🌉 West side is calling

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Good morning, Saint John! Finally, a day that feels a little more…normal around here. Drizzle, maybe even a proper rain shower. Start counting the “we need it, though”s now. ☂️

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Be a west sider for a day 🌊

• Save it for the trails, bud 🛞

• Free aquarium passes! 🐟

Have a great Thursday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

LOCAL YOU SHOULD KNOW
Meet the West Side’s Ultimate Cheerleader

If Saint John’s West Side had a hype team, Mary Ann O’Hara would be captain, coach and head cheerleader all in one. A proud “diehard Westsider,” she’s called Lancaster Avenue, Prince Street and Manawagonish Road home — and now lives in her family’s nearly century-old homestead on Champlain Street. “Never left the West Side,” she says. “Die hard. And no, I don’t have a problem with Simms Corner.”

Mary Ann’s roots run deep, and so does her knack for making everyone feel like an old friend. She’s the type who’ll give out-of-town visitors a quick tour just to show off the bay and the river — both within 10 minutes of her doorstep — or crack a joke about being “back across the bridge by five” if she ever ventures to the east side. “We’re a clicky bunch here, but in a good way,” she says. “You go to Sobeys, you see the same people, you connect.”

That sense of connection is why, three years ago, she helped relaunch the neighbourhood’s signature summer celebration. The event expanded from the old West Side Days to become Saint John West Days, reflecting a community that stretches as far as Morna Heights and Lorneville, while keeping its heart in the core lower west. 

For Mary Ann, West Days is about giving kids something fun to look forward to, making sure seniors have ways to connect, and reminding residents they don’t need to leave their side of the harbour to enjoy a full slate of activities. From a casual afternoon of lawn bowling at Seaside Park to lively dance performances, the week is a showcase of what makes the West Side feel like home.

It’s also the product of months of work from a small but dedicated group of volunteers. Mary Ann is quick to praise the team at the Carleton Community Centre, especially Kate, Abbygail and Jen, for their energy and commitment, along with Greg Stewart of AJ’s, David O’Tool, Al Babineau and others who pitch in to plan, promote and pull it all together. “As soon as one West Days ends, we’re already talking about the next one,” she says.

And she wants the rest of the city to join the fun this week. “It doesn’t cost anything to cross the bridge,” she says, adding that those who do might just leave feeling like honorary west siders.

SPONSORED
Tickets Won’t Last for This One 🍷

Sip & Savour is happening Saturday, Sept. 27 and tickets are moving fast!

You’ll sample from 20+ local beer, wine, and spirit vendors (plenty of non-alcoholic options too), enter raffles, and check out both silent and live auctions featuring amazing experiences and one-of-a-kind finds. It’s a night that’s equal parts relaxed and buzzing…the perfect mix.

General admission is $75 and gets you two hours of tastings starting at 7:30pm. VIP tickets are $150 and come with early access, a table for 8, charcuterie, exclusive tastings, and a $75 tax receipt.

And the best part? Every ticket helps improve life for residents at Rocmaura.

🎟️ Grab your spot now

NEWS NOTES

🏍️ Saint John Police Cracking Down on Off-Road Rebels 

Apparently, some folks think city streets are the Mint 400. Saint John Police say complaints are piling up about ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road rides tearing through residential areas. It’s loud, it’s illegal, and it’s dangerous. Officers remind riders to stick to permitted trails (when they reopen), wear helmets, skip the booze, and keep the stunt work for YouTube. If you spot illegal joyriding, you can call police or leave an anonymous tip.

🦭 Free Aquarium Passes at the Library 

Planning a splashy August? Until August 24, you can swing by any NB Public Library and grab a free one-time pass to the Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium in St. Andrews. Use it that same period to visit the seals, fish, and other finned celebrities. One pass = one free admission, so you might want to make it a library stop and a road trip.

✨ Arts Grants Now Open in Saint John

Got a creative project that could brighten up Saint John this fall or winter? The City’s Community Arts Board is ready to fund non-profits bringing visual, performing, literary, media, or material arts to life. Applications are open for projects that give back to the community but don’t snooze: the deadline to apply is Sunday, September 14, 2025. Time to make your artsy dreams a reality!

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SPONSORED
Make Your Mark! ✍️

Get your brand in front of eager eyes. Partner with us for prime advertising opportunities!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEEKEND PREVIEW
If you’ve been waiting for a packed weekend, this is it…parades, markets, festivals, family fun, and more from Friday through Sunday. Try and keep up!

TODAY

Saint John West Days Thursday | August 14
Throwback vibes hit the west side with SJ & Fundy Seniors’ Bingo from 11am-3pm, Play Ball for PRO Kids at 6pm, and a memorabilia display at Legion 69 starting 7:30pm

FRIDAY

Saint John West Days Friday | August 15
Celebrate big on the Seaside Lawn Bowling Open House from 1-4pm, then dance the night away at Legion 69 from 9pm-midnight.

Sussex Flea Market | August 15-17
For three days every August, Princess Louise Park transforms into bargain-hunting heaven with 860 vendor spots packed full of antiques, collectibles, car parts, jewelry, crafts, and even the occasional kitchen sink. There’s also a Sunday Show & Shine for classic car fans. Wear comfy shoes, bring a tote, and—important—leave pets at home. $5 admission for adults, kids 12 and under free.

KidSport Day | August 15
The Q Plex will be buzzing with activity as KidSport brings its annual Quispamsis event to life from 10am-3pm. Kids 5+ can try a variety of fun sports and games plus, score a free T-shirt! Registration is required for each child, so sign up ahead of time to save a spot. Parents, bring the sunscreen and cheer squad!

Third Shift | August 16–18
Uptown comes alive this weekend with Third Shift: Revolve, a free festival of interactive art, performances, projections, and workshops. Explore night-time exhibitions, community fairs, artist talks, and even a karaoke after-party, rain or shine. Get moving, thinking, and connecting with the city in fresh ways.
Full guide: Third Shift Guide
Map: Installation Map

Acadian Heritage Festival | August 15, 16, 17
Three days of family-friendly fun celebrate the rich history of Acadian communities. From 10am-4pm each day, enjoy live early-century flute music, historic food tastings like warm bread, molasses, and meat pies, plus pop-up reenactments of Nova Hollandia and Campagnie Franches de la Marine. Nicolas Pellerin and les grands Hurleurs perform August 16th, 2-4pm. Free admission and event parking at Fort La Tour Long Wharf washroom building all weekend long.

SATURDAY

Saint John West Days Saturday | August 16
Check out Family Day activities as Carleton Community Centre hosts a fun-filled afternoon from 12-4pm with inflatables, BBQ, face painting, henna, axe throwing, llamas, ATV & bike displays, a 360 photobooth, live music from Delbert Worden & band, Old Skool, and Radio Factory, plus Carleton All Star Cheerleading and more! 

Saint John Pride Parade | August 17
The 23rd annual parade kicks off at 1pm from Area 506, filling the waterfront with colour, music, and celebration. Bring your best rainbow gear and cheer as the procession winds through the city. Free to attend.

Community Free Fair | August 16
Queen Square turns into a hub of generosity and good vibes for the first annual Community Free Fair. Everything is free…from clothes, food, and household goods to services like item repair, haircuts, health check-ins, tax help, workshops, and more. It’s a chance for everyone to come together, share, and support one another. Whether you’re looking to give or receive, you won’t want to miss this.

Aussie Rules Tournament | August 16
For those who’ve never seen Aussie Rules Football, you’re in for a treat. It’s football at its most dynamic…non-stop action, big kicks, and a pace that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat! Don’t worry about knowing every rule; just soak in the energy as this fast-growing sport takes hold in the Maritimes. Players and fans are always happy to explain the finer points.

It’s pretty cool because this Saturday, from noon to 5pm at Canada Games Stadium, the Saint John Bulldogs will host AFL Atlantic Round 4 with visiting teams Halifax Dockers, Sydney Giants, Cornwall Tigers, and the Maine Cats on their first-ever trip to SJ. Admission is free, so bring a friend, grab a seat, and see why “footy” gets fans hooked so fast.

SUNDAY

Queen Square Farmers Market | August 17
Another Sunday in beautiful Queen Square…bring a tote, a blanket, and make it the best day of the week. Sip coffee, dig into pad thai, jerk chicken, or lemonade, and enjoy live music. Dogs, kids, and even the in-laws welcome.

Costa Nachos at The Porch | August 17
Costa Nachos rolls up to The Porch in Hampton from 12-7pm, serving supreme nachos worth the drive. Pair them with a cold drink, sit inside or out on the deck, and make it a summer night to remember. 370 Main Street.

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who always loses their umbrella…🌂

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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