- SJ Today
- Posts
- 💰$35M Campaign Cash Call
💰$35M Campaign Cash Call
SJ Today
July 23, 2025
Good Morning Saint John! We lost a true rock legend yesterday, so it’s nothin’ but Ozzy in the office as we take a bite outta Wednesday... 🦇
Here’s what else is up this morning:
Llamas Invade the Westside 🦙
Museum launches big fundraiser 🏛️
Saint John’s wildest work riot 🚋
Here we go!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
Make Your Mark! ✍️
Get your brand in front of eager eyes. Partner with us for prime advertising opportunities!
NEWS NOTES
🎉 Saint John West Days Are Back
Ready, set, mark your calendars. Saint John West Days hit the streets August 13 to 16 with four days of everything from llama visits (yes, llamas) to dance parties that will have you grooving like it is 1999.
Here is the skinny:
Day 1, Aug 13: Opening Night Kickoff at Sidekick Lancaster Plaza, 6:30 pm
Speeches from the bigwigs, local dancers showing off moves, plus live music from Sidekick. Casa Latina will keep you fueled with free bites. Do not say we did not warn you.
Day 2, Aug 14: Throwback Bingo and More at Branch 69 Legion, 11 am
If you like your fun with a side of nostalgia, bingo is your jam. Tickets are $12 and this one sells out, so do not wait. There is also a PRO Kids charity ballgame and a memorabilia display for the history buffs.
Day 3, Aug 15: Celebration Day plus Dance Party at Legion 69, 9 pm
From lawn bowling to henna tattoos and axe throwing, there is something for everyone. When night falls, Chuck Edison spins hits from the 70s through early 2000s. Tickets are $10 and you should bring your best moves.
Day 4, Aug 16: Family Fun at Carleton Community Centre, Noon to 4 pm
BBQ, inflatable fun courtesy of Milo and Max, llamas from Llamazing Adventures, face painters, and bike displays. Basically, the family day your weekend wishes it could be.
For all the latest event details and updates, check out Saint John West Days on Facebook.
And if you want to rep the Westside vibe, grab some official SJWD merch! They’ve got tees, hoodies, and youth sizes, all helping support the festival.
Four days of fun, food, and good times. Your perfect excuse to get out, explore the Westside, and see what makes this community tick.
🤔 Rothesay’s Big Build Faces Big Questions
The people of Rothesay have spoken, some with open arms, others with soggy socks. At Monday night’s public meeting, residents weighed in on a proposal for a massive mixed-use development near Millennium Drive. The 20-year plan would add nearly 1,300 homes plus retail space in five phases, but not everyone’s convinced the ground is solid (literally) enough.
One local engineer warned council the site behind his home is basically a seasonal swamp. He flagged flood risk, drainage concerns, and said the plan needs to be phased slower than a teenager waking up for school. Others worried about overloaded sewers, road capacity, and the potential vanishing act of Rothesay’s small-town charm.
The developer says the community can’t grow without, well, growing, and promises updates based on town feedback. Council votes August 11, so stay tuned and maybe invest in rubber boots just in case.
🏛️ New Brunswick Museum Expansion Gets Real
We’re finally getting more details about the New Brunswick Museum’s big reboot. The historic 1934 building on Douglas Avenue is gearing up for a $141 Million makeover that will bring all its scattered collections back under one roof and turn it into a modern, fully accessible spot. Think interactive exhibits, research labs, Indigenous engagement areas, and a rooftop terrace with killer river views.
To fund this ambitious project, the museum kicked off the Making History Now capital campaign aiming to raise $35 Million dollars by 2027. They’re calling on everyone from major donors to local history buffs to jump in. Curious? Check out makinghistorynow.ca and see how you can contribute to what looks like an amazing addition to our city.
🚋 When Streetcars Sparked a Riot in Saint John
On this night in 1914, Saint John exploded into the worst labour unrest in New Brunswick history. Thousands backed striking street railway workers after the company fired union leaders. The crowd overturned trolleys, attacked the power plant, and clashed with police. The mayor called in the Royal Canadian Dragoons, who charged the crowd on horseback with swords drawn. The strike ended the next day, but not before the city earned its wildest chapter of worker revolt.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
SPONSORED
Time to Shine! ☀️
Your business deserves the spotlight. Advertise in our newsletter and be part of the morning buzz!
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Of course we’re looking forward to Boxcar this weekend, but if you’re not into cowboy vibes, there's lots of other awesome shows to check out this week….
The Tempest at Fort La Tour | July 23-26
Where revenge and love collide under the open sky. Get tickets for this week’s performances at Fort La Tour for an unforgettable outdoor theatre experience. Directed by Sandra Bell, Shakespeare’s timeless tale of magic, redemption, and mystery comes alive with the salty Bay of Fundy breeze as your backdrop. These shows are actually incredible and worth checking out!
KV PLayers presents Grease | July 23-25
Step into the 1950s with KV Players’ spirited production of Grease, where teenage dreams, rock ’n’ roll beats, and wild high school antics collide. Follow Danny and Sandy as they navigate love, friendship, and rebellion in a whirlwind of catchy songs and energetic dance numbers. Whether you’re reliving the nostalgia or discovering this classic for the first time, expect a lively night full of heart and humor.
James Mullinger & Ethan Ash at Yip Cider Dome | July 25
The Brit Boys are back for their first 2025 show together, mixing award-winning comedy and chart-topping music under the stars at Yip Cider Dome. Doors open at 6pm, show runs 7-9:30pm. Bring your laughter and good vibes for a summer night of new songs, fresh jokes, and old favourites. Under 18? Bring a parent or legal guardian. Free parking, limited seats don’t miss out!
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸
Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. Think you know where this throwback item sits? Hit reply and give it your best guess! We’ll reveal the location and the correct guesses in Friday’s newsletter.
Tag @sjtoday.ca on Facebook to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 5:03 AM(Wed 23 July) | 0.83 m(2.72 ft) |
High Tide | 11:16 AM(Wed 23 July) | 7.43 m(24.38 ft) |
Low Tide | 5:26 PM(Wed 23 July) | 1.25 m(4.1 ft) |
High Tide | 11:37 PM(Wed 23 July) | 8.06 m(26.44 ft) |
💥 Help SJ Today Hit 2,000 Subscribers!
We’re closing in on 2,000 readers and there’s a $25 Uptown gift card up for grabs! Our lucky 2,000th subscriber gets one, and if you refer them, you’ll get one too. Just share your personal link (you’ll find it right above the tide times) with your crew, coworkers, or whoever still lives in your phone contacts.
Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows the proper approach to petting a llama…
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher