Good morning, Saint John! It’s Monday, and I can’t believe I’m saying this so early in the week, but gimme a break…someone just stole 12 tonnes of KitKats.
In today’s edition:
He thanked Saint John by name 🎙️
Lessons on what it’s like on council
A little history in your local style 🧷
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🏆 Maestro wins at the JUNOs
Maestro Fresh Wes is bringing hardware back to Saint John.
The Canadian hip hop legend picked up a JUNO Award over the weekend for his latest children’s album Rhyme Travellers: Back to the Time Machine, and made sure to shout out our city, and the people behind the scenes here, during his acceptance speech.
A big part of that album was built locally. Young voices were recorded at Trillium House on Wentworth Street, with producer Stephen Hero and engineer Paul Milner helping shape the project.
The album, which follows a father and son travelling through time in rhyme, has been a steady creative run for Maestro, now five kids’ records deep in five years.
🗳️Crash course on joining council
Election signs are starting to pop up at busy corners and on front lawns around the city, which usually means one thing…someone had to actually decide to run.
If you’ve ever wondered what that really involves, the City has posted a full info session from last week that walks through it all.
The 90-minute session covers how council works day-to-day, what’s expected of elected officials, and includes some candid insight from a current councillor about the role. It focuses on the job itself, not the election part.
With nominations open and the April 10 deadline getting closer, there’s still time for anyone even half-considering putting their name forward…or for those who just want a better sense of how decisions get made locally.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
👕 Fits from 1785
There’s a new name popping up on hoodies and tees around the city, and if you’ve spotted 1785 out in the wild, then you've already clocked what we're talking about.
Behind it are Kat Tokar and Khristopher Harvey, a creative duo who met years ago at a record shop, reconnected in 2019, and made the move to Saint John in 2022. Khristopher’s got deep family roots here, Kat brings a hospitality and arts background, and together they landed on a simple idea, a streetwear brand that is uniquely Saint John.
The name 1785 Inc. is a nod to the year Saint John became the nation’s first incorporated city, and the branding leans all the way in, with a crown and anchor pulled straight from the city’s history, from shipbuilding to the Bay of Fundy to its roots as a port city.
For Kat and Khristopher, that’s the goal, build something people here actually want to wear, and let that naturally carry beyond the city.
As the warm season approaches, they’re working on new designs, expanding the product line, and getting into more shops, markets, and events around Saint John.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!
TUESDAY
Get Ready to Run | March 31
Spring’s here, and if you’ve been thinking about lacing up again (or for the first time), this one’s a solid starting point. River & Trail teams up with R1 Run Club and Rockwood Road Warriors for a free, info-packed night covering injury prevention, rookie mistakes, and how to actually stick with it. 6:30pm in Rothesay. Bring a chair, bring your questions, leave with a plan.
WEDNESDAY
U18 Atlantic Championship at the Qplex | April 1–5
Top U18 teams from across Atlantic Canada roll into Quispamsis for five days of high-level hockey. The Saint John Vito’s host, with provincial champs from NB, NS, PEI, and NL all in the mix. Full schedule still coming, but if you like fast, competitive hockey, this is your week.
April Fools Night | April 1
A full night of parody, joke songs, and musical nonsense (the good kind) takes over O’Leary’s Pub from 7–9pm, followed by the usual open mic. Expect a stacked lineup of local performers leaning fully into the bit. It’s free, donations welcome, and honestly, the kind of midweek chaos you don’t need to overthink.
THURSDAY
YMCA Trivia Fundraiser | April 2
Big Tide Brewing turns into trivia central for a good cause. Teams of 2–8 go head-to-head across six rounds (plus bonus and photo rounds), all supporting local youth heading to the Y World Council Conference. Doors at 6:30pm, trivia at 7pm. Expect laughs, a little friendly trash talk, and prizes for the winners.
FRIDAY
Easter Egg Hunt at Yip Cider | April 3
Good Friday plans, sorted. Yip Cider is running three timed egg hunts (12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm), plus face painting, games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Food and cider flowing all afternoon, outdoor setup, so dress for it. Bring a basket and maybe a backup plan for when the kids refuse to leave.
Good Friday Mud Run | April 3
The annual “let’s get absolutely filthy” tradition is back in Grand Bay-Westfield. Meet at the Murry Street bog at 11am, run the power lines, hit the tunnels, finish at Cranberry Shack. If you know, you know. If you don’t, prepare accordingly.
SATURDAY
Right Good Clothing Swap | April 4
Right Good gang is at it again! Bring up to 10 quality pieces, leave with a fresh stack of new-to-you finds. Upstairs swap, downstairs vendor market, bar, coffee, good music. Runs 11am–3pm at the Trojans Rugby Club. If your closet needs a spring upgrade, this is your chance for a fresh start!
SUNDAY
Tribute to John Prine Matinee | April 5
A Sunday afternoon hang at Steamers (1:30–4pm) celebrating one of the greats. Enjoy a room full of local musicians taking on John Prine’s catalogue, plus a crowd that knows the words.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:08am | 🌇 7:49pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 4:35 AM(Mon 30 March) | 1.35 m(4.43 ft) |
High Tide | 10:44 AM(Mon 30 March) | 7.69 m(25.23 ft) |
Low Tide | 5:03 PM(Mon 30 March) | 1.07 m(3.51 ft) |
High Tide | 11:12 PM(Mon 30 March) | 7.64 m(25.07 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who will consume at least 12 tonnes of chocolate over the Easter weekend 🍫.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher