🌟 Starstruck in St Martins

Good morning Saint John, hope you’re recovering well from such a busy long weekend…If you’re not entirely sure what day it is (Tuesday), your fridge is just condiments, and your voice sounds like you've been yelling over live music for three days, don’t worry, I’m right there with you.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• How could they make King’s Square better? ⛲

• Johner named to the Order of NB 👏

• Buskers on the Boardwalk kicks off Thursday 🎪

Yay, it’s a short week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🌳 Have your say about the King’s Square makeover 

The City’s thinking of giving King’s Square a bit of a facelift…nothing wild, just better paths, new lighting, nicer benches, and a little landscaping love. The kind of tidy-up that keeps the charm but makes it easier to walk your dog, push a stroller, or eat takeout on a better bench.

Designs are still in the idea stage, so if you’ve got thoughts (or just strong feelings about benches), stop by the info session Tuesday, Aug. 12 at the Imperial Theatre lobby. Drop in between 2-4pm or 6-8pm, and

🌌 A stargazing superhighway on the Fundy Coast?

A group in Fundy-St. Martins is pitching a big, bright idea: build Canada’s first dark sky corridor - a 160km stretch along the Fundy Coast protected from light pollution, where you can still see the Milky Way in full, jaw-dropping clarity.

The plan would link six low-light zones between New River Beach and Hopewell Rocks, including existing dark-sky sites like Irving Nature Park and Fundy National Park. Astrophotographer Stéphane Picard says this would be the highest concentration of dark sky sites anywhere in the world.

It’s early days though as local councils still need to consult residents and tweak rural plans, but supporters say it’s good for wildlife, tourism, and humans who could use a little perspective from the night sky.

🏅 A Saint John trailblazer gets the province’s top honour 

Big congrats to Saint John’s own Cherrill Edwina Shea, who’s just been named to the Order of New Brunswick…aka the province’s highest honour and official proof that you're kind of a big deal.

Shea broke into the legal world in the ’70s as one of just five women in her UNB law class, then built a powerhouse career that took her from Saint John courtrooms to high-stakes cases in New York City to leadership in the early wireless telecom game (back when phones still flipped).

She’s also spent the past decade quietly funding major scholarships for nursing, health sciences, and law students.

⛳ Germain Street Open returns for Year 31 

Saint John’s most chaotic charity golf tournament is back October 18…and if you’ve never sunk a putt between a photocopier and a potted plant, now’s your chance.

The Germain Street Open turns Uptown into a 19+ mini-putt course through homes, shops, and offices, with teams of four or five decked out in full costume, swinging their way to glory (or disaster). It all raises funds for L’Arche Saint John and their inclusive art studio, Creative Connections.

Don’t miss your chance to play! Register your team here.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TODAY

Flavors Social Run | August 5
Runners of all levels are invited to Flavors Ice Cream in Grand Bay every Tuesday at 6:30pm for a friendly social run. These weekly meetups are also a chance to preview the course for the upcoming first-ever Flavors 5K Road Race. Come for the jog, stay for the ice cream.

WEDNESDAY

Root Beer Float Day | August 6
Swing by the Delta’s King Street entrance from 11:30am to 1:30pm for root beer floats and BBQ, all by donation in support of the IWK Foundation. It’s a sweet way to sneak in a classic summer treat and do something different for lunch.

THURSDAY

Buskers on the Boardwalk | August 7-10
Fire breathers, jugglers, acrobats, and comedians are back on the boardwalk for one of the summer’s wildest weekends. With performances running day and night across two stages, expect surprises around every corner, from circus flames to sidewalk antics. It’s all free, all family-friendly, and all happening uptown. Full schedule is live now, plan your stroll accordingly.

Stroller Fit Try-It Day | August 7
Curious about Stroller Fit? Join the crew at Fisher Lake in Rockwood Park at 10:30am for a free trial class. Bring a friend, your stroller, and a sense of humour. It’s a fun, social way for parents to get moving outdoors with their little ones.

First Thursday Social | August 7
Fusion Saint John and Envision Saint John are teaming up for one last Small City, Big Energy event of the summer. Head to Wasted Day Brewing from 5-7pm for a casual networking social with summer students, young professionals, and other friendly faces. No RSVP needed, just show up, grab a drink, and soak up the good end-of-summer vibes.

FRIDAY

Pride Flag Raising | August 8
Join Pride Saint John in front of City Hall at 12pm as the Rainbow Flag is raised to kick off the 2025 Pride season. Expect a few short words from local leaders, a strong show of solidarity, and the annual group photo on the steps. Show up and stand with Saint John’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Fundy Sea Shanty Festival | August 8-11
Head to the village of Fundy-St. Martins for a weekend packed with music, food, and maritime heritage. The Sea Shanty Festival celebrates the songs and stories of the sailors who helped shape Atlantic history. It’s a lively mix of tradition, community, and coastal charm and a great excuse for a summer road trip.

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who can juggle! 🤹

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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