🔑 Top City Job Now Open

We asked 100 people outside Bob’s Takeout: “Which dish isn’t considered brunch but should be?” The top answer? Fish & Chips. Honestly, we’re fully on boar…it’s time to normalize ordering it before 10am. 🐟🍟

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Saint John’s CAO Bids Farewell 👋

• Don’t Tap That Link, Seriously 🚫

• Skate Fast Before Slots Melt ⛸️

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Spread the Word! 📣

Share your local business story with our readers. Advertise in our newsletter for maximum reach!

NEWS NOTES

🔄 Change Coming at City Hall 

After more than 20 years steering big projects and two years as Chief Administrative Officer, Brent McGovern is getting ready to hand over the keys at City Hall. From clean drinking water to housing, recreation upgrades, and that shiny new Ihtoli-maqahamok centre, his fingerprints are all over Saint John’s progress. Mayor Donna Noade Reardon praised his steady hand and big-picture vision, calling him “pivotal” to the city’s growth. Council will soon start the search for who’s next in the hot seat.

📱 Parking Ticket Texts Are Fake

If you’ve been getting texts claiming you owe for a parking ticket, don’t panic, don’t pay, and definitely don’t click that link. The City isn’t sliding into your phone with fines…they still prefer the old-school approach: a ticket on your car or a mailed notice. Think of these scam texts as the junk mail of the 21st century, but sneakier. Delete, report to your provider, and move on. Your wallet (and sanity) will thank you.

⛸️ Flash Ice Is Back 

Good news for the night owls, early birds, and anyone who just wants to feel like Crosby for an hour…Flash Ice sales are back. Every other Wednesday the City drops a batch of leftover rink time at discount rates, and it’s first come, first skate. From youth teams to beer-leaguers, you can snag an hour without breaking the bank. But move quick: these slots melt faster than a Timbit at practice.

🚢 Allura Oceania Docks for the First Time 

Saint John welcomes the Allura Oceania today for its very first visit! The 1,200-passenger ship will be at MPCT from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing a fresh wave of visitors to the waterfront.

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

LOCAL BUSINESS

🛍️ New west side thrift shop opens Saturday

Just Plus Thrift Boutique is set to open Saturday, October 4 at 85A Ludlow Street, bringing a long-awaited plus-size shopping option to the West Side.

Owner Cheri Armstrong says she was frustrated with the way most thrift stores handle plus sizes. “Anything considered plus is usually stuck in a section marked XL,” she explains. “Everyone has the right to exist and feel at home in the body they have right now. No more waiting to love yourself.”

The store offers a playful, body-positive shopping experience with sizes L to 6XL for all genders. Cheri says the inventory is sourced from a Canadian textile recycler, keeping overstocks, returns, and dead stock out of landfills.

The grand opening kicks off at 9amwith a ribbon cutting, cake, door prizes, and giveaways. “A lot of people have been waiting a long time for a plus-size store on the West Side,” Cheri says, promising a lively morning for shoppers.

SPONSORED
Be the Talk of the Town! 🏙️

Put your business in the hands of your neighbors. Advertise with us and watch your audience grow!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TODAY

Final Night Market | October 2
After a rain delay, the Saint John Night Market wraps up its season tonight at the City Market. Vendors will be serving everything from Filipino eats to handmade candles, plus live tunes from Penny Blacks and The Sunnyside Uppers. Axe throwing, trivia, and bubbles add to the fun. Runs until 9pm, and entry is free.

Taylor Swift Trivia Night | October 2
Think you know Taylor all too well? Gather a team of 2–6 and test your Swiftie smarts at VIP Cider from 7-9pm. Every ticket covers your whole crew and comes with a complimentary 12oz draft cider for the team captain. Spots are limited, so best to register early at vipcider.ca.

FRIDAY

Trinity Royal Ghost Walks | October 3
Storyteller David Goss leads a 2-km ramble through Saint John’s south end, sharing sea-soaked ghost tales along the way. Walkers should dress for the weather, wear comfy shoes, and pack a flashlight. If it’s too damp, the tour shifts indoors through Market Square and the pedway. Cost is $20, with registration required at The Write Cup.

SATURDAY

Pumpkin Giveaway on Grant Crescent | October 4
A free fall afternoon for the whole family is happening on Grant Crescent’s green space this Sunday from 2-4pm. Along with free pumpkins, there’ll be face painting, crafts, caricatures, live music, hotdogs, popcorn, and a photo booth. Hosted by Corey Breau and Chrissy Lavine of REMAX Professionals, it’s open to all ages and everyone’s welcome.

Lovely Little Autumn Market | October 4
Shop local at Lovely Little Market, taking over Market Square on Saturday from 11am-4pm. More than two dozen vendors will be on hand with everything from fresh bread and coffee to florals, art, books, and handmade treasures. It’s a one-stop fall marketplace full of Saint John’s creative spirit.

Witches and Warlocks on the Lake | October 4
Grab your broom or wand and head to Lily Lake in Rockwood Park from 1-4pm for a magical afternoon supporting S.J. Street Teams and Lily Lake programming. For $10, enjoy ghostly tunes from K100 and Kool 98, professional photos, a canoe paddle around the lake, and hot chocolate to warm up. Registration required at insideoutnaturecentre.com — spots won’t last!

Fall Fair | October 4
Celebrate the season at Fundy Trail Parkway’s first-ever Fall Fair, happening at Parking Lot 6 from 10am-4pm. Expect live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, face painting, hot apple cider, and even a visit from The Bubble Guy. It’s a family-friendly way to cap off the season with plenty to see, taste, and do in the great outdoors.

Oasis Tribute Night | October 4
Yip Cider is bringing Brit-pop to the Kingston Peninsula with Sequin Stars, a tribute act faithful to Oasis’s Live 25 lineup. Expect 70–90 minutes of swagger, parkas, shades, and plenty of sing-alongs — without the Gallagher brawls. Peninsula band Caboose opens with British hits from the ’60s to today. Music kicks off Saturday night at 7pm.

TS12 Album Release Party | October 3
Celebrate Taylor Swift’s TS12 with Swift Kick at a back-to-back album blast followed by a full dance party of hits from every era. Doors open at 7pm, Swift Kick hits the stage at 8pm. Fancy/showgirl attire encouraged. Tickets are $25, all ages welcome, with glittery drinks, a friendship bracelet station, a 360 photo booth, and a $1,000 Charm Diamond gift card giveaway.

Totally Rad 80’s Prom Gone Bad | October 4
Step back into the neon era for a murder mystery fundraiser at the Kennebecasis Public Library. Guests will play out a whodunit at a retro-themed prom while enjoying light snacks, drinks, and a silent auction. It’s $50 per person (cash or debit at the library), and spots are limited. Runs 6-9:30pm, 19+ only.

SUNDAY

CIBC Run for the Cure | October 5
Lace up for a cause at Rockwood Park’s Lilly Lake with the CIBC Run for the Cure. Participants can choose a 5K run or 1K walk to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. It’s a family-friendly way to get moving, support breast cancer research, and enjoy the fall scenery at Fisher Lakes.

Beginner Swing Dance Series | October 5
Step into swing at Kent Theatre with a beginner-friendly series running Sundays at 5:30-6:30pm, including October 5. No partner or experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm! Learn playful “Head & Shoulder” moves while rotating partners to get the full social dance experience. Cost is $80 ($40 students), and spots can be reserved at [email protected] or via the online form.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY

📸 Paul Owens | 📍 Autumn in the region

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

First in the Courtroom ⚖️
On this day in 1958, Saint John’s Muriel Corkey Ryan became the first woman named Queen’s Counsel in New Brunswick, breaking barriers in a very old boys’ club.

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who always orders a two-piece! 🐟

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?