🤩 Some big names coming to town

Good morning, Saint John! 51 giant beavers are hiding around the city of Toronto as part of a World Cup scavenger hunt. Around here, we're chasing beavertails and hoping vuvuzelas return for the World Cup this week.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🎭 Imperial unveils Season 33

The Imperial Theatre rolled out its 33rd season Tuesday night in front of a sold-out crowd, and there's a little something for everyone...assuming your interests range from Leonard Cohen to Pokémon and Japanese drumming.

Some of the biggest names coming to Saint John include comedian JB Smoove, The Sheepdogs, Kathleen Edwards, Steven Page, Dwayne Gretzky, Leif Vollebekk and Ria Mae. The season also features YAMATO the Drummers of Japan, The Debaters' 20th anniversary tour, Lennie Gallant's Innkeepers Christmas, and Hold On To Your Butts, a two-person comedy parody of Jurassic Park that has developed a cult following.

Meanwhile, film fans can look forward to retro screenings of The Devil Wears Prada, Napoleon Dynamite, Spaceballs, The Sound of Music and more. Safe to say the Imperial will be seeing a lot of us throughout the 33rd season. 

👮 Chief for a Day

Saint John's police chief was 11 years old on Tuesday.

Jesse Fallon spent the day as the Saint John Police's Chief for a Day, touring headquarters, meeting officers and learning how policing works in the city.

No word on his plans for the force, but we'd be surprised if they didn't involve at least a box of Timbits…

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🍺 Hampton Brewing buys local campground

The former Firefly Forest campground in Hampton is under new ownership, and the buyers might be familiar to anyone who's grabbed a pint nearby.

The owners of Hampton Brewing Company have purchased the 37-acre Robertson Road property for $1.1 million, bringing on local builder Josh Yeomans as a partner in the deal. The campground, which reopened this spring as Hampton Recreation, includes campsites, mini putt and a driving range.

Brewery manager Ashley Parker told AllNewBrunswick, the group saw tourism as a more exciting opportunity than simply expanding beer production. No major changes are planned right away, but there's already a "fun list of plans in the air." Which means the people responsible for your weekend beer can now also offer you a campsite and, if you're lucky, maybe a s'more.

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Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

Networking Mixer Fostering Inclusive Workplaces | June 12
PRUDE Inc. is hosting a networking mixer focused on creating more inclusive workplaces from 5:30-7:30pm at Market Square. The event will bring together employers, leaders and professionals to talk about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging — and how those conversations can help strengthen workplace culture and attract talent. A good chance to connect with people working to make local workplaces a little more welcoming for everyone.

Breasts Ahoy Yard Sale | June 13
The Breasts Ahoy Dragon Boat Team is holding its annual fundraising yard sale from 8am-1pm at 50 Valley Street. The Saint John team, made up of breast cancer survivors, raises money each year to help cover competition travel, uniforms, equipment and team fees. Expect plenty of treasures, bargains and a few people insisting they absolutely do have room for another lamp.

Page to Stage Sessions | June 16-18
Act III Productions shines a spotlight on local playwrights with Page to Stage Sessions, running June 16-18 at the Saint John Arts Centre. The evening features two original one-act plays directed by Bob Doherty: Chasing Pigeons by Jo-Anne MacDonald, a comedy about a mother-son road trip with a family-business mission, and Spider in the Tub by Bet O'Toole, a funny and heartfelt look at a couple trying to reconnect. Performances begin nightly at 7:30pm, with tickets available online.

Jason Zelward Physical Challenge | June 27
The Compassionate Grief Centre's seventh annual Jason Zelward Physical Challenge returns June 27 from 1-4pm with an afternoon of friendly competition, family fun and community spirit. Teams will battle it out in events like tug-of-war and washer toss, while spectators can enjoy a BBQ and kids can burn off some energy in the outdoor play area. The rain-or-shine fundraiser supports low- and no-cost mental health services across the region, making every cheer and every challenge count for a good cause.

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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. Here’s one that reminds us that wherever we hang our hat is home…does this one look familiar to you? Hit reply and give us your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and shout out any correct answers in Friday’s issue.

We know your camera roll has some killer local pics…share them with us! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram.

🌅 5:36am | 🌇 9:11pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who likes to get loud once football season kicks off.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher