🥅 When East meets West

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Good morning, Saint John! If you think the seagulls swooping in for fries during patio season at Steamers are bold, imagine them discovering an entire beach in England covered in French fries and onions. A cargo ship spill turned the shoreline into what can only be described as a fast-food fever dream, with locals racing to clean it up before wildlife helped themselves to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Somewhere in this story is a seagull who absolutely hit the jackpot. 🍟

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

If you laced up for Port City Beer Run or raised a glass at Saint John Beer Fest last year, you helped do more than have a good time. In 2025, In Good Company Events donated more than $11,000 to local organizations, including Top Corner Hockey and Housing Alternatives, turning registration fees and ticket stubs into real community support.  

Now, as planning ramps up for Port City Beer Run and Saint John Beer Fest in 2026, In Good Company Events is inviting registered charities and non-profits to get in touch about future partnerships. If your organization could use a boost and wants to be part of an event that brings people together while giving back, let them know about what you're doing in the community! Email [email protected]

🚢 Port Saint John keeping busy with Ontario cargo

Port Saint John is seeing a big bump in Ontario goods moving through the harbour, and officials decided this week was the moment to talk about it. Ontario exports through the port jumped 153 per cent last year and are now up nearly six times compared to five years ago. That growth now accounts for about a third of everything leaving the port.

Premier Susan Holt, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Port Saint John CEO Craig Bell Estabrooks were in Ottawa highlighting the trend and talking up Saint John’s role as a go-to shipping route for Ontario products headed overseas. There’s no new funding announcement attached here, but the timing lines up with the port’s newly upgraded west-side container terminal now fully operational.

🏛️ Irving writes a big cheque for the museum

The New Brunswick Museum’s rebuild got a financial boost this week. Irving Oil is putting $1.5 million into the museum’s Making History Now capital campaign, which launched last summer with a $35 million fundraising goal.

The project has been under construction since 2024 and will dramatically expand the museum’s footprint on Douglas Avenue, adding new galleries, public spaces, a rooftop terrace, and room for research and teaching. Museum board chair Tracy Clinch called the donation a strong vote of confidence as they continue to move toward a 2028 opening.

🏒 East vs. West hockey showdown

East met West again at Lord Beaverbrook Rink, with Simonds High and Harbour View continuing a high school hockey rivalry old enough for parents to remember.

Harbour View set the tone early in the girls’ game, rolling to a 6–0 win. Layla Beckwith led the way with two goals as the Vikings controlled play from start to finish.

The boys’ matchup a was a little closer. Tied heading into the third, Cole Forrestal scored the winner, his second of the night, to lift the Harbour View Vikings to a 3–2 win over the Simonds High Seabees.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW
Don’t forget that Saint John is celebrating Fundy Winterfest this week and we’ve got a full guide to the festivities here.

THURSDAY

Chapter by Chapter at The Write Cup | January 29
A relaxed evening for book lovers curious about what makes a great opening chapter. Local authors will be on hand as readers sample the first chapters of books available at The Write Cup Bookstore Café. Runs from 6:30–8:30pm and is free to attend.

Ghost Light | January 29–31
Atlantic Repertory Company brings a powerful one-man show to the BMO Studio Theatre. Written and performed by Shawn Wright, Ghost Light is a heartfelt and often funny tribute to his late mother, weaving together family stories, theatre, and growing up in New Brunswick. Evening performances at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $35–$45.

Painting Class at Art Lab | January 29
A hands-on evening of expressive painting focused on mountain landscapes and palette knife techniques. This session explores texture, movement, and depth in a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting, with all materials provided. It’s part of an ongoing series designed to build confidence and creative freedom, but no prior experience is required. Runs Thursday from 6–8pm at 24 Coburg Street in Saint John. Cost is $20 and spots are limited.

Spelling Bee at The Porch | January 29
The oddly intense monthly Spelling Bee returns after a short break. Free to play, slightly competitive, and best enjoyed with friends who don’t mind becoming rivals by the final round. Runs from 7–8pm in Hampton.

FRIDAY

Art Tour & Sale | January 30
Eight artists take over one space for a single-night art tour and sale at the Shawn Tucker Premium Real Estate office in Rothesay. Meet the artists, browse original work, and enjoy a casual evening of creativity and conversation. Free to attend from 6–9pm.

SATURDAY

One-Touch Watercolor Workshop Bold Flowers | January 31
Artist Svitlana Goncharova leads a three-hour hands-on workshop exploring her One-Touch Watercolor Method. Designed for beginners and experienced painters alike, the session focuses on bold strokes, vibrant colour, and confidence on the page. Runs from 10am–1pm at Saint Columba Presbyterian Church. Materials included.

Ethan Ash at Stone Church | January 31
Ethan Ash returns to Saint John for a one-off, donation-based show at Stone Church. No set ticket price and no pressure, just live music in an intimate setting. Runs from 6:30–9pm. This is a dry event.

Rockwood Glows Winterfest Saint John | January 31
Rockwood Park turns into a full-on winter playground for this all-day Winterfest celebration. Lantern making, astronomy, a photo booth, guided hikes with First Nations storytellers, skating on Lily Lake, bonfires, food vendors, DJ beats, and a Saint John Skating Club performance all lead up to the first-ever drone light show over Lily Lake at 7pm. Runs throughout the day and into the evening.

SUNDAY

Drink & Draw at Picaroons General Store | February 1
A casual, creative afternoon inviting artists of all kinds to grab a drink and work on personal projects alongside other creatives. Bring your own supplies, from sketchbooks to knitting needles. Free to attend from 2–4pm.

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📸 Derek Grant | 📍 Reversing Falls

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who refuses to eat el fresco…because of the birds 🐦.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher