharge Solutions. The seminar will include essential skills and strategies to create compelling grant proposals, best budgeting practices, demonstration of budget impacts, and aligning with funder priorities. The seminar will be September 20th from 9 to 11:30 am in the Chamber boardroom at 175 George Street North.  Get more details at pkchamber.ca.
 
The Cottage in Havelock is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an entire year of festivities and fun.
They have added an 18 hole Mini Golf course, café and outdoor patio to their retail store. Each hole in the mini golf is thoughtfully crafted to provide a unique challenge to keep you entertained and making memories. Be sure to check out their showroom of top clothing brands with goods and gear that extend from apparel to water toys. While you are there grab an ice cream, coffee, latte, milkshake, and a world famous Dooher’s donut. It’s always cottage season. Drop in or connect online.
 
The Nine Ships 1825 board of directors hosted Irish Consul General of Toronto– Janice McGann for the Nine Ships 1825 Bicentennial Project launched on July 30 at the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. The Nine Ships 1825 organization has been created to co-ordinate and promote this 200th anniversary in 2025 of the Peter Robinson Emigration of 2,024 Irish people to the Peterborough area. Visitors are expected from all over the world for the bicentennial and the Nine Ships 1825 project looks forward to welcoming them to the area. Visit nineships1825.com for information.