👀 We asked. Some answered.

Good morning, Saint John! It won’t be long until we’re on patios enjoying lobster rolls across the Maritimes, but here’s one lobster that won’t make it to the pot…a rare split-colour catch off Cape Cod, said to be about a one-in-50-million find.

Here’s what else we’re cracking into:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🌸 Violet Festival feels like spring

Spring in Saint John always feels like a few false starts. A couple of mild days, then a slap of cold wind, maybe even a last-second snow.

If there’s a moment where it finally flips, it might be this weekend when the Saint John Public Gardens fill up again.

The Violet Festival returns May 2, running 11am to 5pm. It’s free and built for a full wander through the gardens with flowers, food, music, and plenty going on.

If you haven’t been before, Amy Cleveland with the Saint John Horticultural Association says it’s meant to feel like a proper day out. “The Violet Festival is a community-focused celebration that brings people together to enjoy nature, local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities, all set within the beautiful Public Gardens.”

You’ll feel it right away. “Visitors will be welcomed by a lively, vibrant atmosphere…full of blooming greenhouses, music, and activity throughout the park,” Amy said.

The greenhouse flower sale is usually the main event. “The sale features flowers grown by the Association itself,” Amy said, “offering high-quality, locally nurtured plants that directly support the care and upkeep of the Public Gardens.” So the plants you grab are the same ones keeping the place looking the way it does.

They’re adding native tree and shrub seeds this year, along with a lineup from Annapolis Seeds, which should keep the gardeners busy.

It also happens to land the weekend before Mother’s Day, which doesn’t hurt if you’re trying to show up with something better than a last-minute card.

🗳️ Local candidates, in their own words

With ballots getting longer this year, we reached out to candidates across the region with the same set of questions to get a clearer sense of who they are, why they’re running, and what they’d actually do if elected.

We’ve published every response we’ve received so far, organized by municipality so you can jump right to your area. It’s a quick way to get a feel for the people asking for your vote.

Read the full candidate guide here

🎤 Final forums this week

The Human Development Council and Civic Tech Saint John are wrapping up their week of candidate forums with two final sessions.

Ward 1 candidates are up tonight (Monday) at the Branch 69 Legion, followed by the mayoral forum Tuesday at the Imperial Theatre, moderated by SJ Today’s Geoff Walsh.

Tuesday’s event runs 6–8pm (doors at 5:30pm), is free to attend, and is a chance to hear directly from the mayoral candidates before the vote.

Can’t make it? You can watch it live, and catch up on all the ward forums from the past week, on the Human Development Council YouTube Channel.

🍜🧋 Two Spots, One Door 

There’s a new spot taking shape at 36 Canterbury, and it’s a bit of a two-for-one.

Yoramen × Yomee Tea is moving into the old Paddington Station space, bringing together “two distinct but complementary brands operating in one shared space,” according to owner Yu Zhou.

Yoramen leans into authentic Japanese ramen, with house-made noodles, handmade gyoza, and takoyaki cooked fresh in front of you, with a focus on “freshness and in-house preparation.”

On the other side, Yomee Tea focuses on loose leaf teas, desserts, and drinks made with “real tea, real milk, real sugar, real fruit.”

The two operate separately, but are designed to work together. Sit down for a full meal, or just swing in for a drink or something sweet, with the goal of creating “a more complete experience.”

Yu says he’s aiming to create a “third space” uptown, somewhere people can come for a full meal or just drop in for a drink or dessert.

It’s still under construction, but the branding is already up in the windows. If things stay on track, they’re aiming for a soft opening in mid to late May.

⚖️ Rothesay Special Council Meeting - April 27 | 5pm

2025 audited financials going to council - Council will receive a presentation on Rothesay’s 2025 audited financial statements, along with a look at March financials for both the general and utility funds.

New asphalt contract up for discussion - A report on this year’s asphalt contract is on the agenda as the town prepares for construction season.

Development agreement proposed for Donlyn Drive - Council will review a development agreement tied to a property at 79 Donlyn Drive.

Fire department reports and provincial agreement on the table - Council will receive a series of updates from the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department, along with a proposed gifting agreement from the province.

See the full agenda.

Meeting starts at 5pm at Town Hall.

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Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

MONDAY

Ward 1 Candidate Forum | April 27
A 6-8pm forum at Branch 69 Legion on Wilson Street where Ward 1 residents can hear directly from the people looking to represent them. Hosted by the Human Development Council and Civic Tech Saint John, it’s a chance to get a feel for who’s running and how they think before heading into the May 11 vote.

TUESDAY

Day of Mourning Ceremony | April 28
The Saint John District Labour Council will mark the National Day of Mourning at Lily Lake Pavilion on Tuesday at 12pm. The annual ceremony honours workers who have been killed, injured or made ill on the job.

WEDNESDAY

Campaign on the Clock | April 29
Fusion Saint John is bringing back its speed-dating-style candidate event Wednesday from 5-7pm at PRUDE Inc. Voters can move around the room for quick, focused chats with municipal candidates before heading to the polls.

THURSDAY

DIY Candle Pop-Up | April 30 and May 1
Creative Squirrel and Stone Soup Cafe are hosting a lunchtime candle-making pop-up from 11am-2pm at 139 Prince Edward St. Drop in, mix a scent, name your candle and have it ready the following week, just in time for Mother’s Day.

FRIDAY

Peter Salmon Art Centre Photo Contest Submission Day | May 1
The Peter Salmon Art Centre is accepting submissions until Friday for its 2nd Annual Photo Contest, Show and Sale in St. Martins. Photographers can enter landscape or seascape shots, with categories for kids, recreational photographers and pros.

SATURDAY

Fog City Comic Con | May 2 and 3
Fog City Comic Con returns to the Saint John Free Public Library Saturday and Sunday with two days of free games, workshops, author events, vendors and cosplay. Basically, Market Square is getting a very nerdy upgrade.

Shamrock Cup | May 2 and 3
Shamrock FC and Saint John Soccer Club are hosting the 5th annual Shamrock Cup at the Irving Oil Field House this weekend. The women’s indoor 7v7 tournament runs Saturday and Sunday.

SUNDAY

Music Makers Market | May 3
The ASD-S String Program is hosting its first Music Makers Market Sunday from 11am-3pm in the Market Square Atrium. Expect student craft vendors, refreshments and performances from senior and intermediate string orchestras and small ensembles.

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📸 Debbie Doyle | 📍 Kingston Peninsula

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher