Good morning, Saint John! Hope you had a great Canada Day! As always, it was a theatrical will they/won’t they buildup for the fireworks and in the end...the fireworks lit up the fog!
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
Some local upgrades 💰
Don't toss that tick 🫙
Blue Jays are coming ⚾
Enjoy the day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
💰 Tourism gets a $3 million boost
The federal government just handed Saint John more than $3 million to spruce up a few of the city's biggest attractions. The largest investment, $1.5 million, will support planning and redevelopment work at the New Brunswick Museum, while nearly $1 million will help design upgrades to the Canada Games Aquatic Centre ahead of the 2029 Canada Games. The Imperial Theatre will get a new sound system, accessibility upgrades and more energy-efficient lighting, while Envision Saint John is receiving funding to help host the 2027 World Men's Curling Championship. Not every dollar will be visible overnight, but the projects are all aimed at making Saint John a better place to visit, and an easier place to convince people to come back to.
🕷️ Your pharmacist wants that tick
We've noticed more and more locals posting about pulling ticks off themselves, their kids and their dogs lately, which means it's probably time for the annual reminder. If you remove a tick, don't flush it down the toilet. New Brunswick pharmacists can assess tick bites and, when appropriate, prescribe preventive antibiotics to reduce the risk of Lyme disease, but bringing the tick with you helps them identify whether it was a blacklegged tick and how long it may have been attached. The province also recently launched a new tick bite tracker so New Brunswickers can see where blacklegged ticks are being reported. Whether you're hiking, camping or just hanging in the backyard, it's a good reminder to do regular tick checks and watch for flu-like symptoms or an expanding rash after a bite.
⚾ Blue Jays legends are coming to Rothesay
The Blue Jays gave fans plenty to cheer about with a 9-3 Canada Day win over the Mets, and now they're sending a few alumni our way. On July 10, Blue Jays legends will visit Wells Recreation Park in Rothesay to officially celebrate the new field lights made possible through the Jays Care Foundation's $50,000 Field of Dreams grant, followed by a free softball clinic for girls. The lights are a game changer for the KV Girls Softball Association, which has grown to nearly 400 players and has struggled to find enough field time. Alumni names haven't been announced yet, but if you've ever wanted an autograph without driving 10 hours to Toronto, this might be your chance.
*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’
THURSDAY
Brundage Point Weekly Market | July 2
Browse local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and international food vendors at Grand Bay-Westfield's weekly community market. Live music adds to the atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
TD Summer Reading Club | July 2
Kids of all ages are invited to St. Mark's United Church lawn for stories, games and activities as part of the eight-week TD Summer Reading Club. If it rains, the fun moves indoors.
FRIDAY
Jazz Night at Trinity Galleries | July 3
Settle in for an intimate evening of live jazz inside one of Uptown's most unique venues.
Asstrology Drag Show | July 3
Haven Music Hall hosts a night of drag, themed cocktails and an energetic performance, complete with an audience dance contest and prizes.
Bad Habits 2.0 | July 3
DJs, dancing and a packed dance floor as Bad Habits returns for another late-night party uptown.
SATURDAY
Kingston Farmers Market | July 4
Take a drive to the Kingston Peninsula and browse one of the region's largest farmers markets, featuring more than 80 local vendors selling everything from produce and meats to handmade goods and prepared food.
Complex Union presents Roll Call 2026 | July 4
Car enthusiasts can check out hundreds of customized vehicles, burnout demonstrations, local vendors, food, giveaways and more during this indoor and outdoor automotive showcase at TD Station.
Top Deck Takeover: Summer Sweat Series | July 4
Lift & Live Coaching and Maritime Women are taking over the AREA 506 Viewing Deck for a 45-minute glute-focused outdoor workout led by Chantelle Adair and guest trainers. Registration includes the class, a complimentary beverage, a gift bag and the chance to feel very productive before lunch.
AREA 506 KidStage: Paint & Sip | July 4
Kids can grab a chocolate milk and create their own masterpiece with help from local artist Kevin Goggan at the AREA 506 KidStage. The free family art session is part paint class, part summer sugar rush.
Live & Local with Theresa Malenfant and The Instigators | July 4
Theresa Malenfant and The Instigators bring their soulful, blues-driven sound to the Market Square Atrium for a free Saturday afternoon show. Grab a drink from the Atrium bar, settle in and let someone else provide the weekend soundtrack.
SUNDAY
Queen Square Farmers Market | July 5
Spend your Sunday morning browsing fresh produce, flowers, local meats, baked goods and international food vendors in Queen Square. The market runs rain or shine through Thanksgiving.
Music Bingo at The Docks | July 5
Think you know your music? Grab your phone, scan the QR code and compete for prizes, including tickets to Waterfront Concert Series shows, during this free afternoon of music bingo.
Super RAD | July 5
Be Rad Adventures brings Super RAD to Rockwood Park, with riders hitting the trails for a full day of mountain bike racing. Spectators are welcome along the race trails, but must stay off the course because “getting smoked by a bike” is not the kind of summer story anyone needs.
*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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📸 Aleez McGrath | 📍 Slack tide at Reversing Falls
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SIDE NOTES
🌅 5:41am | 🌇 9:15pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 1:59 AM(Thu 02 July) | 7.56 m(24.8 ft) |
Low Tide | 8:18 AM(Thu 02 July) | 1.31 m(4.3 ft) |
High Tide | 2:26 PM(Thu 02 July) | 7.18 m(23.56 ft) |
Low Tide | 8:32 PM(Thu 02 July) | 1.73 m(5.68 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows the fog is just part of the fun around here 🌫️.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher