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- ✖️ The bottom of the bottle
✖️ The bottom of the bottle
SJ Today
September 17, 2025
Good morning Saint John! On this day in 1902, J.C. Miller fired up his Oldsmobile in Millerton and made the first long-distance car trip in New Brunswick…all the way to Fredericton in 11 hours. Pretty impressive for the time. And somehow, more than a century later, the stretch between Sussex and Moncton still feels just as long…amirite? 🚗
Here’s what we’re hearing today:
Last call for bottles 🍻
Lights, road, action! 🚦
Sip, tag, win! 🍷
Guess what day it is…🐪!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🍺 Moosehead says goodbye to the green bottle
Big change brewing on the west side as Moosehead has announced it’s phasing out bottles altogether by the end of the year, moving fully into cans and kegs. It’s a sign of the times: just 7% of beer in Canada is sold in bottles now, compared to 90% three decades ago. The famous green glass isn’t going without a toast, though… Moosehead’s giving one superfan the chance to own the very last bottle off the line this December. Get the full contest details and see if you think your Moosehead loyalty (and recycling bin history) can stand up to the competition.
🚧 Main Street ramp closure Wednesday
Heads up if you’re heading west: the on-ramp from the Main Street Viaduct to Route 1 Westbound will be closed today (Wednesday) from 9am–4pm for infrastructure work tied to the Active Transportation Project. Drivers can detour via Garden Street/Paradise Row or Crown Street/One Mile Interchange. Expect delays and watch for crews and signage in the area. Side Note: Looks like some new lights are going up southbound on the viaduct just at the on ramp from Harbour Bridge.
🚦 Retail Drive finally lining up
After years of being that double-light PITA on Rothesay Ave, the $8.4-million project to line up Retail Drive with Ashburn Lake Road is finally nearing the finish line. Crews say it’s on track to wrap by the end of October, with new lights, raised roadbeds to tackle flooding, and underground upgrades none of us will ever actually see. Businesses had a rough summer (backhoes in the parking lot, anyone?), but the payoff should be smoother traffic on the east side. Now, if only someone could widen Westmorland before the Christmas shopping season…($)
🏒 7th Player program now open
Kids, lace up your skates…the Sea Dogs’ Irving Oil 7th Player program is officially open! Children aged 5–10 can take center ice during home game openings and be part of the big-league action. Spots are limited, and the first chance to shine comes next weekend, Sept. 19–20, when Cape Breton hits TD Station. Kids must have their own gear and be comfortable skating…don’t miss your shot at hockey glory!
🛳 Ships, ships, and more ships
Saint John is getting busy-busy-busy today with three cruise ships docking and nearly 7,900 visitors roaming the streets. Majestic Princess arrives at 8am (3,600 guests), Enchanted Princess follows at 8:30am (another 3,600), and Insignia docks at 7am with 685 passengers.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) indicates a third subscription may be required.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
TODAY
Welcoming Expo | Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Step into the Welcoming Expo at the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre from 2–5pm and dive into a world of local connections. Chat with over 50 organizations and employers, explore services and resources, and if you’re job hunting, don’t forget your résumé. Whether you’re new to town or just looking to meet people, this vibrant community fair is the place to be. Free entry.
🎉 WIN TICKETS TO SIP & SAVOUR! 🎉
We’ve got a pair of tickets to Sip & Savour on Saturday, September 27 and they could be yours! 🍷🥂
To enter just tag the friend you’d bring with you in the comments of the video below…we’ll announce the winner this Friday!
Sip & Savour | Saturday, Sept. 27
Sample from 20+ local beer, wine, and spirit vendors (lots of non-alcoholic options too) inside Market Square. Enjoy raffles, live and silent auctions featuring one-of-a-kind experiences, and a lively crowd. General admission is 7:30–9:30pm ($75). VIP tickets include early entry at 7pm, a private table, exclusive tastings, charcuterie, and a $75 charitable tax receipt. All proceeds support Rocmaura residents.
All proceeds go to Rocmaura, helping improve life for its 150 residents. Raise a glass for Rocmaura and get your tickets now!
*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 ARE WE? 📸
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. This could be an easy one…then again, maybe not. If you think you know where this is hit reply and give it your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.
Tag @sjtoday on Facebook to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 2:42 AM(Wed 17 September) | 1.39 m(4.56 ft) |
High Tide | 8:55 AM(Wed 17 September) | 7.0 m(22.97 ft) |
Low Tide | 3:09 PM(Wed 17 September) | 1.72 m(5.64 ft) |
High Tide | 9:21 PM(Wed 17 September) | 7.47 m(24.51 ft) |
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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
WEDNESDAY
Wasted Day Brewing | Jazz Weekly Unwind | 7pm
THURSDAY
O’Leary’s | Sarahtonein (Front Stage) | 9pm
Submit your live music listings here
Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves a story from the road 🛣️.
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher