We will ‘knock your socks off’

Kawartha Downs revitalization includes new 4,000-seat indoor theatre space

A jam-packed lineup of events — from tractor pulls, demolition derbies and monster truck rallies to concerts and fireworks displays — will be held at Kawartha Downs next year.

“Last season was very exciting as our first year as an event destination. Next year we want to do even better,” said Summer NickersonHagen, marketing director at Kawartha Downs, during a news conference Friday, when Kawartha Downs’ 2023 events program was unveiled.

The lineup includes a Kawartha Fair for the Aug. 4-6 civic holiday long weekend.

“People have seen what we’ve done here in the last 12 months and I’ve heard so many people say, ‘you can’t do it, it’s just not going to happen.’ Well, it’s happening because of how much spirit there is in this area,” said Romspen Investment Corp. managing partner Richard Weldon.

Romspen owns the Fraserville entertainment facility.

For its 50th anniversary last year — amid an ongoing revitalization project — Kawartha Downs introduced an array of new events, shows and features for the 2022 season as part of a bid to make the facility a top-tier entertainment hub.

“The revitalization of Kawartha Downs has been our top priority and last year was just the beginning. We spent about $2 million on facility upgrades, locking down the best track people in Canada,” said Weldon, adding that Kawartha Downs now boasts the best tractor pull track in the county, along with a permanent demolition derby pit

unveiled last summer.

“Concerts went phenomenally well last year and we are going to knock your socks off next summer,” Weldon said.

As part of the Kawartha Downs revitalization project, Romspen plans to construct a number of new facilities, including an outdoor concert facility and a new convertible horse/cattle and exhibit space and an outdoor soccer field.

“We’re just now awaiting a final site plan approval from Cavan Monaghan Township for this property to pursue our plans for a 4,000-seat indoor theatre/concert space, as well as a super barn for our racehorses to service the local cattle and dairy industry,” Weldon said.

The 2023 race season will begin on May 20 and continue through until Sept. 23.

Post time will be 7 p.m. and specific race dates will be posted at kawarthadowns.com.

Kawartha Downs 2023 event program

■ May 20 Opening Day: Classic Car Show noon to 4 p.m., concert 2 to 4 p.m., harness racing 7 to 10 p.m.

■ June 3 and 4 Monster Madness Tour: June 3, Pit Party 5:30 to 7 p.m., Monster Trucks and Freestyle Motocross 7:30 to 10 p.m.; June 4 Pit Party 12:30 to 2 p.m; Monster Trucks and Freestyle Motocross 2:30 to 5 p.m.

■ June 17 Kawartha Smackdown: Pit Party 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Power wheels 1:30 p.m., Demolition Derby 2 to 4 p.m., Concert 4 to 6 p.m., Harness Racing 7 to 10 p.m.

■ July 1 and 2 Country Music Festival: July 1 Concert (artists TBA) 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; July 2 Concert (artists TBA) 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

■ July 22 and 23 Truck and Tractor Pull : details TBA

■ Aug. 4, 5, 6 Kawartha Fair: Aug. 4 Tractor Pull; Aug. 5 Demolition Derby; Aug. 6 Concert (artists TBA)

■ Aug. 12 and 13: Retro Concert Weekend (artists TBA)

■ Sept. 2 and 3: Truck and Tractor Pull (details TBA)

More events to be announced for October.