🍦 Cars, Cones, and Cops Alert!

Good morning Saint John! Talk about a helluva Canada Day…postponed fireworks, surprise sunshine, a good ol’ dinnertime downpour, and finally, the fog rolling in right on cue. Finally feels like summer in Saint John has officially arrived 🌫️.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

• Souped-up and stopped 🚓

• Calling all crew to the scoop deck 🍦

• July events are coming alive 🔥

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚓 Roll Call Returns Along with Police Crackdown

This Saturday, the fifth annual Roll Call Car Show takes over TD Station, drawing thousands of car lovers from across the Maritimes. Expect sleek rides, burnouts, and plenty of horsepower on display.

But don’t get too revved up. Saint John Police, along with Kennebecasis Regional Police Force and New Brunswick Justice and Public Safety, are turning up the heat with a region-wide traffic blitz. Officers will be out with zero-tolerance patrols, checkpoints targeting impaired drivers, and traffic control around the venue.

“We appreciate that this is an exciting experience for many car enthusiasts from across the region,” said Saint John Police Chief R.M. Bruce. “It is our focus to ensure an enjoyable, safe environment for our citizens and visitors alike.”

🧱 Final Phase for Stone Church Tower

If you’ve noticed the scaffolding around Stone Church uptown, here’s the scoop: the historic tower is finally in the home stretch of a four-year, $1.8 million restoration.

The 200-year-old church is built from sandstone and ship ballast, which was leftover rock hauled across the Atlantic and dumped here when vessels came to pick up lumber. That patchwork construction gives it its signature look and has made the job tricky for master masons working to keep things historically accurate.

The tower was found to be leaning in 2016, prompting emergency fixes and years of meticulous repair. With the tower set to finish this year, future work will shift to smaller touch-ups around the property.

Thanks to grants, donations, and a determined little congregation, this Saint John landmark is standing tall again. ($)

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LOCAL BUSINESS

The Ice Cream Dock Floats Again 🍦

Boaters. Paddlers. Curious river wanderers. If you floated into Kingston Creek last summer and thought you were hallucinating a floating ice cream shack…you weren’t. It’s real. It’s stocked. And it’s back for another season.

One of last year’s surprised customers was Victoria, a local paddleboarder who fell in love with the place at first sight. Fast forward to winter, she’d just been laid off, the shack went up for sale, and well… she bought it. As one does.

Now she’s the proud new owner of The Ice Cream Dock, open Thursday to Sunday (11am-7pm, weather depending), serving up novelty bars, ice treats and whatever’s cold enough to survive the freezer. So far, Oreo drumsticks are the crowd favourite, but honestly, people mostly show up for the vibe. Victoria says, “Pretty much any day that families would be out boating I will be out there!”

The dock’s got a fresh new look this year, and Victoria has plans for next season, including going fully solar powered.

“It’s this weird floating thing in the middle of the water,” she says, “and people just light up when they spot it.”

👖 Plato’s Closet Now Open on Consumers Drive

Teens and 20-somethings now have a new spot to refresh their closet and maybe make a few bucks in the process. Plato’s Closet is now open at 47 Consumers Drive, buying and selling gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories with a focus on current styles and sustainable fashion.

No appointments, no hassle. Just bring your clean items, get a quote, and walk out with cash or a cleaner closet. It’s resale with style.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

June’s done. Summer’s heating up. Here’s how we’re Julying…festivals, tunes, BBQ, and all the good stuff.

Hampton Summer Market | Fridays - July 4 - Aug 29
Hampton Summer Market hits Town Square every Friday night starting July 4. From 5 to 8pm, the town comes alive with live tunes, crafty local makers, fresh-from-the-farm produce, and tasty bites. Whether you’re hunting for unique finds or just soaking in the vibe, this weekly summer tradition has something for everyone. 

Passport to Parks - Dominion | July 12
Grab your sunscreen and head to Dominion Park for the next stop in the City’s free summer series. From 1-3:30pm, families can dive into a chalk art contest and enjoy music, games, and beachside fun, no sign-up needed. It’s part of the Passport to Parks program, and it’s all about getting outside, getting active, and soaking up summer (rain date’s July 13, just in case).

Tina Turner Tribute | July 17
The Imperial is turning up the heat with a full-throttle tribute to the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll. Caroline Borole channels Tina’s raspy power with a live band, brass, dancers, and all the hits, from “Proud Mary” to “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” It’s classic rock, soul, and sequins in one big, high-energy throwdown. Show’s at 8pm, and yes, it’s absolutely Simply the Best.

Colin James Live | July 18
Canadian blues-rock legend Colin James is hitting the stage at the AREA 506 Container Village. With 21 albums, 8 Junos, and decades of shredding under his belt, he's bringing serious heat to the waterfront. Whether you’ve followed him for years or just caught on, this one’s worth the ticket. GA is $59, VIP gets you a deck view and private bar for $79.

​​The Great Benjamins Circus | July 18–20
The circus is back under the Big Top at East Point Shopping with jaw-dropping aerial acts, jugglers, acrobatics, and even the Cage of Death motorbikes. Shows run Friday through Sunday with multiple times daily. Bring the family for 90 minutes of laughs and thrills. Don’t miss the super discounted pre-sale tickets and keep an eye out for free child coupons at local schools and daycares.

Yip Fest | July 19
Yip Fest is back for its third year, pouring craft ciders, beers, and good vibes by the riverside from 3-7pm. Enjoy live tunes from The Right Swipes, tasty food trucks, and all the samples you can handle. Planning to hit Moonlight Bazaar after? Grab the $35 shuttle to get you there hassle-free. Tickets start at $50 early bird, $65 regular.

Moonlight Bazaar | July 19
It’s landing early this year…Moonlight Bazaar hits uptown on July 19, bringing the inflatable moon, roaming performers, stacked music stages, and all the weird, wonderful vibes you expect. From 4-6pm it’s kid-friendly under Jupiter, then it starts getting busy! You know the drill…see you under the moon. And Mars.

Boxcar Country Festival | July 26–27
Saddle up, Saint John—Boxcar Country Festival is rolling back into town for two days of smokin’ BBQ, smooth whisky, and boot-stompin’ bands. Catch headliners like Tenille Townes, Tim Hicks, Big Sugar, and more, plus cowboy karaoke, lasso showdowns, live BBQ demos, and a second stage full of surprises. Weekend passes and single-day tickets are on sale now—get ’em before they’re gone!

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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 is? Hit reply and take your best guess! We’ll reveal the location and correct guesses in Friday’s issue.

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves fireworks 🎆.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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