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- 🛍️ Retail Drive + 2 New Shops
🛍️ Retail Drive + 2 New Shops
SJ Today
April 04, 2025
Good morning Saint John! No weekend plans yet? Don’t worry… you’ve got all day to pretend to be productive! 💻
Here’s what we’re browsing today:
Back to work on Retail Dr next week 🛣️
Quispamsis is looking for performers 🎸
New shops opening soon 🛍️
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🚧 Retail Drive Shake-Up Begins Monday
Heads up, drivers: the Retail Drive intersection is getting a makeover, and that means construction season is officially upon us. Starting April 7, crews will be digging into Rothesay Avenue, Ashburn Lake Road, and Retail Drive to install new underground infrastructure, realign lanes, and add fresh traffic signals. Expect detours, closures, and the occasional bout of frustration until work wraps up, hopefully, by October.
🎤 Quispamsis Wants You (to Perform, Not to Govern)
Got a guitar? A microphone? A burning desire to belt out O Canada in front of a crowd? Quispamsis is now accepting applications for performers at its Canada Day bash and the summer-long Music in the Park series. Whether you’re a musician, an emcee, or an AV wizard, now’s your chance to shine. Businesses can also get in on the action by sponsoring these events. Apply by April 30, just remember, submitting doesn’t guarantee you a spot, but not submitting definitely won’t!
🏆 Top Clicks of the Week
From joining municipal leadership, enjoying some tequila or having a new place to take the kids, here’s what had you clicking this week.
Monday - Join one of the city’s various board and commission openings
Tuesday - Saint John’s first ever Tequila Expo happens April 25 & 26
Wednesday - The Crying Cryptid’s Mystery Egg Market this Sunday
Thursday - Bubbles hair salon for kids has grand opening this Saturday
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
🧷Sew Much to Celebrate
Exciting news for crafters, makers, and anyone who’s ever wished for better fabric options in Saint John - The Sewist’s brand-new fabric store opens TOMORROW (April 5) at 62 Water Street!
For owner Jacquie Woodruff, this expansion has been a whirlwind. “I remember back in January finally committing to the idea, then being in NYC at a fabric show the very next week,” she said. “Since then, my staff and I have been drooling over the fabrics that have arrived. It’s so nice to see apparel fabrics in Saint John again.”
Recently, finding quality materials, especially for clothing, has been a challenge for local makers. “Sewing is not a lost art, but to keep it vibrant, we need spaces to create and access to fabrics and materials,” Jacquie said. “Our goal is to provide both.”
Doors open at 10 AM with grand opening giveaways, discounts, and prizes (yes, you can win just for showing up). Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or just fabric-curious, this is your chance to stock up and support a fantastic local business!
🏒 Doiron's Scores Big with New qplex Pro Shop!
Saint John’s favourite local sports store, Doiron Sports Excellence, is now bringing its top-tier gear to Quispamsis! Known for being the go-to spot on the west side, they’re expanding to serve the entire Kennebecasis Valley as the new official proshop at the qplex. Whether you're gearing up for hockey, soccer, or lacrosse, they’ve got you covered with quality equipment and services like skate sharpening. The new pro shop opens April 9!
By the way, we shared the U13 Riptide’s incredible underdog story in Wednesday’s issue. Want to help them get to the Atlantic Championship? Doiron’s is getting behind the team big time with a YETI cooler raffle, with all proceeds going to the team’s travel fund.
*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’s some more things to look forward to over the next few weeks!
Pop Through the Years | April 13
Join the Treble Clef Choir for an afternoon of music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s at their Annual Spring Event! This year, they’re bringing the house down at Harmony United Church with special guests Heartbeat and Ceol Ceilidh Band for a pop music celebration.
The concert starts at 2:30 PM, and it’s free - just bring a donation to support the choir. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some classic hits while supporting local music.
Don't miss this musical trip through time!
3rd Annual Fire vs Police Charity Hockey Game | April 19
The ultimate showdown is back! The Kennebecasis Valley Firefighters face off against the Kennebecasis Regional Police in the 3rd Annual Charity Hockey Game, all in support of KV Domestic Violence Outreach.
Join the excitement on April 19th at the qplex in Quispamsis. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the puck drop at 7:00 PM. It's a thrilling night of hockey, and there’s more than just the game, enjoy Chuck-a-Puck, a 50/50 draw, and other fun activities, all while supporting a great cause.
KV Domestic Violence Outreach is a local non-profit that provides vital support to women who have experienced intimate partner violence. The funds raised will help empower these women through outreach services, education, and support programs.
So, grab your tickets, cheer for your team, and make a difference in the community - all while enjoying an action-packed night on the ice!
Port City Beer Run | May 31
The Port City Beer Run is back for its 10th year, combining a scenic 5K or 10K with a local craft brew festival. Starting at Moosehead Breweries and finishing at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, the event features 20+ local breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries pouring their best.
Not a runner? Fan Tickets let you skip the race and head straight to the festival at noon.
Limited tickets available - so grab yours while they last! Plus, buy 4 or 5 tickets and get $10 off per person, automatically applied at checkout.
Proceeds benefit Top Corner Hockey SJ, helping kids get on the ice.
*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 WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸
📍 On Wednesday we shared this pic of a hanging flag. Obviously, the smart money was on it being at a curling club - and it was! This was snapped during a bonspiel at Carlton Curling Club over the weekend. Shout out to Nancy, Andrew, and Scott for guessing correctly! Honourable mention to Cody and Katherine for guessing Thistle-St. Andrew’s, where a similar one may be hanging too.
Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 5:03 AM(Fri 04 April) | 7.78 m(25.53 ft) |
Low Tide | 11:26 AM(Fri 04 April) | 1.14 m(3.74 ft) |
High Tide | 5:41 PM(Fri 04 April) | 7.19 m(23.59 ft) |
Low Tide | 11:54 PM(Fri 04 April) | 1.73 m(5.68 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows how look busy on a Friday! đź’Ľ
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher