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🚫 Stay Out of Lily Lake
SJ Today
July 25, 2025
Good morning Saint John! Another icon lost this week with the passing of Hulk Hogan… but we’re taking our vitamins and dropping a leg on the weekend 🤼♂️.
Here’s what’s on the card today:
Check out our Boxcar weekend guide 🎶
E. coli hight at Lily Lake 🚫
Remembering the Marco Polo ⛵️
Let’s run wild!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🤠 Yeehaw, Saint John!
The Boxcar Country Festival rolls into town this weekend and we’ve rounded up everything you need to know. From free events like BBQ & whisky tastings, pre-game ideas, and the main stage headliners, this is your ultimate weekend guide.
🎶 So take a few minutes with your coffee this morning to Read our Boxcar Country Fest Guide! And be sure to share it far and wide!
🚫 Lily Lake Hits Pause on Swimming
Planning a dip at Lily Lake? You’ll want to hold that thought. The beach is temporarily closed due to a recent E. coli test that came back with more yikes than yay. Lifeguards are still on duty to keep folks safe and informed, but the water’s off-limits until Public Health gives the all-clear. Be sure to keep your dogs away on your walks around the lake too!
🏐 New Beach Volleyball Court Opens at the Res
Bring your A-game (or just your sandals). The new beach volleyball court at Little River Reservoir is officially open and ready for action. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, it’s a great spot to bump, set, spike…or like me, flop dramatically in the sand. No booking needed unless you’re planning a big group showdown (starting Aug 5). Just maybe stay off the new grass for now, it’s still growing in…
🏭 Irving Oil flaring at East Saint John Terminal
Starting Friday, July 25, Irving Oil will have visible flaring at their East Saint John Terminal for about three days. This planned work is part of essential safety procedures. Thanks to everyone for your understanding as they prioritize the safety of their workers, the community, and the environment.
🤝 Local Employers get High-Five for Inclusion
The YMCA is bringing together more than 200 people this Saturday to celebrate employers who are making Saint John a welcoming spot for skilled newcomers. With labour shortages pushing companies to think differently about hiring, this program offers real tools to help businesses bring newcomers on board and help them succeed. The event runs 1 to 4 pm at the Y’s Glenn Carpenter Centre. Learn more or get involved here.
📜 July 25, 1883 - The fate of the Marco Polo
On this day back in 1883, New Brunswick’s famous clipper ship Marco Polo met its match, running aground in a storm off Cavendish, PEI, while hauling timber to London. And of course, the replica of the Marco Polo has finally found its home on Harbour Passage near the skate park. Check it out while you’re uptown this weekend!
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Boxcar Country Festival | July 25–27
Uptown Saint John turns country with live music, food trucks, whisky tastings, and more. Want the full rundown? Check out our detailed guide here.
📅 Save The Date for These Events:
Third Shift Wants You | August 15-17
Saint John’s only contemporary art-at-night festival is looking for folks passionate about art and ready to pitch in. From helping set up cool installations to guiding visitors through the magic, there’s plenty to do and yes, you get a swag bag. August 15–17. Sign up now and get involved in this annual one-of-a-kind art experience.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Book Sale | August 21-24
Celebrating 20 years, this beloved community event at TD Station offers great-quality books at unbeatable prices and some of the best treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Admission is free! Book donations and volunteers are warmly welcomed to keep this tradition thriving.
Right Good Pop Up | August 23
Saint John’s biggest outdoor pop-up returns to Victoria Square Park in the Old North End from 11am to 4pm. Expect 20+ vintage and secondhand vendors, live music, tarot readings, tattoos, tasty food, and great coffee. Whether you’re hunting for a new look or just soaking in the vibes, this free community event is where you want to be. Rain date September 6.
*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 shared a pic of a vintage Ten-Penny beer box and asked where it might be found. Turns out, what was always the coldest beer in any bar’s fridge is still on tap right where that box sits…at the Moosehead Taproom on the west side. Shoutout to Al G., Barb G., Edgar D., Rob M., Cody A., and Paul S. for nailing it!
Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 00:31 AM(Fri 25 July) | 8.11 m(26.61 ft) |
Low Tide | 6:51 AM(Fri 25 July) | 0.66 m(2.17 ft) |
High Tide | 1:04 PM(Fri 25 July) | 7.62 m(25.0 ft) |
Low Tide | 7:12 PM(Fri 25 July) | 1.14 m(3.74 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone going to Boxcar this weekend 🪕!
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher