🇨🇦 Party like it's 1867

Good morning, Saint John! We're taking Canada Day off tomorrow, but before we go, we need your help settling a deeply important Canadian debate…what's the greatest Heritage Minute quote of all time? Hit reply with your favourite…in the meantime, it’s your patriotic duty and watch the entire catalogue here (including the new ones!).

Some info to enjoy with your burnt toast:

Have a great Canada Day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🌎 Spare room, lifelong friendship

Every year, international students come to New Brunswick to attend local high schools, live with host families and experience life in Canada. Before they can arrive this fall, though, about 20 students still need a place to call home.

Atlantic Education International matches students with local families who provide a home-away-from-home while they attend school, giving them a chance to experience everyday Canadian life.

Turns out hosting an international student is less about changing your life and more about sharing it.

"It takes a couple of weeks for everyone to find their groove, then they really become another member of the household," says Harbour View High School homestay coordinator Sacha Koumbias. She says families don't need to reinvent their routines. Students simply join in on family dinners, weekend outings and day-to-day life while building friendships that often last well beyond their time in New Brunswick.

The experience goes both ways, too. Sacha says host families often rediscover their own community through fresh eyes, while many students return to visit years later and stay connected with the families who welcomed them.

Interested in learning more? AEI South is currently matching host families with students arriving this fall.

💻 A doctor, minus the waiting room

Need to see a doctor, but your family physician is away or you don't have one? Starting today, New Brunswickers can access a new provincewide virtual health-care service.

Virtual Care NB connects patients with a health-care provider by video, phone or online chat for many non-emergency concerns, including common illnesses, infections, prescription renewals, followups and lab referrals. Appointments will be available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, with same-day or next-day booking.

You'll be able to access the service through MyHealthNB, Tele-Care 811 or the province's new Virtual Care NB website. The province says it's designed for people without a primary care provider or anyone whose regular provider isn't available for an issue that can't wait.

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🎆 COUNTDOWN TO CANADA DAY

CLASSIFIED on The Boardwalk | June 30
Summer officially kicks off on the Boardwalk with Canadian hip-hop star Classified. The free waterfront concert launches the city's summer series, so expect a lively crowd and plenty of familiar hits.

Grand Bay-Westfield Canada Day Kickoff Fireworks | June 30
Grand Bay-Westfield is getting a head start on Canada Day with a free community BBQ, music from DJ Steve and fireworks launched from Westfield Wharf. The BBQ runs at Brundage Point River Centre before the 10pm fireworks display, with donations accepted for the Westfield & District Recreation Association’s Raise the Roof Project.

🇨🇦 CANADA DAY

5th Annual Canada Day Waterfront Festival | July 1
AREA 506 is hosting a full day of free Canada Day fun on the waterfront, with magic shows, The Upsy Daisies, Canadian Music Bingo, Battle of the Bands and Dr. Frankenband on stage. Families can also check out princess and superhero photo ops, face painting, circus school, an aerial show and a make-your-own Team Canada jersey activity in the Village.

Canada Day at the City Market | July 1
The City Market is marking Canada Day with free face painting, candy kabobs while supplies last and live music from Pandemonium Steel Band. It’s an easy Uptown stop before heading out to the rest of the day’s festivities.

BRAN VAN 3000 on The Boardwalk | July 1
Canada Day wraps up on The Boardwalk with a free concert headlined by Bran Van 3000. The music starts earlier in the day with Hope King, Cheeky Boys, The Dave Myles Band and Just Like Heaven, with free registration recommended for event updates.

Canada Day at Market Square | July 1
Market Square is bringing Canada Day indoors with live music, family-friendly activities, games, local vendors, giveaways and a few surprises in the Atrium. In other words, festive plans with air conditioning, which is really the most patriotic part.

Celebrate Canada Day in Quispamsis | July 1
Quispamsis is celebrating Canada Day at the Arts and Culture Park with free all-ages fun from 11am to 3pm. Expect eight new inflatables, including an obstacle course, plus a BBQ, prizes, community booths and live music from Ray Legere and Acoustic Horizon, High Tide and Dram and A Draw. Donations for the Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket will be accepted at the entrance, with the Quispamsis Memorial Arena as the rain location.

Canada Day in Rothesay | July 1
Rothesay Common is going red and white from noon to 3pm with a flag-raising ceremony, music, face painting, balloon animals, circus fun, bubbles, hair tinsel, inflatables, lawn games and enough treats to make the kids very easy to spot later. Activities are free, except for the BBQ, and donations for the Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket are encouraged. Rain location is Rothesay Arena.

Canada Day in Hampton | July 1
Hampton is making a full day of it with Canada Day events running around town from 11am to 9pm. The lineup includes a vendor market, live music, laser tag, inflatables, face painting, bingo, free swims, museum tours, family games, soccer activities, a foam party and a free evening concert with Third Harmony. There are no fireworks this year, but they did manage to fit in just about everything else.

Canada Day in Fundy St. Martins | July 1
Fundy St. Martins is celebrating from 11am to 2pm at the 4 Season Complex on Route 111 in St. Martins. The day includes the grand opening of the playground area beside the soccer field, hot dogs, cake, water, kids’ activities, bouncy castles, nerf guns, washer toss, badminton, soccer, ball hockey and live music from guests of the St. Martins Monday night music jam.

Latimore Lake Cats Canada Day Yard Sale | July 1
Support Latimore Lake Cats while hunting for a bargain. The fundraiser features everything from clothing and housewares to pet supplies, plus a barbecue and lemonade stand with proceeds helping local cats in care.

Canada Day at Carleton Martello Tower | July 1
Carleton Martello Tower is celebrating Canada Day with free admission to the Visitor Centre, cake, refreshments, a family scavenger hunt and prize giveaways. The event runs rain or shine, which feels very on-brand for a national historic site.

Free Summer Concert Series at Unity Park | July 1
Pack a lawn chair and enjoy another evening of free outdoor music at Unity Park. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the concert moves indoors to the Brundage Point River Centre.

📍Discover tons more upcoming events across the Saint John region.

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📸 Baixi Liu | 📍 Multicultural Parade on Water Street

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🌅 5:39am | 🌇 9:15pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher