🌱 More proof winter is done

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Good morning, Saint John! Apparently it’s Cheese Doodle Day… which to Canadians really just means Cheezies Day, and if they’re not Hawkins, what are we even doing here.

Here’s what else is goin’ on:

Enjoy the zest of the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

For a lot of Saint John families, the YMCA is just part of life.

 Maybe it’s where the kids learned to swim. Maybe it’s the place you go to clear your head on a treadmill after work. Or maybe it’s the one place in the city where fitness, family time, and community all happen under the same roof.

 Right now is a great time to jump in.

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is offering $0 joiner fee on new memberships until March 31, so you can start swimming, lifting, joining group fitness classes, or finding your wellness groove again without paying the usual sign-up cost.

 Your membership also includes access to three local locations - the Saint John Regional Y, Irving Oil Field House, and the Glenn Carpenter Centre.

 If getting active again has been on your mind, this is a great time to start.

Become a Member Today.

⛸️ Another ice surface bites the dust

If you were hoping to squeeze in one last skate at Ihtoli maqahamok – The Gathering Space, bad news: the ice there has officially called it a season.

The City says a mechanical issue with one of the compressors that keeps the surface frozen means it can’t reliably keep up, especially with warmer afternoons creeping in. Rather than push the backup system too hard and risk bigger damage, the decision was made to shut it down early and get things repaired for next winter.

Honestly, the signs are piling up. Yesterday it was the word that ice fishing shacks need to come off the river. Now another ice surface is done for the year. At this rate we’re just waiting for the Moosehead domes to come down and patios start poppin’ uptown… and you can officially declare it summer in Saint John.

🏂 Rothesay coach heading to the Paralympics

The Winter Paralympics open Friday in Italy, and there’s a small local connection on the slopes.

Rothesay native Mark Fawcett is the technical coach for Canada’s Para snowboard team. Long before the coaching gig, he was one of Canada’s early snowboard stars himself, competing at the Olympics in 1998 and 2002 and racking up 14 World Cup podiums.

Now he’s the guy helping dial in the gear and strategy as Canada’s riders chase medals. Para snowboard events start Saturday with snowboard cross qualifiers.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

First Thursday at Wasted Day | March 5
Fusion Saint John is bringing back First Thursday on March 5 with a drop-in social at Wasted Day Brewing from 5-7pm. Show up whenever, stay as long as you like, and expect easy conversation with locals who want to get to know each other. No RSVP needed, just come out and meet some friends.

Craft N’ Chill Time at The Porch | March 5
If your March Break plan is basically “finish that project you started three months ago,” The Porch in Hampton has you covered Thursday from 12-8pm at 370 Main Street. Bring your knitting, writing, reading, or board game energy and settle in for a relaxed craft-and-hang session with coffee shop vibes, craft beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. It’s free, casual, and perfectly suited for anyone who just wants to chill and make something.

A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy | March 5
Imperial Theatre has a comedy variety show on tonight at 7:30pm featuring Peter Oldring and Pat Kelly (This Is That) with Carolyn Taylor from Baroness von Sketch Show. Tickets are $50 adult or $45 for members, and it’s basically a rare chance to catch three comedy heavy-hitters doing their thing together on one stage.

FRIDAY

Harry’s House Party | March 6
Haven Music Hall is throwing a Harry Styles dance party on Friday at 8pm at 201 Union Street. It’s 19+, free entry, and the whole point is a night of Harry (and Harry-adjacent) tunes with people who will absolutely show up dressed like they mean it.

Los Desperados Eagles Tribute | March 6
Club Rewind productions hosts Los Desperados on Friday night, an Ottawa-based Eagles tribute band known for big harmonies and faithful takes on the classics. The show starts Friday evening at the Kent Theatre uptown, with advance tickets $35 through the Imperial Theatre box office or $40 at the door. Expect a night of familiar hits, lots of sing-along moments, and at least a few people quietly pretending they’re in a 1970s arena.

SATURDAY

International Women’s Day 2026 Celebration Give to Gain | March 7
PRUDE Inc. is hosting an International Women’s Day celebration on Saturday from 10am-1pm at 1 Market Square, Unit W301 (3rd floor). The theme is Give to Gain, with speakers and conversations focused on gender equity and inclusion in the community. Registration is required, and it’s built for anyone who wants an uplifting, thoughtful morning out.

Port City Power vs Halifax Hoopers | March 7
Port City Power is back at Rothesay Netherwood School on Saturday at 7pm, this time facing the Halifax Hoopers. Doors open at 6pm, it’s all-ages, and tickets range from youth general admission to courtside. If you missed Wednesday, here’s your second shot at the fast, fun, shouty version of a night out.

Brooms & Brews Glow Curling | March 7
Carleton Curling Club wraps its Brooms & Brews season Saturday from 12-4pm at 115 Rodney Street with a glow-in-the-dark edition under black lights. Picaroons will be on hand for tastings while participants try their hand at curling - no experience or equipment required. It’s $25 for non-members or $15 for members, 19+, and basically the most colourful way you’ll ever learn what a broom is actually for.

Closest to the Pin Fundraiser | March 7
If you’ve been quietly perfecting your indoor golf swing all winter, here’s the moment to show off. Firedrive Indoor Golf & Lounge hosts a Closest to the Pin fundraiser Saturday supporting Heart & Stroke NB through the Hockey Heroes program. The four-hour event invites golfers to take their best shot while helping a local team raise funds ahead of the Hockey Heroes tournament in June.

Winterfest March Break Snowshoe Mingle | March 7
Inside Out Nature Centre at Lily Lake Pavilion is hosting a guided snowshoe adventure Saturday afternoon as part of Winterfest. Participants meet 15 minutes before the 2pm departure to get fitted for snowshoes before heading into the park trails for a winter walk with family and friends. The outing wraps up back at the pavilion with hot cocoa around a crackling fire, which is honestly the best part of any snowshoe trip.

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone with cheezie fingers 🧀.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher