When Tracey Randall first arrived at Fleming College, she had no idea that her education would eventually lead her to a career spent backstage at one of Canada’s most iconic summer traditions. 

Tracey was raised in Peterborough, so when it came time to choose a college, Fleming felt like a natural fit. She enrolled in the three-year Hospitality Tourism Business Administration program, taking courses like macroeconomics, microeconomics, and statistics. Those courses continue to shape her work today. 

“I’m buried in budgets daily now,” she laughs. “I had no idea how much those classes would matter. But they really mattered.” 

Tracey’s time at Fleming was full of experiences she still reflects on. She was active in campus life, helped run pub nights through Fleming Student Administrative Council (SAC), played intramural soccer, and took part in unique travel opportunities that opened her world. 

“Our program provided bus trips in our first two years,” she says. “We went out East one year, and then to New York and Boston in year two. Those trips were inspirational in helping us see where we wanted to go in the future.” 

While she was studying Tourism and Business, Tracey spent her summers working at the Festival of Lights, driving boat #2. The Festival of Lights was launched in 1987; the same year Tracey joined the crew. What we now know as Peterborough Musicfest originally began as the Festival of Lights 38 years ago. Founded by the late Fred Anderson, who also served as Fleming’s Director of Continuing Education and hired students to work for the large event. 

Many of the friendships she made during those years have lasted over the decades. She still meets with her Fleming friends for dinner every four months. Tracey returned to Fleming to serve on a Program Advisory Committee, giving back to the program that helped shape her career. 

After graduating, Tracey built experience across several workplaces, including Unilever in Toronto, where she spent 15 years. Eventually, she took over for a maternity leave contract at Peterborough Musicfest, moving back to her hometown from Vancouver, expecting it to be a short-term role. 

“Thirteen years later, I’m still here,” she says, smiling. 

It was a full circle moment for Tracey. The organization she worked with in the ‘80s is the same one she returned to in 2012, though this time she came back in a leadership role. 

Today, Tracey serves as Executive Director of Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival, where she helps keep Fred Anderson’s barrier-free vision alive. Under her leadership, Musicfest received the SOCAN Licensed to Play Award, recognition for their commitment to supporting Canadian creators. 

Because Musicfest is a not-for-profit charitable organization, every summer’s lineup relies on partnerships, sponsorships, grants, and the generosity of our community. Tracey and her team have helped bring world-class artists to Del Crary Park—names like Our Lady Peace, City and Colour, Metric, Little River Band, Sam Roberts Band, and so many more. 

Musicfest continues to grow and evolve under Tracey’s leadership. Last year, two new programs were launched – Woven Stories: A Night of Indigenous Music, Culture, and Celebration and the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco. Both initiatives were driven by partnerships and brought new energy to the experience at Del Crary Park. Even though winter is approaching, Tracey is busy planning Season 39’s roster.  

“One of the most interesting and complex pieces of the Musicfest puzzle is building next season’s lineup,” says Randall. “With so many amazing artists, the lineup can take months to shape—balancing schedules, budgets, and community priorities—but seeing it all come together on the Del Crary Park stage makes it completely worth it.” 

Musicfest also relies on volunteer support, including students looking to gain hands-on experience in event planning, hospitality, production, and operations. Interested volunteers can email volunteer@ptbomusicfest.ca.

Tracey encourages students to be open to learning and growth. “Be ready to work hard. You need to put in the hours and start from the ground up. The hands-on experience you get now, especially at Musicfest, will prepare you for any career you pursue after.” 

If you or your organization would like to support Musicfest, you can learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 season here:
https://www.ptbomusicfest.ca/invest-in-musicfest/become-a-sponsor/