Katy Shufelt and Wild Rock Co-Founder Scott Murison Photo Courtesy of the DBIA
A familiar holiday tradition once again put local dollars to work in downtown Peterborough, with the Downtown Business Improvement Area announcing the winners of its 2025/2026 Holiday Shopping Passport and Holiday Window Contest.
Katy Shufelt was selected as the grand prize winner of the Holiday Shopping Passport draw, earning a $1,500 downtown shopping spree in Boro Gift Cards. The draw was held Jan. 7 at GRVTY Studio in East City, where her completed passport was chosen. Early bird prizes were also awarded during the season to Wayne Jackson, Gail Edlinger and Kim McWilliams.
“I absolutely love shopping downtown – there are so many great stores,” Shufelt said. “My kids laugh at me because every year I say I’m going to win, and after 20 years… I finally did.”
Shufelt has also chosen to donate a portion of her winnings to Wild Rock Outfitters’ ComPassion Project, a community-driven initiative that supports local organizations working at the intersection of outdoor recreation, social justice and equity in Peterborough.
The Holiday Shopping Passport encourages residents to keep their spending local during the busy holiday season. Shoppers receive a stamp for every $10 spent at participating downtown businesses, with completed passports entered for a chance to win one of three $500 early bird prizes or the $1,500 grand prize. Boro Gift Cards are accepted at more than 100 locations throughout the downtown.
With more than 200 businesses taking part, the program continues to be one of the DBIA’s most widely supported seasonal initiatives, aimed at boosting foot traffic, strengthening relationships between businesses and customers, and keeping money circulating locally.
“We know people are being more intentional about where and how they spend, especially during the holidays,” said Nour Mazloum, executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. “Choosing to shop local is a meaningful decision, and the Holiday Shopping Passport makes it even easier. Every local purchase has a ripple effect by supporting jobs, small business owners, and a downtown that continues to serve as a gathering place for our city.”
The holiday season also brought added visual appeal through the DBIA’s Holiday Window Contest, which turned downtown streets into a festive, walkable experience. This year’s theme, Snowglobe Come to Life, inspired imaginative window displays designed to encourage exploration and community engagement.
The contest was judged by members of Peterborough’s arts community, including a representative from the Art Gallery of Peterborough, Briar Sutherland, artist Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin), and Ashley Hall.
Lavender Moon and Kingan Home Hardware tied for first place, while Brants Basics earned second place. Winners received Boro Gift Cards, continuing the cycle of local support.
The DBIA thanked everyone who participated by shopping locally, voting for their favourite displays or sharing the downtown experience, and says it plans to build on that momentum with more community-focused programming throughout 2026.
