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Good morning, Saint John! Canada put six past Qatar last night. Coincidentally, today is National Martini Day. We're not saying the two are related, but we're not ruling it out either.
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
Cruise season officially begins 🚢
Saint John drivers sound off 😤
Your weekend cheat sheet 🎟️
🎂 Happy early birthday to Ben Speers-Roesch (Saturday, courtesy of a shoutout from Stephanie) and Paula Eichmann (Sunday)! Hope both of you have a fantastic birthday weekend, and thanks for reading and sharing SJ Today!
Have a fantastic weekend!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
The June Promocalypse is Now 🚗
The prices have gone completely off-road.
The RVR starts at just $99/week taxes in. The Eclipse Cross comes in at $115/week taxes in. And the seven-passenger Outlander starts at $139/week taxes in.
The only thing ending in this Promocalypse is high SUV payments. Don't miss it!
NEWS NOTES
🚢 Cruise season starts Saturday
The Carnival Venezia arrives in Saint John on Saturday, bringing more than ~4,200 passengers expected in the city for the day. The ship is scheduled to dock at 7am and depart at 4pm.
Of course, we had an unexpected start to cruise season in April, when a ship visited after rough weather rerouted a Bermuda sailing to Saint John. But Saturday marks the official start of the 2026 cruise season. Consider this your warning that giving directions to Reversing Falls is back in season.
🏖️ Two city beaches won't open Monday
Fisher Lake and Dominion Park Beach will remain closed to swimmers after recent testing found elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Both beaches had been scheduled to open for the season on Monday.
Follow-up testing will continue over the next week, with the beaches remaining closed until health officials give the all-clear. Summer may have arrived on the calendar, but it's off to a slow start at the waterfront.
🏆 Top clicks of the week
Monday - Eloise and Oliver to open on Princess
Tuesday - Local teachers receive excellence award
Wednesday - Download and print Sea Dogs 2026/27
Thursday - Dragons on the Lake volunteer call
💬 The Results: Saint John's Worst Driver Move
Yesterday's rail safety story got us wondering which local driving habit frustrates Saint Johners the most. Stopping at a merge lane ran away with the poll, although the comments suggest turn signals, tailgating, red lights and Simms Corner all deserve honourable mentions too.
40% said stopping at a merge lane is the worst offender
31% voted for the Chesley Drive squeeze-and-cut-in
18% picked "Other" and brought plenty of additional grievances
7% said blocking railway crossings
5% pointed to the hopeful left turn at Metcalf & Main
Some of your comments:
"If you don't know the difference between merge and stop, you probably shouldn't be driving."
"Passing me and meeting up at the same red light."
"If you don't know the difference between merge and stop, you probably shouldn't be driving."
"No one in this province seems to know how to zipper merge."
"Moved here last year and apparently orange and red lights are just suggestions..."
"Tailgating. What do you think that achieves other than stress?"
"People not stopping at stop signs. Distracted driving."
"Not using turn signals!"
One reader may have accidentally nominated an entire neighbourhood:
"Just about everything at Simms Corner. No one seems to remember stop sign rules there."
"It is my third year in the city, and I still don't know how to turn on Main St W, Lancaster Ave and Bridge Rd intersection."
One thing that is clear…our roads are weird and everyone else is the problem. 😆
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND
Saint John Community Fair | June 19-28
The midway is rolling back into Saint John as Campbell Amusements takes over the TD Station parking lot for 10 days of rides, games and fair food. The fair opens Friday at 2pm, with weekday evening hours and full days on weekends. Ride bracelets are available for $40, with Toonie Days scheduled throughout the event.
Jazz Night at Trinity Galleries | June 19
Friday night jazz returns to Trinity Galleries with vocalist Karine joined by Jorian on piano and Tim on bass. The Uptown gallery hosts live music from 7-9pm alongside cocktails, art and its popular courtyard setting. Tickets are $30, with reservations recommended, though drop-ins are welcome if space allows.
Artisans in the Atrium | June 20
More than 20 local vendors will fill the Market Square Atrium from 9am-4pm with handmade goods, artwork, baked treats, sea glass creations and more. Admission is free and it's a great excuse to browse local makers before grabbing lunch Uptown.
Waterfront Concert Series featuring I Mother Earth | June 20
Yes, with Edwin. I Mother Earth headlines the next Waterfront Concert Series show at the AREA 506 Container Village. Gates open before a night of 90s rock favourites on the waterfront. Tickets start at $48.
Tim Hicks | June 21
Country hitmaker Tim Hicks brings his latest tour to the Imperial Theatre. Fans can expect plenty of radio favourites from one of Canada's most successful modern country artists. Show starts at 7:30pm.
*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 photo of a pattern that a lot of folks thought might be a walking path somewhere. With a subtle hint about summer, we thought there might be a few boaters or mill workers who'd recognize it, but this one stumped everyone. The photo was actually taken of the retaining wall at the western end of the Reversing Falls train bridge.
Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!
Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 5:36am | 🌇 9:15pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 3:40 AM(Fri 19 June) | 8.19 m(26.88 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:00 AM(Fri 19 June) | 0.65 m(2.12 ft) |
High Tide | 4:14 PM(Fri 19 June) | 7.78 m(25.53 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:26 PM(Fri 19 June) | 1.2 m(3.94 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today. If you found it useful, share it with someone who likes their martinis shaken, not stirred.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher