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- 🌙 Moonlight, Markets, & Makeovers
🌙 Moonlight, Markets, & Makeovers
SJ Today
March 19, 2025
Good morning Saint John! I can hardly believe it, but we’re so close to hitting 1,000 daily subscribers! Your personal referral link is just above the tide times below. If you’re enjoying the newsletter, I’d be thrilled if you could share it with a friend or two who might like it as well.
Here’s what’s up this morning:
Cooling fan at Point Lepreau goes kaput ❄️
Moonlight Bazaar earlier this year 🌙
Get your Red Triangle tickets now 🎟️
Let’s get to it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
💨 Point Lepreau Needs a Fan Fix…Literally
Point Lepreau is on pause after a cooling fan tapped out, and NB Power shut things down Monday to sort it out - because keeping a nuclear reactor cool is kind of important.
No impact on safety or the power supply, but no timeline yet for the fix as diagnostics are still underway. The station cranks out 660 megawatts when running, so here’s hoping it’s a quick swap. Maybe they just need to unplug it and plug it back in?
🚢 Navigating Uncertainty at Port Saint John
With global trade in flux, Port Saint John isn’t waiting to see what happens next - it’s already looking for new opportunities. CEO Craig Estabrooks says that while the latest U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum haven’t hit local operations yet, businesses are eyeing alternative markets just in case.
The port has been expanding its reach, with connections to Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America, and Estabrooks says they’re ready to help New Brunswick exporters shift gears if needed. With new cranes, a cold storage facility, and growing container capacity, the port is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s trade future - no matter what turbulence comes next.
🌕 Saint John’s Brightest Night Is Back - A Little Sooner!
Moonlight Bazaar is lighting up the city earlier this year, landing on Saturday, July 19, so clear your schedule and get ready to dance under the massive glowing Moon (and Mars) a little sooner than usual.
For one unforgettable night, Uptown will once again transform into a swirling mix of live music, street performances, top-tier food, and that unmistakable Saint John magic. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and everything that makes this event the summer highlight we all look forward to.
More details coming soon, but for now, mark your calendar and prepare for lift-off.
🌳 Rainbow Park’s Makeover Begins with Chainsaws
Big changes are kicking off at Rainbow Park this week as tree removal begins to make way for the new south end school.
This is the first step in the park’s new layout, which will blend public space with the upcoming K-8 school and community hub. The Turner Brewer Memorial will also be carefully moved and relocated once construction is complete.
The new school will replace Prince Charles and St. John the Baptist-King Edward schools, welcoming 522 students when it opens in 2027. Meanwhile, Rainbow Park isn’t disappearing, it’s just getting a glow-up, complete with a new playground, dog park, community garden, and even a fresh basketball court.
For a sneak peek at the new layout, check it out here.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
💬 The Results: Saint John’s Bus Habits
In yesterday’s poll, 66.67% of readers voted that their car is their trusty sidekick, but around 20% of you are regular bus riders! A few of the comments included:
“Transfers should last two hours and be usable on every route.” – K.
“The bus route in Martinon took 45 minutes to Simms Corner.” – S.
“I only take the bus for shorter trips, motion sickness is real!” – Jenn
While the bus may not be winning over the majority, there’s still hope for those who dream of a more flexible and eco-friendly transit system.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Featured Fundraisers
Some great fundraisers are on the horizon, and we’re excited to share them with you! Want your event featured? Send it our way, and we’ll help spread the word!
Brisket & Brew for a Cause | March 28
Head to Drifter Brew Co. for a fun-filled night supporting the KV Food Basket! Enjoy live music from the Haley McMillan Trio, a delicious dinner, silent auction, 50/50 draw, and more. Doors open at 6pm, with dinner served at 7pm. Tickets are $50.
Comedy Night for Carma Cat Rescue | March 29
Catch some top-notch Maritime comedy at this fundraiser for Carma Cat Animal Rescue! The night features local legends like host Mike Rogers, NB’s Chris Hovey, headliner John Skov Nielsen, and special guest Dan Theriault. Tickets are just $15, with part of the proceeds going to support this paws-itively great cause. Get your tickets and help make a difference! 7pm at Wasted Day.
What’s in the Box? | April 17
Get ready for a night of mystery, art, and community support at the Saint John Arts Centre’s What’s in the Box? fundraiser! Enjoy a lively evening of food, drinks, and the chance to purchase a mystery box containing an original artwork from one of 50+ local artists for just $100. All proceeds go to supporting SJAC’s programs, including the Artists’ Rights Fees program.
📅 Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 7-9pm
📍 Location: Saint John Arts Centre
🎟 Tickets: $75 (includes $25 tax receipt)
🔗 Purchase Tickets Here
Ballot submissions for the mystery box are optional. One lucky winner will leave with a unique piece of art!
35th Annual Red Triangle Award Gala | April 23
Celebrate leadership and community at the 35th Annual Red Triangle Award Gala, presented by Emera. This prestigious event will honour Janet Thompson-Price, the 2025 Red Triangle Award recipient, and Cameron Keyes, the Leader to Watch Award recipient. Funds raised will support the YMCA’s Strong Communities Campaign, ensuring access to YMCA programs for youth, families, seniors, and newcomers in Greater Saint John.
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | 6:30pm
📍 Location: Saint John Regional YMCA
🎟 Tickets: $125 each or $1,000 for a group of 10
🔗 Purchase Tickets
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸
Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. If you think you recognize this from somewhere, hit reply and give us your best guess!
Tag @sjtoday on Facebook to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 3:34 AM(Wed 19 March) | 7.37 m(24.18 ft) |
Low Tide | 9:51 AM(Wed 19 March) | 1.52 m(4.99 ft) |
High Tide | 3:57 PM(Wed 19 March) | 7.03 m(23.07 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:07 PM(Wed 19 March) | 1.87 m(6.14 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today! If you found it useful, share it with someone who’d love to be subscriber 1,000! 🎉
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher