🚕 Well, that didn’t fare well

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Good morning, Saint John! August still has one foot at the beach, but job ads suggest Spirit Halloween is preparing to haunt 30 Plaza Avenue on the west side, next to Bulk Barn. Costumes beside bulk candy and Halloween still 74 days away could mean a little too much fun this fall.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Maybe it's Chicken Parm. Maybe it's a mountain of pasta. Maybe you're just there because you know the Garlic Homeloaf is coming before anything else.

Whatever brings you back, there's a good chance it's been way too long. So next time somebody asks what's for supper, make it easy. East Side Mario's is proudly locally owned and operated, serving up all your Italian favourites, generous portions and enough Garlic Homeloaf to make everyone at the table happy.

🎉 West Side Days is already eyeing five

The lawn chairs are folded and the bingo dabbers are back in the drawer, but last week’s Saint John West Days will keep working across the community. The celebration supports organizations including the Carleton Community Centre, West Side Food Bank, Carleton Community Garden and Carleton All Star Cheerleading.

This was the fourth year for the revived festival, which builds on a much longer West Side Days tradition. Carleton Community Centre’s executive director, Jen Brown says participation and sponsor support have grown each year.

“Seeing hundreds of families enjoying a fun-filled day and creating memories is so special for us all, and is really why we do this each year,” Jen said of Saturday’s Family Day.

Next year marks the festival’s fifth edition, with dates still to come. West siders may begin stretching their lawn-bowling muscles accordingly.

💸 Saint John hands you the budget pencil

Saint Johners now have a say in where their tax dollars should go in 2027, which is your chance to fight for better streets, stronger services or one extremely luxurious pothole. The City’s new Shape Your Budget survey asks residents whether funding for municipal services should increase, decrease or stay the same. Feedback will help City staff and Common Council build next year’s operating budget. It takes about five to 10 minutes, roughly the same amount of time required to explain your personal snow-clearing strategy to anyone within earshot. The survey closes September 14, with results expected online this fall.

🚕 Some Saint John taxis hit the brakes

A two-day safety blitz took 18 Saint John taxis off the road after 31 were inspected, meaning more than half failed the spot check. The Saint John Police Force and provincial Justice and Public Safety department conducted the joint operation August 12, looking for unsafe vehicles and taxi-rule compliance. Two drivers were caught operating without valid taxi licences, while eight vehicles had safety deficiencies serious enough to earn a tow instead of another fare. Police didn’t reveal which mechanical issues inspectors found, but 18 immediate removals make this more than a flickering dome light. Taxi operators are being reminded to keep vehicles roadworthy and credentials current, with more targeted traffic enforcement planned across the city.

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🎭 Theatre Talk Tuesday

Fundy Fringe Festival | August 17–22
Fundy Fringe packs six days of theatre, comedy, magic and original performances into venues around Uptown. This year’s program ranges from intimate misadventures and mind reading to sexy clowns, Maritime comedy and a neighbourhood adventure. Individual tickets are $15, while a $75 punch pass lets serious Fringe-goers sample the festival without repeatedly reaching for their wallets.

Steven Page | August 21
Former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page returns to Saint John for an 8pm waterfront performance at the Boardwalk. Expect favourites including “One Week,” “Brian Wilson” and “The Old Apartment,” along with songs from his acclaimed solo career. New Brunswick’s Ella Campbell opens the evening at Market Square.

Coming soon…

Thane Dunn’s New Elvis in Concert | September 12
Two-time world champion Elvis tribute artist Thane Dunn returns to Imperial Theatre at 7pm with a new 90-minute production celebrating the King’s concert years. Dunn brings the moves, screen-accurate jumpsuits and unmistakable vocals, backed by a hand-picked band recreating the power of Elvis’s TCB Band. Tickets are $54.75, taxes and fees included.

Come From Away | September 16–20
Come From Away lands at Imperial Theatre for seven performances from Wednesday through Sunday. Directed by Courtney and Tony LePage, the hit musical features an all-New Brunswick cast, including Broadway’s Tony LePage, telling the true story of Gander’s extraordinary welcome following September 11. Expect humour, heart and plenty of foot-stomping East Coast energy. Tickets are $75–$85.

📍Discover tons more upcoming events across the Saint John region.

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📸 Anne Chapman | 📍 Grand Bay-Westfield

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🌅 6:29am | 🌇 8:26pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

Eyes on You!

Want to catch Saint John’s attention? Baseline ads in SJ Today put your message front and centre, mingling with the latest news and stories. It’s a simple, effective way to be seen by locals. Ready to stand out? Let’s make it happen!*

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who already has costume plans 🎃.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher