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Good morning, Saint John! Apparently today is National Popcorn Lovers Day, which feels like a very reasonable excuse to shout out Mark over at Poppn on Churchill Boulevard, where the popcorn flavours have gone well beyond the old butter-and-salt routine…need a snack? Try the loaded baked potato! 🍿

Here’s the rest of today’s flavour:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

The Fundy Sea Shanty Festival returns March 26 to 28 to bring us the 2nd Annual Spring Tide Shantyfest, transforming uptown Saint John into a celebration of maritime music and heritage.

Expect soaring harmonies, a cappella sea songs, Celtic tunes, and lively pub performances across the Delta, O’Leary’s and more. There are workshops including knot-tying sessions, sea glass experiences, whiskey tastings, historical talks, and more woven throughout the weekend.

Join us for an authentic East Coast experience as we say hello to spring in Saint John!

📦 Container traffic surges at Port Saint John

Global shipping company DP World is tooting its horn about the growth of its operations at Port Saint John, reporting that container volumes jumped nearly 30% last year. The terminal handled about 239,000 containers in 2025, up from roughly 185,000 the year before.

Zoom out and the growth is even bigger. Since 2021, container traffic through the port has climbed about 175%, following the $247-million modernization of the West Side container terminal, which wrapped up earlier this year.

🏅 YMCA Red Triangle honourees

Two local leaders will be recognized this spring as the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick announces its 2026 Red Triangle Award gala.

Longtime business leader Jim Shaw is this year’s Red Triangle Award recipient, recognized for decades of leadership and community service, including work with organizations like Hospice Greater Saint John and the Hope Mission Food Bank.

The Leader to Watch Award goes to Joelynn Annoh-Kwafo, a young leader known for her work with the YMCA Youth Council and her efforts to support and empower local youth while pursuing medical school.

Both will be honoured at the Red Triangle Award Gala on May 14 at the Saint John Regional YMCA, with proceeds supporting YMCA programs that keep services accessible across the community.

🎸 KV Music Fest reveals first acts

KV Music Fest has begun rolling out its lineup for the September event, with Raglan Road, veteran Canadian rock outfit TOQUE, and Nova Scotia favourites The Trews announced so far for the September long weekend. Tickets go on sale Friday, with organizers teasing at least one more lineup reveal still to come.

💬 THE RESULTS

Yesterday we asked whether you could see yourself running for city council someday. The answer from SJ Today readers was… a pretty strong preference for keeping your evenings free.

😌 No thanks, I like my free time – 67%
✅ Yes, absolutely – 13%
💻 I’ll stick to the comment section – 10%
🤷 Maybe… if the right issue came up – 9%

Here’s what some of you had to say about the idea of running for council and the issues that might bring you to the table:

Meanwhile, the conversation isn’t just happening in Saint John. The Town of Quispamsis is also hosting an information session for prospective municipal candidates on Tuesday, March 17 at 3:30pm in Council Chambers at Town Hall. Residents were asked to pre-register to gauge interest, but town officials tell us anyone curious about running is still welcome to attend. An Elections NB representative is also expected to be there to answer questions.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Spring Beauty Pop-Up at In Pursuit | March 12
In Pursuit on King Street is teaming up with students from Infinite Beauty Academy for a spring-inspired beauty event on Thursday, March 12 from 1–6pm. The afternoon will feature complimentary gel polish manicures and hand massage treatments provided by academy students gaining hands-on experience as they work toward graduation. Guests will also find refreshments in store and a no-tax shopping window during the event, with donations being collected for Sophia Recovery Centre.

Saint John Region Seasonal Employment Job Fair | March 12
Envision Saint John is hosting a seasonal employment job fair on Thursday, March 12 from 11am-1:30pm at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. The event is meant for people looking for temporary work and employers gearing up for the busy season, with businesses from several sectors expected on site. Community partners including WorkingNB, Immigration New Brunswick, The Work Room, and the Saint John Newcomers Centre will also be there to help job seekers make connections.

Future Proof Your Business Climate Action Workshop | March 12
The Saint John Region Chamber is holding a Climate Action and Resilience Workshop on Thursday, March 12 from 9am-noon at the Union Club. Designed for local small and medium-sized businesses, the session focuses on practical ways to deal with climate risk, rising costs, and supply chain headaches before they become bigger problems. Chamber members can attend free, lunch is provided, and participants are encouraged to complete the online prep course beforehand.

Adult Sewing Series Beginner and Beyond | March 12
Anyone who has ever looked at a sewing machine like it was a spaceship might want this one. Chavah Lindsay is starting a four-week Adult Sewing Series on Thursday, March 12 from 6-8pm at her studio on Nerepis Road in Grand Bay-Westfield. The small class is geared to beginners and returning sewists, with project options like pajama pants, tote bags, or aprons. Materials are included at $225, or $200 if you bring your own fabric.

Fundy Sea Shanty Night | March 12
Fundy Sea Shanty Night is back on Thursday, March 12 at 7pm at O’Leary’s Pub on Princess Street in Saint John. There’s no admission fee, and the night is all about getting a room full of people singing along to traditional sailor songs that go back to the age of sail. Last month drew a record crowd, so this one’s for anyone who likes live music, local atmosphere, and a chorus that gets louder after every round.

FRIDAY

Five and Dime Reopening Party | March 13
Five and Dime is celebrating a fresh new look with a reopening party Friday, March 13 at its Grannan Street spot in Saint John. The evening is shaping up as a laid-back after-work hang with drink specials and a few featured cocktails, including an espresso martini, spicy margarita, Aperol spritz, and amaretto sour. If you’ve been meaning to check out the updated space, this might be the night to swing by and see what they’ve done with it.

Spanish English Language Exchange | March 13
The Spanish-English Language Exchange group is gathering Friday, March 13 at Fusion East for a relaxed night of conversation, connection, and low-pressure language practice. The event is open to all backgrounds and skill levels, so people can show up whether they’re fluent, rusty, or just trying not to panic mid-sentence. It’s being organized as a welcoming social space where learners can meet new people, support each other, and maybe laugh through the awkward bits.

SATURDAY

Spring Market | March 14
The Quispamsis Lions Club is hosting a Spring Market on Saturday, March 14 from 9am-1pm at 9 Market Street, behind Foodland. The market promises homemade goods, treats, crafts, and a bit of everything else, with free admission and parking. There will also be a 50/50 and raffle tied to vendor donations, with proceeds supporting the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program. Good excuse to browse around and call it productive.

City Market magic and music | March 14
There’ll be a little extra happening around the Saint John City Market this Saturday afternoon. Magician Bernard Cormier will be roaming the market from 12–3pm performing close-up magic, the kind that happens right in front of you and still leaves you scratching your head. At the same time, local singer-songwriter Dillon Ryan will be playing live, bringing a mix of original songs and familiar 80s favourites. Not a bad soundtrack if you’re already planning a Saturday market wander.

Artist Talk with Dimitri Karakostas | March 14
The Saint John Arts Centre is hosting an artist talk with photographer Dimitri Karakostas on Saturday, March 14 at 2pm in the Rotunda Gallery. Karakostas will speak about his photography practice, influences, and some of the history behind the medium. His exhibition Incorrectly Perceived As Being Empty is currently on display at SJAC through March 20, giving visitors a chance to see the work and hear directly from the artist behind it.

William Prince | March 14
William Prince plays the Imperial Theatre on Saturday, March 14 at 8pm, bringing his acclaimed songwriting and songs from Further From the Country to Saint John. The two-time JUNO winner has built a strong following through major festival appearances, theatre shows, and the kind of songs that hit people right in the chest. Advance tickets are $60, or $65 at the door, for anyone planning a Saturday night with zero small talk and very good music.

SUNDAY

Pete’s Pub Shamrock Shuffle | March 15
The 33rd annual Pete’s Pub Shamrock Shuffle goes Sunday, March 15 at 11am, starting at Picaroons General Store on Canterbury Street. Organized by Alex P Coffin and Katherine Ferguson, the event is a 3km out-and-back run or walk along Harbour Passage, with a $20 entry fee supporting Red Head Stray Cats. Chili and rolls are promised back at Picaroons afterward, dogs are welcome, and yes, wearing green is very much part of the assignment.

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📸 Stephen Landicho | 📍 Mt Pleasant Ave

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who works at the Regional and could use a snack 🍿.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher