🕯️Saint John's Untold Women

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Good Morning Saint John! It’s Friday the 13th… in June. So if your toast lands butter-side down or your GPS takes you to Gondola Point instead of Golden Grove, just blame the date…at least the weekend’s looking lucky 🍀.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• New graphic novel about past SJ women 📚

• Score a pass to Kings Landing 🏰

• A few ideas to dine with dad 🍽️

Have a great weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
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Saint John’s summers don’t last forever. Let’s make sure you don’t miss a minute.

Visit Autotec online to learn more, or call 506-653-9020 and stop by 90 Duke Street to get powered up for the weekend!

NEWS NOTES

🧱 Graphic Novel Gives Forgotten Saint John Women Their Spotlight

You’ve probably never heard of Sheffield Street, but a century ago, it was the talk of the town…and not in a church newsletter kind of way. Now, a new graphic novel is breathing life back into the women who lived and worked there, thanks to UNB scholar Dr. Gemma Marr and local artist KC Wilcox.

“Sheffield Street” (now Broadview Ave) was Saint John’s red-light district post-Great Fire, nestled near the barracks, factories, and railway. Marr’s research dug through jail records from 1880 to 1920, where she noticed a familiar crew of women repeatedly getting locked up for “crimes” like swearing, throwing rocks at windows, and just generally being too fiery for their time.

Instead of letting the gaps in the historical record go silent, Marr and Wilcox are using storytelling and illustrations to reimagine the lives behind those mugshots in There is a Moral in This. Part fact, part creative tribute, it’s a powerful reclaiming of Saint John’s overlooked history, and the women who lived it.

Follow their journey on Instagram at @gemeowl and @kc.wilcox.

🐓 Free pass to the past, anyone? 

Kings Landing is calling...and your local library has the hookup. From June 13–21, you can swing by the Saint John Free Public Library and grab a free one-time pass good for any visit between June 15–21.

You know the deal: costumed characters, clomping horses, hot bread, and the annual reminder that you would not have survived the 1800s. It’s charming, it’s educational, and honestly, a childhood flashback we could all get a kick out of. 

🏆 Top Clicks of the Week

Here’s what had your fingers tapping this week…from new stores to savasana in the sunshine:

Monday: Danish home goods store JYSK opening soon on west side
Tuesday: City announces Canadian Multiculturalism Day plans
Wednesday: Imperial Theatre announces Season 32 lineup
Thursday: Check out the Yoga Club’s monthly outdoor practice

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

LOCAL BUSINESS
FOODIE FRIDAY

Father’s Day Edition
Whether he’s a grill guy, a craft beer guy, or just wants someone else to handle lunch for once…here are a few local spots to take Dad this weekend that don’t involve burnt hot dogs or yard work.

Casa Latina | West Side BBQ buffet
This Sunday, Casa Latina is rolling out an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet from 10am to 8pm…ribs, chicken, and sides like Dad likes it. $24.90 for adults, $12.90 for kids. Call 506-634-6708 to book a table.

Drifter Brew Co. | BBQ platter + craft brews
Over in Rothesay, Drifter is serving up a Father’s Day feast: brisket, ribs, beans, slaw, and cornbread for $29.99. It’s hearty, smoky, and pairs perfectly with a local pint. Book online or call to reserve a table.

Yes Fried Chicken | Budget-friendly bucket
Let Dad skip the grill…and the bill! Yes Fried Chicken is offering a “2 Can Dine” deal this Sunday for just $19.88 (+ tax), including fried chicken, fries, corn, and gravy. It’s crispy, comforting, and easy on the wallet.

Wasted Day Brewing | Sandwiches, pints, and a killer patio
Wasted Day is an easy win for Dad. Grab a pint, pick up a sandwich from Jeremiah's stand inside, and settle in on the patio with a view.

Picaroons General Store | Pizza, pints, and board games
Let Dad kick back with a beer while the kids crush a round of Uno. Pair a pint with a Pomodori pizza from next door and make it a low-key Father’s Day hangout.

Foghorn Brewing | Sunday pints in the valley
Rothesay’s go-to Sunday Funday spot. Bring Dad by for a pint and stick around for Music Bingo, starting at 3pm. Chill, cheerful, and no grill cleanup required.

Whatever kind of Dad you’ve got - chill, chatty, or just hungry, there’s something tasty waiting for him around town!

_{^{Nothing here is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when things are sponsored.}}

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

A Few Weekend Add Ons

Walk for Mental Health | June 14
Lace up and head to Rothesay Netherwood School for a 5km loop that supports Just Us, a local charity offering free and low-cost counselling. The walk runs 10am–12pm and winds through East Riverside Kinghurst Park. It’s an easy stroll with a big impact, and maybe even a free t-shirt if you registered early. Rain or shine, come walk for someone who matters.

Barrio Fiesta | June 14
The Filipino Association of NB is throwing a full-on street party at the Container Village this Saturday, and the whole city’s invited. The fun kicks off at 4:30pm with a cultural parade, then rolls into a night of live music, dance, and food — including a 9pm set from Chappyweezy Maestrado. Come for the celebration of Filipino culture, stay for the vibes.

More to Look Forward to

Pop Up Community Market | June 22
The Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park turns into a summer shopping stroll with the return of the Pop Up Community Market. Expect local vendors, crafts, treats, and a few fun extras, like Jump for Fun inflatables and Mar’s Minidonuts. It’s a sweet way to kick off the season and support small businesses while you’re at it. Rain or shine, come hang out.

Strawberry Fest | June 28
Cambridge-Narrows is throwing a berry big party. Swing by 1409 Bridge Drive for a full day of local food, vendors, contests, and yes…free strawberry shortcake (while it lasts). There’s washer toss, baking battles, art and writing contests, plus a concert to cap off the evening. Family-friendly, community-powered, and sweet in every sense. Festivities start early and roll all day. Be sure to register early for the various competitions. 

Sunset Yoga | July 8
Strike a pose by the river at Renforth Rotary Park, where free community yoga returns for another summer season. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and there’s a chance to win a $50 Yoga Haus gift card just for showing up. Session starts at 7pm - bring your mat, your chillest vibes, and maybe a friend who needs some midweek zen. Rain date is the following evening.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*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 WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 On Wednesday we snapped a pic of of this stained glass around the donor wall at Imperial Theatre as they kicked of Season 32! Shout out to Fred J for knowing exactly where this pic was taken!

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who is way too superstitious 😬.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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