✋ Last Thing Before the Long Weekend

Good morning Saint John! On August 1, 1878, gypsies camped outside St. Stephen, and folks from across Charlotte County lined up, paying 25 cents to have their fortunes told. Honestly, we wouldn’t be surprised if a few still would…🔮

We’re off Monday for New Brunswick Day but back Tuesday morning with a fresh pot and your daily dose of local news.

Here’s what’s up this morning:

• Who separates the M&Ms at AREA 506? 🍬

• Major watermain work coming to the east side 🚧

• The stories you had to click this week 👀

Enjoy the long weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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FEATURE
LOCALS YOU SHOULD KNOW

🤘 Hospitality Heroes Keeping AREA 506 Top Tier

AREA 506 turns 10 this weekend, and while the bands get the spotlight, the real MVPs are Jeff and Cynthia Liberty, the behind-the-scenes duo making sure touring acts aren’t just fed but downright spoiled. Think clean socks and surprise cakes. Yeah, those are things.

Want to know what really goes on backstage? Why underwear is the unsung hero of touring life? And which wrestler made a cameo in a RV green room?

Click here to read the full backstage story and see how Jeff and Cynthia keep AREA 506 rocking year after year. You won’t want to miss this.

NEWS NOTES

🚧 Big Dig on McAllister Drive

Saint John Water is getting ready to open up McAllister Drive like a can of worms…or more accurately, a watermain. Phase 1 of a major renewal project kicks off mid-to-late August from Mountain View to Loch Lomond, with construction running through October. The project is aimed at replacing aging pipes before they give out.

Two-way traffic will stay open (shout out, flaggers!), but heads up - some residents in Forest Hills and Golden Grove will face a water service pause. Advance notice will go out before the taps go dry.

Curious about how it’ll all go down? There’s a drop-in info session on Tuesday, August 5 from 4:30–8:30pm at 129 McAllister Drive. Go ask your questions, vent your traffic concerns, or just scope out the maps.

🛠️ See the full plan at Shape Your City Saint John.

🛳️ Majestic Monday Incoming

New Brunswick Day might be a holiday for most of us, but for the Majestic Princess, a 3,600-passenger cruise ship, it’s just another stop. She’ll dock Monday, August 4 from 9am to 7pm, bringing a fresh wave of camera-toting visitors uptown.

With AREA 506 rolling all weekend and the ship in on Monday, Uptown shops, patios, and tour guides are in for an extra-long weekend buzz. If you’re uptown on Monday expect a few friendly tourists and at least one asking, “So… what exactly is the Reversing Falls?”

🏆 Top clicks of the week

From Saint John’s first roundabout to a new bites in the City Market…here are the stories you couldn’t scroll past.

Monday - Construction on Saint John’s first roundabout began this week
Tuesday - Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Book Sale starts August 21
Wednesday - Market Street Kitchen moving into old Billy’s space
Thursday - Don’t forget to test your well water

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Here’s how we’re spending the New Brunswick Day long weekend:

🎶 AREA 506 10th Anniversary | August 1–3
The waterfront is going full rock star for AREA 506’s 10th anniversary. With Broken Social Scene, Alexisonfire, Arkells, and a who’s-who of local talent, it’s a three-day indie-alt-rock blowout. Catch Matt Mays, Death From Above 1979, and some killer Afterburner parties late into the night. Don’t forget about the ANBL Safe Ride shuttles are your designated driver!

🏖️ Bay of Fundy Sand Sculpture Festival | August 2–4
New River Beach becomes an open-air gallery as sand turns to sculpture and slowly washes away. This 40-year tradition is bigger than ever with pro sculptors, family workshops, live music, artisan markets, and a beer garden. Swing by the CCSPCA and St. George Food Bank booths and they’re raffling a paddleboard and taking donations all weekend.

🌍 International CultureFest | August 2–3
More than 22 countries will be represented at this global celebration hosted by the Newcomers Centre as they take over Water Street. Dance, music, food, and fun take over the Cultural Village, with interactive booths and family activities. It’s a joyful showcase of what makes Saint John welcoming and delicious. RSVP on Facebook if you want a reminder.

🎆 Fireworks over the Harbour | August 3
Saint John’s skies will finally light up Sunday night at 9:45pm over Lower Cove. These are the same fireworks postponed on Canada Day, the City’s making good on the rainout just in time for the New Brunswick Day long weekend. If the weather interferes again, they’ll try again Monday night. 

🎉 Quispam NB Day Celebration | August 4
Quispamsis is hosting a free all-ages evening at Arts & Culture Park from 6:30–8:30pm. Expect live tunes from Solid Gold, a walking tour with David Goss, and free lemonade (well, for the first 85 folks…then it’s $5 a cup). Rain location is the qplex.

Got an Event to Share?

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 On Wednesday we shared this pic of an Astar-lookin punk that loves rock music and, we assume…doodling? NO ONE knew where this was, so we’ll just tell you…he’s on display inside the merch container at the AREA 506 container village. Look for him while you’re tryin’ on hoodies this weekend!

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 has a bright future! ☀️

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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