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Good morning, Saint John! Canada's World Cup adventure continues tonight against Qatar in Vancouver. The group standings are currently deadlocked, with all four teams sitting on one point. If you're still fuzzy on how the tournament works, here’s a fantastic explainer below that makes it all surprisingly easy to follow.

Here’s today’s starting lineup:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

No surveys were conducted, but we're pretty confident the ideal Father's Day involves BBQ, a cold drink and absolutely no yard work.

This Father's Day weekend, bring Dad to Montana's Saint John for lunch or dinner and you'll be entered for a chance to win a Blackstone 36" Griddle, perfect for backyard burgers, breakfast hash and spending the rest of summer pretending he's on a cooking show.

Every visit earns a ballot. Winner announced June 22. Must be present to enter. Ask your server for details.

🚂 The train will win

A lot of Saint John drivers have had the same thought at least once… "I can squeeze through."

The City of Saint John would prefer you didn't try that at a railway crossing.

Anyone who regularly drives through the Ashburn Lake Road crossing by Deluxe has probably seen the temptation firsthand. Traffic backs up, the light changes, and somebody decides to roll onto the tracks anyway and just wait it out.

The city is reminding drivers not to enter a crossing unless there's enough room to clear it completely. The warning comes as rail crossing collisions across Canada have increased by about 20 per cent since 2020-21.

Trains can take kilometres to stop, and in any contest between a locomotive and your vehicle, the locomotive is heavily favoured.

🐉 Dragon boats need a few more dragons

Organizers of Dragons on the Lake are looking for volunteers for this year's event at Lily Lake. Roles range from race marshals and parking attendants to family zone helpers and team support, with the annual fundraiser returning to Rockwood Park in August. If you've ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city's biggest summer events, this might be your chance.

_{^{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

The city’s rail safety reminder got us thinking…every Saint John driver has that one local traffic move that makes them shake their head. From the infamous zipper merge to people forgetting what traffic signs mean, we’ve seen it all out on the streets…but what grinds your gears most?

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

WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Team Canada Soccer Watch Party | June 18
Canada takes on Qatar and AREA 506 is putting the match on the big screen. Bring your own chair, grab a spot in the Container Village and cheer on Team Canada from 7-10pm. A good excuse to wear red on a Thursday.

Psychic Medium Mel | June 18
Psychic Medium Mel brings her Messages From the Beyond tour to the Delta Hotel for an evening of group readings, audience messages and spiritual connection. The event runs from 6-8pm, with doors opening at 5:30pm. While not everyone is guaranteed a personal reading, attendees can expect an intimate night focused on messages, reflection and plenty of emotion. Tickets are $40 plus fees.

FRIDAY

East Coast Games | June 19-21
More than a dozen sports, hundreds of athletes and venues spread across the Saint John region. The East Coast Games return for their 10th anniversary weekend with everything from soccer and softball to fencing, lacrosse, pickleball, track and field and a 5K road race. Check the full schedule online to find competitions near you.

Summer Kickoff Party at KBM | June 19
The KBM Outing Association is kicking off summer with live music from Penalty Box, a newly renovated bar and plenty of dancing. Doors open at 7pm, music starts at 8pm and tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. This is a 19+ event and the bar is cash only.

SATURDAY

Bike Rodeo | June 20
Kids can brush up on bicycle safety while having some fun at Grand Bay-Westfield's annual Bike Rodeo from 11am-12:30pm at the Brundage Point River Centre. Bring a bike, helmet and guardian for safety talks, bike checkups, a BBQ, prizes and a chance to win a bicycle.

Atlantic Plant Expo | June 20
Plant lovers may want to clear some trunk space. The Atlantic Plant Expo rolls into the Kent Theatre from noon to 3:30pm with vendors from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia offering everything from rare houseplants to accessories and plant-themed goodies. Admission is free.

Fundy Heights Community Yard Sale | June 20
Fundy Heights residents are clearing out garages and driveways for a neighbourhood-wide yard sale. Anyone living on a dead-end street can set up at Seaside Park, and young entrepreneurs are encouraged to bring their lemonade stands and popsicles.

Rockwood Orienteering Challenge | June 20
Think of it as a scavenger hunt with a map and compass. Orienteering New Brunswick hosts a public event at Fisher Lakes in Rockwood Park with beginner-friendly and advanced courses available. No experience required and help will be available on site.

Saint John Rapids vs Halifax Hurricanes | June 20
The Saint John Rapids host the Halifax Hurricanes at Lord Beaverbrook Arena from 3-6pm. A chance to catch high-level lacrosse action and cheer on the home team as the summer season heats up.

SUNDAY

Storytime Sunday with Gretchen Kelbaugh | June 21
Local author Gretchen Kelbaugh takes over the Market Square Atrium from 11am-noon for a free hour of stories, personal storytelling and a few surprises. Grab a seat and settle in for a relaxed Sunday morning that's suitable for all ages.

_{^{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone to help us move the ball forward ⚽!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher