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Good morning Saint John! Heads up, today’s newsletter is heavy on the nautical nonsense. If you start saying avast or shiver me timbers, remember it’s Friday. But also, no guarantees on avoiding the plank.

Here’s what we’re haulin’ in this morning:

• It’s a busy day uptown 🛳️

• Talk like a sailor…we are! 🏴‍☠️

• #1 local beach as decided by you 🏖️

Yaar…! 

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
🎉 Saint John West Days Starts Wednesday

The biggest community celebration on the Westside is almost here! Saint John West Days returns next week with four days of music, dancing, BBQs, bingo, and more…starting Wednesday, August 13.

Get ready for the Opening Ceremony at Lancaster Plaza, the throwback dance party at Legion 69, and a Family Day packed with fun for all ages!

Merch is limited and dance tickets are on sale now, so don’t wait!

Follow Saint John West Days on Facebook for the full schedule and updates. Come party with us, Westside-style.

NEWS NOTES

🛳️ Small ship, big vibes

The Insignia from Oceania Cruises is in port today from 9:30am to 4pm, bringing 685 visitors into the sauna that is Saint John. Expect a few extra folks politely elbowing for front-row spots at Buskers on the Boardwalk…sunhats on, cameras out, and probably wondering if it’s always this hot here (obv. not).

⚓️ Talk like a sailor

The Fundy Sea Shanty Festival launches today, and to help you blend in with the old salts, we pulled a few gems from their official glossary…real nautical terms, really hard not to want to include in your everyday vocabulary:

• Nelson’s Blood – A dramatic nickname for rum, perfect for sipping mid-shanty.

• Poop Deck – The upper deck at the stern of the ship. Grow up.

• Sea Dog – A seasoned sailor… or just someone who’s never missed a game at TD Station.

• Scuttlebutt – Ship gossip.

Events run through Sunday with live music, rum tents, and tall tales by the tide.
And yes…we fully accept that we’re the official scuttlebutt of the city. Yell it from the poop deck (or just share with your friends)!

🏆 Top clicks of the week

To click is to care - and here’s what caught your attention most this week.

Tuesday - Buskers on the Boardwalk full schedule
Wednesday - Germain St Open supporting L’Arche, Oct 18
Thursday - KVGo pilot bus service in the valley

💬 The Results: Your Favourite Local Beaches

We asked where you head when it’s sunny and 27°, and wow, turns out everyone’s got a towel, a favourite rock to sit on, and a very strong opinion.

Here’s how the top picks shook out:

•  New River Beach topped the list with 21% of the vote

• Dominion Park was close behind with 20%

• Saints Rest Beach pulled in 15%

• Bayshore Beach earned 10%

Other vote-getters included Mispec, Meenan’s Cove, Gondola Point, Renforth Wharf, and St. Martins Beach.

But a full 22% of you clicked “Other”...and you definitely wanted your secret spots known. Some of the best comments:

Thanks to everyone who voted (and shared their swimming secrets). We might need a follow-up poll: best post-beach snack?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

LOCAL BUSINESS

🖋️ Ink Addicts inks Brunswick Square deal

Saint John’s own tattoo pro Troy Snow has set up shop right in Brunswick Square’s pedway level, just across from where Booster Juice used to be. Ink Addicts Tattoos & Piercing is now open and ready to turn your skin into a canvas…safely and professionally, of course. It’s a bold move for the mall, bringing fresh, artsy vibes to the heart of downtown. If you’ve been thinking about that next tattoo, Troy’s new spot just made it easier to say yes.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

We goofed! In Thursday’s weekend preview, we put the Kingston Farmers Market under Sunday. Of course, it’s Saturday…as every crepe-loving, produce-toting, flower-sniffing reader in the region promptly reminded us. Thanks for keeping us honest (and for reading so closely)! You’ll find the real listing right below.

Here’s What We’re Doing This Weekend

Stoked Pizza at The Porch Taproom | August 8
The Porch in Hampton is hosting Stoked Pizza for a perfect Friday night combo of craft beer, cocktails, and fresh pizza on the patio.

Passport to Parks at the Res | August 9
The City’s free summer series lands at Little River Reservoir this weekend with an afternoon of family fun from 1-3:30pm. This edition features rock painting as the main activity, plus music, games, and more. No registration needed, just show up and enjoy the sunshine. Rain date is August 10, but the weather looks mighty fine this weekend!

Kingston Farmers Market | August 9
If you haven’t been yet this year, or just spaced on the day, this Saturday is a perfect time to get over to the peninsula. On our list is a Rise and Shine Breakfast Sandwich, some Fullerton Farm Flowers! See ya SATURDAY!

Firefighters Softball Showdown | August 9
It’s Grand Bay-Westfield vs. Welsford in a friendly ball game between volunteer fire departments. First pitch is 1pm at River Valley Lions Field. Expect hometown pride, sirens, and maybe a little friendly heckling from the sidelines.

Team NB Artistic Swimming Showcase | August 10
See New Brunswick’s top artistic swimmers perform their Canada Games routines at the Saint John Aquatic Centre. Solo, duet, and team performances plus appearances by athletes from across the province. An inspiring evening of sport and artistry to cheer on Team NB before the national Games. Entrance by donation.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*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 WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 On Wednesday, we shared this NB flag waving proudly over the weekend and we figured it was an easy one. It was hung from the crane on the waterfront, as the first building at Fundy Quay continues to rise. Shout out to Paul L., Cathy H., Susan C., Barry N., Monique B., Edgar D., Mike M., and Chip L., for knowing exactly where it was!

Follow @sjtoday.ca now for more local info!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Got something to share? Our baseline ads are made for moments just like this. With your message nestled in among the latest Saint John updates, it’s a quick and easy way to get seen by local readers. Let’s help you make an impression!*

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who gets sea sick! 🤢

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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