🤌 Make Italian by Night at Home!

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - welcome to the official start of the weekend!

Let’s see what’s goin’ on:

• NB Sports Hall inductees hit home ⚾

• Gnocchi as good as Italian by Night 👩‍🍳

• Meet Santa and the Grinch in the same day ⛰️

Go read about it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2025 🏆

The New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame revealed its Class of 2025, and what a lineup it is! George Chase from Grand Bay, a marksman with a trophy case full of national titles and coaching accolades, joins the 2001 Saint John Alpines, a baseball powerhouse that dominated with provincial and national championships.

They’ll share the spotlight with Judy Astle, a trailblazer in women’s golf, Sylvio Bourque, a world-class armwrestler, Rick Bowness, the NHL’s longest-serving coach, and Frank Synott, New Brunswick’s first Olympic medalist.

The big event happens May 31, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John. Tickets go on sale soon—stay updated here!

The Chamber Celebrates Local Business 💼

The Delta Hotel was buzzing last night as The Chamber handed out its Outstanding Business Awards (OBAs). From trailblazing entrepreneurs to community change makers, the evening honored the people and organizations making waves in our region.

Big wins included Michelle Hooton and Seafarer AI, while United Way, stood out for their dedication to Saint John. The night was a celebration of bold ideas, hard work, and local success stories.

Cheers to all the nominees and winners—you’re what we love about our city! 

Turn Your Kitchen into Italian By Night 🍝

Think you can capture the magic of Italian By Night at home? Sure, your gnocchi might rival theirs (after a few tries), but can you recreate that lively atmosphere? Maybe, it depends on how crazy your family is.

Start with the food by joining Chef Michelle Hooton for The Art of Gnocchi online cooking class on February 1, 2025. From potato to ricotta gnocchi, she’ll walk you through every step, from her kitchen to yours. It’s beginner-friendly, packed with pro tips, and perfect for anyone looking to impress—at least until someone asks, “Where’s the wine?” You may think it’s a long way off, but this is gonna fill up quick! Register by emailing [email protected]

Top Clicks of the Week 🏅
Monday: Danika McRea is making holiday gnomes as a school trip fundraiser
Tuesday: You discovered Connie Shea’s awesome Hidden Histories project at STM
Wednesday: Two more big cranes are headed to Saint John
Thursday: Saint John Seafarers Mission needs volunteers

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📍

On Wednesday, we swung by Gault Road to check if the holiday lights were up—and they’re not just up, they’re shining bright! This street is already in full festive mode, reminding us it’s time to dust off our own tangled mess of string lights. Got a favourite spot for holiday displays? Let us know where to find the brightest and best—we’re on a mission to map out the ultimate holiday light tour! 🎄✨

And remember to tag @sjtoday to have your photos shared in the newsletter!

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TONIGHT

Belding Farms European Market | November 29+

The 3rd Annual European-Style Christmas Market at Belding Hill Farms kicks off on November 29 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Enjoy festive food, drinks, and unique gifts from local artisans while embracing the social spirit of a European Christmas market. The market will also be open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM through December 14. 

Jazz Night at Trinity Galleries | November 30

Have you ever walked by Trinity Galleries on a Friday evening and thought, "Now that looks like a classy experience"? We have, which is why we're telling you to go check it out tonight! Enjoy live jazz from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for just a $10 cover charge. It's the perfect chance to relax with friends and enjoy some great music. Arrive early for drinks and appetizers. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. Maybe we’ll see there! 

SATURDAY

Lots of holiday cheer around the Saint John region this weekend!
Here are a few must-dos in your neck of the woods. 🎄

KV Santa Claus Parade-Christmas Treasures | November 30
The KV Santa Claus Parade is back for its 26th year, and this time it’s all about Christmas Treasures! Starting at KVHS, the parade will light up Hampton Road with dazzling floats, festive music, and holiday spirit, finishing at the Marr Road and Clark Road intersection. Bundle up and grab your spot early—roads close at 5:45 PM. Can’t make it? Catch the magic on the live stream via the parade’s Facebook page!

Christmas in the Village | November 30
St. Martins transforms into a holiday wonderland this Saturday! Shop local treasures at the Legion and Farmers’ Market, decorate your own gingerbread cookie (with bonus hot chocolate!), and create an ornament at the art studio. Then, cozy up for storytime at the library. Wrap it all up with the magical Christmas Parade at 6:30 PM on Main Street, followed by tree lighting, Santa sightings, free cookies, and cider.

Hampton’s Winter Wonderland | November 30
Hampton is bursting with holiday magic all day long! From breakfast at the Legion to afternoon tea at the museum, there’s something festive for everyone. Shop local markets, craft ornaments, enjoy storytime, or even learn to curl. Don’t miss caroling in Town Square at 4 PM, leading up to Santa’s big arrival at 5 PM.

Meet the Grinch | November 30
The Grinch is leaving Mount Crumpit for McAllister Place—though he's promised to try and behave. From 2-5pm you can snap a pic, share a laugh, and see if you can coax out some Christmas spirit from this delightfully naughty guest. Just don’t let him near the presents! Bring your phone or camera to capture the mischief, and get ready to make some holiday memories (or maybe just some Grinchy ones).

SUNDAY

Christmas in the Park | December 1
Join the fun at Queen Square West, 3-4:30pm, for a festive afternoon of llama adventures, wagon and pony rides, Christmas carols, a scavenger hunt, and a tree lighting! Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday cheer for the whole family. Don't forget, they're collecting cereal for the West Side Food Bank at all Christmas activities. 

Free Lighting Social | December 1
Get ready for a family-friendly bash at The Picnic Shelter! Starting at 5:45 PM, this free event features music, cookies, and even fire trucks – because who doesn’t love a good truck in the holiday spirit? It’s the perfect chance to enjoy some festive fun, snap a few pics, and kick off December with a little community cheer. Grab your crew and get in the holiday mood!

2024 Grand Bay-Westfield Mayor’s Tree Lighting | December 1
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a bang! Head to Unity Park at 6:00 PM for some festive tunes by Comfort Zone, featuring Debbie Harrity and Nancy Conway. The tree lighting at 6:30 PM will light up the night, followed by a cozy sing-along to keep the cheer going until 7:00 PM. Plus, cookies and hot chocolate to keep everyone warm and merry.

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SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - if you found anything useful this week, share it with someone that’s been in weekend mode since Monday. 🗓️

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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