📞 Labour Day weekend is calling

Good morning Saint John! It’s the unofficial last weekend of summer… one more chance for beach days, BBQs, and sleeping in before back-to-school and regular routines kick in next week. We’ll be off Monday for Labour Day, but back Tuesday morning with your daily dose of local!

Here’s how we’re ending the week:

• Slowdowns on Millennium Drive 🚦

• City budget looks better than it has in while 💰

• Review - your top clicks of the week 👀 

Have an amazing weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚧 Millennium Drive makeover lands right on back-to-school week

Quispamsis picked the perfect time to roll out a nine-week roadwork project…just as backpacks and lunch boxes return to action. Starting Tuesday (September 2), crews will be tearing into Millennium Drive between Gondola Point Arterial and Market Street, with upgrades ranging from a new multi-use trail and sidewalks to pedestrian islands, crosswalks, storm sewer fixes, and the always-thrilling curb-and-gutter treatment. The road will stay open in both directions, but expect delays. 

🏦 Saint John’s books are closer to balanced

It’s not a windfall, but the city’s 2024 budget numbers show real progress: a $39,000 surplus and net debt trimmed to just $6 million…a  far cry from the $330 million mountain in 2018.

Reserves are growing too, now topping $71 million after being nearly empty a decade ago. Even the Trade & Convention Centre halved its deficit. Sure, there’s still a $545M infrastructure backlog and some wage talks ahead, but the overall story is steady, sustainable improvement.

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - Possible new development on Westmorland Rd. ($)
Tuesday - Free King’s Landing passes available at libraries
Wednesday - Map of Forest Hills water interruption next weekend
Thursday - Under the Electric Sky - history of the maritime carnival

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Saint John Ex | Continues til’ August 31
Chow Down Corner is serving up carnival eats, the midway is buzzing with rides, and local performers keep the stages busy all weekend. There’s no admission fee, and it’s bracelet day every day, so kids (and kids-at-heart) can ride ‘til they drop. Thursday brings Bluey, Blippi, Minions, and more; Friday features Elsa, Moana, and Paw Patrol; Saturday is for Sonic, Mario, Mickey, and Marvel heroes.

Saint John Seaglass Festival | Aug 29-30
Celebrate the sparkle of the Maritimes at Market Square with two full days of sea glass art, live entertainment, raffles, contests, kids’ activities, and workshops. Perfect for families, art lovers, or anyone who wants a bit of seaside magic without leaving the city!

KV Music Fest | August 29
Rothesay rocks on Friday with KV Music Fest’s main event! Catch The Sheepdogs, Sass Jordan, Haywire, and The Fabulously Rich light up the stage for a night of unforgettable music. Getting there is easy with ANBL Safe Ride bus service. Grab your tickets, stay in the loop for set times and behind-the-scenes peeks, and get ready for a Friday full of riffs, vocals, and good vibes.

Yip Cider Cornhole Tournament | August 30
Grab a partner and head to Yip Cider for their first-ever Cornhole Tournament! Teams of two compete for awesome prizes while enjoying drinks, games, and good times starting at 2pm. Entry includes two 12oz draft ciders, plus a Long Bay Brewery tap takeover. Whether you’re in it to win or just for fun, it’s a perfect afternoon of cider, friendly competition, and laughs at 3015 Route 845.

NORTH PRO Harbour Echo | August 30
Wrestling returns to AREA 506 with NORTH PRO’s Harbour Echo! Expect high-flying action, dramatic showdowns, and a full evening of entertainment from 7-10:30pm. Grab general admission or go VIP for extra matches and balcony access. With drinks, food, and downtown vibes, it’s a night of wrestling and fun you won’t want to miss.

Queen’s Square Swing Dance | August 31
Step into some open-air fun at Queen’s Square Farmers Market with swing dancing from 12-2pm! Part of Saint John Swing Out, this free event welcomes everyone to twirl, kick, and groove amid the market’s lively atmosphere. Dress in food-inspired market duds, bring friends, and enjoy a sunny Sunday of music, movement, and good vibes in the heart of Saint John.

Got an Event to Share?

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 On Wednesday we showed you a brick wall close-up with traces of an old cigar ad and asked if you knew the spot. The answer? The side of 80 Princess Street, right at the corner of Germain. Big shout-out to Jayne J. and Bill G. for nailing it!

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

FRIDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Birthday Open Mic | 7pm
Trinity Galleries | Jazz Night ft. Karine | 7pm-9pm
The Porch, Hampton | Jacob Chevarie | 7pm
O’Leary’s | Twenty Fingers | 10:30pm
Wasted Day | DJ Thunder Muzzle & Meorkat |

SATURDAY
O’Leary’s | Twenty Fingers | 10:30pm
Wasted Day | Led Zeppelin Tribute |

SUNDAY
O’Leary’s | Austin Eatman | 9pm-Midnight

Submit your live music listing here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s long weekend starts now! ⛱️

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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