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- 🐾 October is off the leash
🐾 October is off the leash
SJ Today
October 29, 2025
In partnerships with:
Good morning Saint John! Another day in October means another day cheering on the Blue Jays and wishing the games would start just a bit earlier 🧢☕.
Here’s what we’re swinging at this morning:
Strong & Free comes with a fee 💰
Parade deadline coming fast ⚠️
Last triple-ship day of 2025 🚢
Let’s get in to it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
More Than a Stage ✨
For 25 years, InterAction School of Performing Arts has been quietly transforming Saint John’s youth, helping kids find belonging, confidence, and community through the arts. Whether it’s a shy six-year-old discovering her singing voice or a teen finding his footing in theatre, this is where creativity meets connection.
Financial aid and inclusive programs ensure every child can take part. Music, dance, drama, all in one place and all about heart. Find your spot and learn more at InterAction!
NEWS NOTES
🎅 Last call for Santa Claus parade
Registration for the 72nd Santa Claus Parade closes October 31 at noon, and this is the first year in decades with a revised route. Floats will launch from the Cruise Ship Terminals on Water Street before looping back to the classic uptown-to-north-end stretch via St. Patrick, the viaduct, Main Street North and Lansdowne.
It’s free to enter, and this year’s theme is Animated Christmas. If your group wants in, the clock is almost out. Register your float here.
🛳 Triple the ships, triple the fun
Wednesday marks the final triple-ship day of the season in Saint John. The Enchanted Princess docks at MPCT at 7:30am with 3,600 passengers, the Brilliance of the Seas arrives at DJCT at 7am carrying 2,100, and the Seven Seas Splendor pulls in at LW at 12:30pm with 750. A busy day for the port city…that’s up to 6,500 dodging those rental scooters abandoned all long Water street.
🐾 Paws, pumpkins, and costume
Pics courtesy of SJ City Market
The City Market went full howl-o-ween last Saturday for the Great Pumpkin Pet Party. Dogs in costumes, from tiny pumpkins to a spaghetti and meatballs ensemble, strutted their stuff while Mayor Donna Reardon played judge. The event raised nearly $400 in donations plus supplies for the SPCA, proving Saint John’s pets are not just cute, they are charitable too.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
🍁 Saint John brand in a plate fight out west
A Saint John entrepreneur may have Alberta in a bind over its new licence plates. The province is rolling out designs with the slogan Strong and Free but that exact phrase on licence plates is already trademarked by Denise Dow’s company Strong & Free Emblem Inc. The mark covers more than 200 items including shirts, pucks and metal plates. Dow says she is not trying to block Alberta from showing pride. She wants to negotiate a modest royalty and donate part of it to an Alberta charity. Trademark experts call it a tricky case but say most of these disputes settle before court. Dow built the brand herself and says she will defend it.
🤖 3D print shop levels up again
Uptown’s techy gift stop is moving up a level. Martin Max, the 3D-print-everything store that started in Market Square, is crossing the pedway into Brunswick Square for more space and more eyeballs. They already took the old Coles at McAllister, and now it’s two former Coles in one season. Build-out starts soon with a pre-Christmas opening planned.
SPONSORED
Time to Shine! ☀️
Your business deserves the spotlight. Advertise in our newsletter and be part of the morning buzz!
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Last hack at the pumpkin 🎃
If you’re hunting for Halloween fun this week, here’s your spooky rundown.
Family Frights and Delights 🪄
Chroma NB Halloween Party | October 30
Get ready for a spooktacular evening at Chroma NB! From 5–8 PM, enjoy snacks, games, crafts, music, and a costume contest for the whole family. Come dressed to impress, or to scare, and join your community for a night full of creativity, fun, and Halloween spirit.
Wellness Café Halloween Edition | October 30
Unwind in a cozy, Halloween-themed session at SJNC Community Hub. Enjoy crafts, tasty treats, and a chance to connect with friends in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Runs 5–6 PM, and everyone’s welcome to join in person for a little spooky self-care.
Halloween at River Road Hub | October 31
Celebrate Halloween in Central Browns Flat with a safe, walkable experience at the River Road Hub and Wallace Road area. Pass out candy to up to 100 little ghouls and goblins, enjoy festive decorations, and when Trunk or Treat winds down, explore this year’s Haunted Dragon’s Lair for a spooky walk-through adventure.
Trick or Treat at the Market | October 31
Bring the little ghouls and goblins to the Saint John City Market from 4–6 PM for free treats, costume prizes, and family-friendly fun. Explore the historic Market, enjoy some spooky surprises, and celebrate Halloween in a lively, festive atmosphere…if you dare!
Latimore Lake Trunk and Treat | October 31
Latimore Lake and Area Community Center is hosting its first Trunk and Treat from 5–7 PM. Families can enjoy a festive evening of candy, costumes, and community fun. Local businesses and neighbors are joining in to make it a spooky, safe, and memorable Halloween for kids of all ages.
Halloween Clay Sculpting Workshop | October 31
Get creative this Halloween at CAM Institute of Design! Join a clay sculpting workshop at 3 PM and bring your spooky ideas to life. Costumes are encouraged, spots are limited, and the $10 fee covers all materials. Perfect for a hands-on, festive afternoon of art and fun.
Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun 👻
Wellness Café Halloween Edition | October 30
Unwind in a cozy, Halloween-themed session at SJNC Community Hub. Enjoy crafts, tasty treats, and a chance to connect with friends in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Runs 5–6 PM, and everyone’s welcome to join in person for a little spooky self-care.
Halloween Party at Dooly’s | October 30
Dooly’s Prince Edward Square is hosting a Halloween bash from 7 PM with costumes, cocktails, and creepy fun. Test your luck with Halloween-themed games, enjoy sweet treats, sip spooky cocktails, and compete in the costume contest for a prize announced at midnight. Whether you’re in it for chills or thrills, come dressed to impress and join the night’s festivities.
Halloween Tarot at Five & Dime | October 31
Get spooky at Five & Dime from 4–8 PM with tarot readings by Chic Mystic and good vibes from Celestial Sage. Grab a drink, get a reading, and enjoy a mystical Halloween evening with friends in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
A Nightmare on Water Street | October 31
Back from the dead for one night only, AREA 506 hosts a Halloween bash with DJ J-Demi and DJ Mike RedBlue. Costumes are highly encouraged, drink specials flow, and there’s over $500 in prizes for the best-dressed. Doors open at 7 PM, music kicks off at 8 PM. $25 admission, 19+, and arrive before 10 for your shot at glory.
Halloween Bash at Five & Dime | October 31
WAZZUP!? Five & Dime is throwing a Halloween party you won’t want to miss. DJ J-Demi and DJ Mike RedBlue will be spinning scary-good tunes all night. Come in costume, hit the dance floor, and enjoy the festivities…no cover, party kicks off at 10 PM.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸
Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. If you think you can place this fella, hit reply and give it your best guess. We’re reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s newsletter.
Tag @sjtoday.ca on Facebook to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 5:43 AM(Wed 29 October) | 6.49 m(21.29 ft) |
Low Tide | 11:54 AM(Wed 29 October) | 2.43 m(7.97 ft) |
High Tide | 6:03 PM(Wed 29 October) | 6.8 m(22.31 ft) |
Reach Readers Daily!
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who wants to be a baseball player for halloween ⚾.
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher