🎉 Who says there’s nothing to do here?

Good morning, Saint John! Morning commuters are used to sharing the bus with some characters, but riders in Portland recently made room for two pygmy goats. They hopped aboard through the back doors before deciding to hoof it instead.

Here’s what we’re baaing about this morning:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

High blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and cholesterol concerns can feel like numbers you’re simply stuck with. The YMCA’s Metabolic Fitness Program helps participants take an active role in managing them through structured exercise and expert support.

Beginning August 31, this 12-week small-group program is designed for people living with metabolic syndrome. Classes run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Saint John Regional Y under the guidance of clinical exercise physiologist Chris Roberts.

Participants can refer themselves or be referred by a physician or health professional. The program is included with YMCA membership, with financial assistance available to eligible applicants.

Police put a rumour to rest 📱

Kennebecasis police are reminding people that information found on social media isn’t always accurate or the whole story.

The warning came after reports of a “critical incident” in Quispamsis began making the rounds online. Police say no such incident occurred and there is no investigation underway.

The confusion was caused by a nearby police agency conducting a training exercise outside the Kennebecasis force’s jurisdiction. Residents don’t need to take any extra safety precautions, aside from perhaps giving the share button a second thought.

MacKay Highway depot gets a tune-up 🚧

A provincial public works depot operating on the MacKay Highway since 1972 could soon get a new two-storey regional office.

Council has approved first and second reading to rezone the 32-hectare property at 2100 MacKay Highway. The change would bring the longtime depot into line with current zoning rules and allow the province to expand.

Plans include a 667-square-metre office, parking, a new well and septic system. The existing garages, storage areas, salt dome and work yard would remain.

Third and final reading is expected August 31. ($)

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

Saint John has one final chance to see two-time world champion Elvis tribute artist Thane Dunn bring the King to life at Imperial Theatre.

Backed by a hand-picked band of outstanding Maritime musicians, Thane’s brand-new concert recreates the voice, moves and unmistakable stage presence of Elvis in his prime. Expect career-spanning favourites, exact replica jumpsuits, audience interaction and the big live sound that has made Thane one of the best in the business.

This is no ordinary tribute show. It’s a full-scale Elvis experience and Thane’s final Saint John performance.

September 12 at 7pm | Imperial Theatre

We made a mistake: Yesterday’s issue included a drop-in basketball event at River Valley Middle School. The event appears as a weekly Wednesday activity on the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield’s calendar, including August 26, but the individual listing indicates it begins September 2. Sorry to anyone who made the trip based on our listing. The basketball drop-in is expected to begin next Wednesday, according to the town’s events calendar.

WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Big Book Sale: Early Bird Evening | August 27
Readers who prefer first pick can shop the Big Brothers Big Sisters book sale at TD Station before the main doors open. The ticketed preview runs from 5–8pm, with early-bird passes available online or at The Write Cup in Market Square.

506 Firesides: Grand Bay-Westfield | August 27
The final 506 Fireside lands at the Brundage Point River Centre with Brent Mason hosting a free night of acoustic music overlooking the Saint John River. Bring a chair for the 7pm start, or bring an instrument and get in on the jam.

FRIDAY

5th Annual Saint John Sea Glass Festival | August 28–29
Collectors, artists and beachcombers take over Market Square for two days devoted to treasures tumbled smooth by the Bay of Fundy. The festival features sea-glass vendors, beach trips, workshops, speakers, contests, raffles, food and live music from 10am–7pm Friday and 9am–4pm Saturday.

Big Book Sale | August 28–30
Big Brothers Big Sisters fills TD Station with gently loved books ready for new shelves. Shop from 10am–8pm Friday, 10am–6pm Saturday or hit Sunday’s 10am–1pm Fill a Box Day. Cash, debit and credit are accepted.

AREA 506 as FOLK | August 28–29
Three all-ages concerts take over the waterfront across Friday and Saturday. The East Pointers lead Friday night with Josh Bravener & The Hypochondriacs and Big River Ramblers; Lennie Gallant heads Saturday afternoon before The Barr Brothers, Gift Horse and Abby McCartney close the weekend Saturday night. Individual shows start at $40, or a $79 weekend pass gets you into all three.

SATURDAY

Air Show Atlantic | August 29–30
Look up. Way up. The Snowbirds headline two days of aerial action at the Saint John Airport, joined by the SkyHawks parachute team, vintage Spitfire, Hurricane and Mustang aircraft, aerobatic teams, skydivers and more. Gates open at 10am, flying runs from noon–4pm and the grounds close at 5pm both days. General admission is $47.50 plus taxes and fees, youth tickets are $20 and children under 12 get in free with an adult.

Passport to Parks: Little River Reservoir | August 29
Little River Reservoir gets an afternoon of free family fun with canoeing and kayaking, face painting, basketball, volleyball, Benny Bubblz and live music from Pandemonium Steel Band. The City’s Passport to Parks event runs from 1–3:30pm at 27 Pipeline Road, with August 30 set as the rain date.

Introduction to Insect Pinning | August 29–30
Forgot Me Not Oddities teaches participants how to pin exotic butterflies and beetles and arrange them into framed artwork at The Forgotten Fern Oddities, 96 Princess Street. Sessions begin at 6pm Saturday and Sunday, cost $30 and include the finished piece you’ll take home. Space is limited, so contact the shop to reserve a spot.

SUNDAY

Queen Square Farmers’ Market | August 30
Queen Square fills with produce, flowers, eggs, cheese, local meat and food from around the world from 9am–2pm. Come with a shopping bag, an appetite or a friend who will inevitably make you stay for lunch.

Big Book Sale: Fill a Box Day | August 30
The final morning of the Big Book Sale is for readers who measure restraint by the box. Fill a Box Day runs from 10am–1pm at TD Station, closing out the annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

🎟️ Looking for something else? Browse all of this week’s local events.

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

📸 Roobi S. | 📍 Harbour Passage

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone tell them how we’re the GOAT 🐐!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher