☕ From courtroom to Canterbury

Good morning, Saint John! It’s Friday the 13th, so steer clear of ladders, black cats and anyone who says you can’t duck out a little early to get the weekend started!

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Have a fantastic weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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Santa’s taking the waterfront route 🎅

Saint John’s Santa Claus Parade returns next Saturday, November 21 at 6pm, starting at the cruise ship terminals on Water Street before heading along Saint Patrick Street, across the Viaduct and onto Main Street North and Lansdowne Avenue. Time to pick your spot and locate the mittens nobody’s seen since March.

The 73rd annual parade comes with parking restrictions beginning at 3pm on Water Street and Broad Street between Charlotte and Water. Streets along the route start closing at 5:30pm. Santa gets an escort. The rest of us should plan ahead.

A seat at the oversight table 🏛️

Saint John is accepting applications for its Board of Police Commissioners until November 27, giving residents an opportunity to help shape policing priorities and accountability in the city.

The civilian board helps establish policies and strategic direction for the Saint John Police Force. The City is encouraging applicants from a broad cross-section of the community, with different backgrounds and experiences. Applications can be submitted confidentially online through the City’s notice.

A different stop for the Field House 🚌

Taking the bus to the Irving Oil Field House next weekend will mean getting off a little earlier. Routes 1E and 1W won’t enter the Field House property November 20–22. Riders should use the bus shelter on Majors Brook Drive instead.

Saint John Transit says the temporary change is for safety because of the expected pedestrian traffic in the parking lot for Rhoda’s Christmas Market. Worth passing along to anyone whose usual directions are “stay on until the Field House.”

Top clicks of the week 🏆

Monday – Where to observe Remembrance Day around the region
Tuesday – Saint John Art Bank submissions
Thursday – Tickets to the World Men’s Curling Championship

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Ellen’s making a case for lunch 🧇

Ellen Shaddad is bringing waffles, sandwiches and homemade soups to 56 Canterbury Street, where Ellen’s Cafe & Eatery is aiming to open by December 1. A lawyer by training, she’s making a different kind of case these days. This one comes with coffee.

Originally from Amman, Jordan, Ellen moved to Canada 10 years ago and managed Panera and Coffee Culture locations in Ontario. Rather than pursue Canadian legal certification, she chose her “passion with serving coffee and pastries, baking and making sandwiches.” A summer 2024 visit sparked a love of Uptown, and she moved here a few months later.

Her menu plans include salads, sandwiches, cookies, cakes, coffees, teas, smoothies and milkshakes, with gluten-free and vegetarian options. And Ellen already has favourites.

“I’m excited about my waffle creations and my famous chicken bowl and soups,” she told SJ Today. She’s also working on baking bread in-house, because soup deserves good company.

Behind the menu is a family-table approach to portions, quality and prices. “I’m a customer before being a business owner,” Ellen says. “That's how I think.”

Bringing the heritage building up to code caused costly delays, though Ellen used the time to improve her baking. Renovations are finished and her team is hired, now she’s just finalizing city permits before opening. Planned hours are 8am–8pm weekdays and 9am–8pm weekends.

“We can't wait to open and serve everyone with love.”

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What we’re doing this weekend

BGC Greater Saint John Diamond Dinner | November 13
Food stations, auctions and dancing with DJ Steve fill the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre starting at 7pm. BGC’s annual fundraiser supports local children and youth. The night includes food, dancing and entry into a draw for a diamond pendant.*

Bobby’s Hospice Christmas Market | November 13–14
More than 120 local vendors fill Exhibition Park with handmade gifts, seasonal treats and decorations. Shop Friday from noon–6pm or Saturday from 9am–3pm, with live entertainment, raffles and an appearance by the Grinch. Admission is by donation, supporting patient care at Bobby’s Hospice.

A Coast to Coast Cowboy Christmas | November 13
George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett bring their country Christmas tour to Imperial Theatre at 7:30pm. Expect familiar hits and holiday favourites from two Canadian country mainstays. Tickets start at $55, or $50 for members.

Saint John Beer Fest | November 14
More than 40 beverage vendors, carnival games and a live DJ take over the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre. Samples, snacks and a take-home glass are included, with proceeds supporting First Steps. General admission runs from 4pm–7pm, while VIP gets you in at 3pm. Ages 19+, with designated-driver tickets available.

Mass for Shut-Outs | November 14
Sunday service comes a day early at Imperial Theatre. This stage show borrows the shape of a Catholic mass to explore faith, doubt and organized religion, with comedy woven through it. It starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $40 or $35 for members.

Multicultural Christmas Carnival | November 15
Santa and Mrs. Claus are putting in a Sunday shift at the Bill McGuire Centre in Rothesay from 2pm–6pm. The free family carnival includes photos with Santa, a magic show, balloon twisting and a local vendor market. Bring non-perishable food or toiletries for the Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket.

There's plenty more happening. Find all this week’s local events here.

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

📸 Pam Pinnington | 📍 Chance Harbour during Setting Day

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Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who could use a weekday morning good luck charm 🐈‍⬛!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher