🌟 Stage presence meets curb appeal

Good morning, Saint John! The breakout stars of the Olympics aren’t athletes, they’re two stuffed stoats named Tina and Milo, and fans are treating the plush toys like gold medals. If anyone finds one in Saint John, expect a medal ceremony in the kitchen.

Here’s what else is on the podium this morning:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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👀 Phoenix Theatre for sale and now Saint John has ideas

If you’ve ever wanted 10,000 square feet of Saint John history and your own pipe organ, today’s a good day to start window-shopping. 

The Phoenix Dinner Theatre on Exmouth Street is back on the market, and the listing reads like a choose-your-own-adventure for ambitious locals. Built in 1848, survivor of multiple fires, former church, longtime dinner theatre, the three-level space can seat hundreds and still comes with its original organ and a whole lot of character.

The price is under $600,000, which in real estate math translates to I can’t afford this… but I’m absolutely clicking. Most of us aren’t buying it, but it’s fun to imagine what comes next. Live music hall? Event venue? Single family home?

Here’s the full listing if you want to snoop the photos and start mentally renovating.

Tell us what it should become. Hit reply with your idea in five words or less and we’ll share the best ones tomorrow. If someone actually does it, we expect invitations.

🏒 Rothesay chasing $250K with rink nostalgia

Rothesay Arena is in the Kraft Hockeyville rally, which means the town is basically competing online for $250,000 toward the new intergenerational community complex.

Until March 1, residents can earn points by posting memories, photos, and quick notes about the rink. It takes about a minute and counts as as productive scrolling.

If Rothesay wins, the money helps fund a bigger community hub for all ages. If nothing else, it’s a good excuse to relive your minor hockey glory days.

⚓ A harbour tragedy Saint John still remembers

Long before modern navigation systems made the job safer, Saint John’s harbour ran on experience, nerve and trust. On January 14, 1957, in brutal -30° cold and blinding Arctic sea fog, Pilot Boat No. 1 was struck by the freighter S.S. Fort Avalon and sank within minutes. All seven crew aboard were lost. The men were part of the quiet machinery that keeps ships moving safely in and out of port. Work that’s always been riskier than it looks from shore.

This Friday at 6:30pm, the annual commemoration returns at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Waterloo Street, where families, pilots and community members gather to honour their memory. This is a local tradition that ties the present harbour to the one that came before it.
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Weekend Preview

THURSDAY

Fog Love Reading Night | February 12
Fog Lit Festival is turning Haven Music Hall into a cozy celebration of romance-themed reading and writing. Guests can share original work or favourite passages, then stick around for karaoke and merch browsing. It’s a relaxed, creative night built around stories, music, and community. Starts 7pm on Union Street.

Fundy Sea Shanty Night | February 12
O’Leary’s Pub fills with voices for a sing-along sea shanty night that’s equal parts history and fun. Organizers provide lyric books so anyone can join in, no experience required. There’s no cover charge, it’s just a good time celebrating the songs that shaped coastal culture. Singing begins 7pm.

Community Art Event for Kids | February 12
Artist Fabiola leads a Winterfest art workshop for kids aged 6–12 at the Kennebecasis Public Library. Participants create a small art piece in a guided, one-hour session designed to be fun and accessible. It’s free but registration is required and space is limited. Runs 6:30–7:30pm.

FRIDAY

Miss Congeniality Retro Film Night | February 13
Imperial Theatre screens the Galentine’s classic Miss Congeniality as part of its retro film series. The comedy follows an undercover FBI agent navigating a beauty pageant while chaos unfolds. It’s a lighthearted movie night built for groups of friends. Show starts 7pm.

Taylor-Themed Galentine’s Night | February 13
Suwanna transforms into a Swiftie hangout with Taylor music, themed cocktails, and photo-worthy décor celebrating every era. The night is dedicated to friendship, sing-alongs, and girls-night energy. Reservations are recommended for the 5pm start.

SATURDAY

Love & Laughter Valentine’s Games Night | February 14
Bougie Banquet hosts an elevated Valentine’s evening at Meenan’s Cove Beach House featuring interactive games, curated food stations, themed canapés, and music in a coastal setting. Singles and couples are both welcome for a dress-up night built around connection and fun. Dress code is Valentine chic. Runs 7–10:30pm.

Classic Albums Live Pink Floyd | February 14
Imperial Theatre welcomes Classic Albums Live performing Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon in full. Musicians recreate the iconic album note-for-note, celebrating one of rock’s most influential recordings. Show begins 8pm.

Valentine’s Dance at KV Legion | February 14
The KV Legion hosts a Valentine’s dance featuring the Southern Comfort Band. It’s a casual community night of live music and dancing with tickets available at the door. Runs 8:30–11:30pm.

SUNDAY

Multicultural Ramadan Bazaar | February 15
The Bill McGuire Centre hosts a family-friendly bazaar celebrating Ramadan traditions through food, crafts, clothing, and cultural displays. Vendors from across New Brunswick bring sweets, décor, henna art, and specialty goods, alongside kids activities and a photo booth. Runs 2–6pm with free entry.

KV Oasis Skate-a-Thon | February 15
Rothesay Commons turns into a fundraising skate day supporting KV Oasis Youth Centre. Participants collect pledges and skate to help keep youth programs running, with the event focused on community support and winter fun. Open to all ages.

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📸 Andrew Miller | 📍 Princess Street

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🌅 7:29am | 🌇 5:47pm

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows the gold is actually on the ice surface today ⛸️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher