🎆 New Stage Rocks Canada Day

Good Morning Saint John! Father’s Day isn’t here yet, but the low hum of lawnmowers is already rolling through the suburbs like a dad-themed warning siren. Grills are warming, bad jokes are revving up…brace for impact. 🍖

Here’s what’s cookin’ this morning:

• City announces Canada Day celebration 🎉

• Revival premieres tonight 🍿

• Make your weekend plans now 🚀

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🇨🇦 Saint John Goes Big for Canada Day 

Saint John isn’t just celebrating Canada’s birthday this year, it’s throwing a full-blown 10-hour waterfront party and cramming every square inch of downtown with music, magic, cake, superheroes, and (of course) fireworks.

On July 1, the city and AREA 506 are teaming up again for the fourth annual Canada Day Waterfront Festival, taking over Ihtoli-Maqahamok – The Gathering Space and the Container Village from noon until the sky lights up at Long Wharf around 10pm. It’s free, family-friendly, and so packed with stuff, you might need a flowchart.

Highlights? Try a slice of cake at 1pm on the boardwalk stage after the official remarks, catch circus school and photo ops with superheroes at the Container Village, or play Canadian music bingo for actual prizes. Live bands bounce between both venues all day…Slowcoaster, The Artificially Hip, Catherine Kennedy, Oreo Jones Band and more. And if that’s not enough, a magician named Nathaniel will be appearing and disappearing in multiple places.

Bring your sunscreen, comfy shoes, and maybe a backup snack. This thing’s going all day.

🚤 Meet the River’s New First Responder

Just in time for river season, the Grand Bay-Westfield Fire-Rescue team has officially levelled up…they now offer full water rescue services thanks to a brand-new rescue boat that sounds straight out of a James Bond chase scene: the 2025 Highfield Patrol 600 Rigid Inflatable Boat.

It’s a mouthful, but more importantly, it’s built for fast, safe response on the water. That means if you find yourself up the river without a paddle (or just being a little too confident on a Sea-Doo), the crew’s got you.

The new water rescue program comes with a suite of rescue equipment and regular training sessions, which you might spot along the river, sometimes with help from the Coast Guard or neighbouring fire departments. It’s already been put to the test, both in training and real calls.

Consider this your friendly reminder: summer’s here, the river is calling, and someone’s watching out in case it all goes sideways.

🎬 Saint John Gets the Sci-Fi Spotlight 

The buzzed-about TV thriller Revival premieres tonight at 11pm on CTV Sci-Fi and hits Crave tomorrow.

Filmed in Saint John, Sussex, Hampton, and Grand Bay-Westfield, the series stars Melanie Scrofano as a small-town cop solving a murder, while the dead mysteriously return to life.

Watch for familiar backdrops and local faces, including nine-year-old Saint Johner Flora McInroy, who landed a role as one of the undead thanks to a tip from her hairstylist mom on set.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

⚾ Alpines Postponed for Field Fixes
Thursday night’s showdown between the Saint John Alpines and the Moncton Mets is officially benched…not because of weather, but because the field needs a little TLC. Memorial Field’s undergoing some unexpected maintenance, so the game’s postponed until further notice.

WEEKEND PREVIEW
Art battles, bikes, plants, and dad’s day fun, this weekend is packed. Clear your schedule and dive in!

THURSDAY

Meet a Motorcycle | June 12
Get revved for the annual Meet a Motorcycle event at Rocmaura Nursing Home’s parking lot, 5–6:30pm. Think touch-a-truck but with bikes - classic, electric, two or three wheels, pedal-powered too! Enjoy a $5 BBQ, swag giveaways, and a 50/50 draw. Then join the Ride for Rocmaura at 6:30pm with the Red Knights Firefighters Riding Club—$15 registration on site. Funds raised help replace a wheelchair van so residents can get out and about.

Ribfest 506 | June 12–15
The grills are firing up and the sauce is ready…Ribfest 506 is back on McAllister Drive for four full days of smoky, meaty bliss. Expect ribs galore, live music, and a bustling vendor scene to keep you fed and entertained. This year’s edition is bigger than ever, so come hungry and pace yourself. It all kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Gracefire Sarah Smith and Poets & Liars | June 12
Catch Gracefire Sarah Smith and Poets & Liars live at Haven Music Hall on June 12. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. It’s an all-ages night packed with great local music.

FRIDAY

ArtLove Live Painting | June 13
Get ready for an evening of colour and creativity at Saint John City Market! Local artists will battle it out in a live painting competition, with brushes flying in three thrilling rounds. Watch the art unfold and cheer on your favourite, the winner moves on to the Maritime final in Shediac this September. Tickets are $20 plus fees, with all proceeds supporting P.R.O. Kids Saint John.

Roller Skate Night at Lord Beaverbrook Rink | June 13
Saint John, lace up your skates for a day of rolling fun at Lord Beaverbrook Rink. Family skate sessions run 4-6pm and 6-8pm, open to all ages, followed by an adult skate from 8-10pm (16+). Bring your own skates or rent a pair on site. Tickets are $16 for adults, $8 for kids 12 and under. Don’t forget to fill out the online waiver before you arrive!

SATURDAY

Father’s Day at City Market | June 14
This Saturday, the Saint John City Market is all about dads from 10am to 3pm. Test dad’s skills in the playful Dad Olympics by North Market Seafood, snap a festive photo at the Germain Street entrance, or get crafty with the kids making paper moths at Slocum & Ferris. Plus, shop local vendors for unique gifts and tasty snacks to make Father’s Day extra special.

Garden Plant Sale for ALS Walk Strong | June 14
Ready to freshen up your garden? Stop by Saint Rose School on Manawagonish Rd this Saturday from 9am to noon for a plant sale featuring outdoor plants, shrubs, and flowers, all supporting ALS Walk Strong 2025. Perfect for filling those empty garden spots. Then don’t miss the Walk Strong event Sunday at 10am in Market Square. Everyone’s invited to join the cause.

Not Your Grandmother’s Yard Sale | June 14
This isn’t your average driveway deal-fest. A trio of friends is throwing a mega yard sale at 68 Evergreen Ave with clothes in all sizes, household finds, local art, snacks, and even face painting. It runs 8am-2pm, rain date was June 7, so this is the rescheduled one. Cash is king, and sharing the event gets you a sweet treat at checkout. Yes, really. 

Saint John Pet Palooza | June 14
This Saturday, The Kent Theatre hosts Saint John’s biggest pet party from 10am-4pm. Meet local rescues, groomers, vets, crafters, and a 3D printer (!) while your furry friends enjoy leash-friendly fun. There’s a BBQ supporting canine therapy for first responders, brush demos, photo ops, giveaways, raffles, and balloon animals. Admission is by donation, so bring your best pals and a little cash for prizes and treats.

Yoga Club Outdoor Sessions | June 14
Ready to stretch and breathe in nature? Starting June 14, Port City Peace Yoga leads monthly outdoor yoga gatherings at surprise scenic spots around Saint John. Each session blends gentle movement, mindful journaling, and group vibes, with themes like Flow & Surrender and Rebirth. Expect a little adventure on unpaved trails and bring whatever you need for the outdoors. Drop in for one or all four sessions this summer.

SUNDAY

Dog vs. Cat Nutrition Talk | June 15
Turns out, cats and dogs shouldn’t eat the same dinner, and Summit Pets is here to explain why. This free 10am session dives into what our pets really need (think taurine, protein, raw vs. kibble) so you can make smarter choices at the bowl. Bonus: snacks for humans, deals on premium food, and maybe a few “a-ha” moments for longtime pet owners too.

Green River Revival CCR Tribute | June 15
Celebrate Father’s Day with Canada’s top Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, Green River Revival, at the Imperial Theatre. Expect all the greatest hits delivered with energy and style. The show starts at 7pm, tickets are $55. Don’t wait to grab your spot for a night of classic rock nostalgia.

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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