🌻 What's slowing traffic this morning?

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Good morning, Saint John! Canada kicks off its World Cup today at 4pm against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Offices are expected to empty out in a mysterious but completely unrelated coincidence around 3:45.

Here’s what’s going on this morning:

Have a fantastic weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

The prices have gone completely off-road.

Loch Lomond Mitsubishi has launched its June Promocalypse with surprisingly small payments on brand-new SUVs.

The RVR starts at just $99/week taxes in. The Eclipse Cross comes in at $115/week taxes in. And the seven-passenger Outlander starts at $139/week taxes in.

The only thing ending in this Promocalypse is high SUV payments. Don't miss it!

🚧 Main Street closes for marigolds

Anyone who got caught in yesterday's uptown traffic backups caused by construction-related closures will be happy to know this morning's commute should be a little more normal.

The next slowdown arrives at 9 a.m., when Main Street closes between Metcalf Street and Lansdowne Avenue for the annual Marigolds on Main planting.

Northbound traffic will be detoured via Metcalf Street until 4 p.m., while southbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Buses and emergency vehicles will still have access.

The good news? By the end of the day, one of Saint John's most colourful summer traditions will be back in bloom.

🚌 How would you fix regional transit?

Could Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton, Grand Bay-Westfield and Fundy-St. Martins eventually be connected by a more coordinated public transit system?

The Fundy Regional Service Commission is beginning work on a long-term regional transit plan that will explore how public transportation could better connect communities across the region.

Residents can learn more and share feedback at pop-up sessions today at the Campbell Road Atlantic Superstore in Rothesay (7:30-9:30 a.m.) and MacMillan's Your Independent Grocer in Hampton (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). You can also learn more and follow the project at FundyTransitPlan.ca.

No routes or timelines have been proposed yet, but the process is now underway.

🏆 Top Clicks of the Week

Monday - Yoramen restaurant opens on Canterbury
Tuesday - City announces Canada Day events
Wednesday - Imperial Theatre announces Season 33
Thursday - Scottish football fans cheer here

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

🥞 A reason to smile at City Market

It's been a busy week for restaurant news in Saint John, and we've got one more sweet addition to wrap up Foodie Friday.

Regulars at the Queen Square Farmers Market may already know the family behind Bite & Smile Crepes. After building a following at local markets over the past few years, the family-owned business has officially opened a permanent location inside the Saint John City Market.

The new stall serves the same sweet and savoury crepes that helped make them a market favourite, now with a year-round home inside one of the city's most iconic buildings.

"We wanted to create a food experience that children, teens and adults could all enjoy," said owner Jonathan Castillo. "Using fresh, high-quality ingredients and connecting with people is at the heart of what we do."

"We understand that joining the Market comes with a great responsibility. We want to become part of a community with deep roots and long-established traditions, while also contributing to its ongoing evolution," Castillo said.

That commitment extends beyond the crepes.

"We want people to know they can always expect to be greeted with a smile. Hard work and great service are rooted in our family values, and we bring that dedication into everything we do."

So whether you're craving something sweet, something savoury, or just another excuse to wander through the City Market, Bite & Smile Crepes is now serving all three.

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WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND

Capital Art Sale | June 11-13
Capital Art Sale brings its affordable art fair back to Saint John this week, with an opening reception Thursday from 6-9pm and sale hours Friday and Saturday from 10am-8pm. The gallery-style sale features local artists and craftspeople, with paintings, pottery, photography, prints and more, all priced under $500 and many pieces under $100.

Team Canada Soccer Watch Party | June 12
Canada takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina Friday, and AREA 506 is putting the match on the big screen from 4-7pm. The watch party is BYOC, so bring your own chair, grab your soccer people and settle in for a little early-evening national team action by the waterfront before the weekend fully kicks in.

Monster Spectacular | June 13
Monster Spectacular roars back into TD Station on Saturday at 2pm, bringing some of the biggest names in monster truck competition to Saint John. Fans can expect high-flying jumps, wheelies, racing and plenty of crushed metal as trucks including reigning tour champion Overkill Evolution and Black Stallion take to the dirt. Doors open at 12:30pm, giving families plenty of time to grab their seats before the engines fire up and the noise level climbs dramatically.

Artquest Street Photography Walk | June 13
Artquest Photo Tours and Workshop hosts a full-day street photography walk Saturday from 9am-3:30pm, starting at the Saint John City Market. Photographers of all levels will explore the city through light, architecture, movement and everyday moments, with hands-on guidance along the way. A follow-up image review session is planned for June 23, because the learning does not end when the walking shoes come off.

ALS Walk Strong Saint John | June 14
ALS Walk Strong returns to Market Square Sunday, with registration at 10am and the walk starting at 11am along Harbour Passage. The community fundraiser supports equipment and services that help people living with ALS stay safe, comfortable and independent at home. Friends, families, coworkers and solo walkers are all welcome, with every step helping the cause move forward.

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

📍 On Wednesday we shared a pic of this cowboy hat and asked if you could name it. While we reckon they’re ain’t many like it ‘round these parts daily, this one has become a sight for hungry eyes uptown! It’s the logo of Howdy Meats on Prince William Street. Shout out to Paula E., Edgar D., and Paul L., for rustlin’ up the right answer.

We love seeing your local pics! Be sure to hit reply to share the best of your local camera roll or tag us on Facebook and Instagram!

🌅 5:36am | 🌇 9:12pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone just loves another reason to wear red and sing O Canada 🇨🇦!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher