🌧️ Shamrocks, Showers, and Shenanigans!

Good Morning Saint John! Hope you're feelin' lucky this morning…if not, the green Saint ‘Practice’ Day beers over the weekend could be to blame. Refill those cups a cheers to Paddy’s Day! ☘️

Here’s what’s at the end of the rainbow this morning:

• Rainfall warning means things could get messy ☔

• International Fly Fishing Film Fest 🎬

• Local Olympic tryouts 🏋️‍♂️

Let’s dive in!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🌧️ Monday’s Making a Splash

If you were hoping for a little something to help melt the last stubborn patches of snow on your lawn, you’re about to get way more than you bargained for. Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning for Saint John and surrounding areas, with 30 to 60 mm of rain expected today into this evening. That, plus all the melting snow, means a whole lot of slush and potential flooding in low-lying spots. Watch for water pooling on roads, and maybe rethink parking next to that questionable-looking storm drain. Oh, and keep an eye on the kids and pets as creeks and riverbanks will be extra dangerous. 

🎣  Catch the International Fly Fishing Film Festival

Get ready to reel in an unforgettable afternoon on March 30th as the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) lands in Saint John! Whether you're a seasoned angler or just love a good story, this not-for-profit screening at Wasted Day Brewing is sure to hook you. Starting at 2:30pm, you’ll experience eight short and feature-length films celebrating the culture, adventure, and stories of fly fishing. From the story of a deaf and mute fly-fishing guide in Mexico to jaw-dropping views from the Seychelles, the films will transport you around the globe.

Plus, the Hammond River Angling Association will be there to talk about their vital work in protecting Saint John’s local watershed - a great chance to learn how the community is making a difference.

Tickets are just $20, available on Eventbrite or by e-transfer. And with free parking just across the street, there’s no excuse to miss out!

💥 SJ Today is giving away a pair of tickets to the festival! Stay tuned for details on how to win! 💥

🏅Calling Future Olympians 

On April 13, the Irving Oil Field House is turning into a high-speed, high-energy testing ground for future Olympic stars. The RBC Training Ground is bringing its search for new talent to town, and if you're aged 14 to 25, this is your shot to show off your speed, strength, and power. With Olympic scouts from 15 different sports organizations watching closely, you could even score funding for your Olympic journey.

The event is free and open to all athletes in the age range - no limit on participants! Just sign up at RBCTrainingGround.ca or show up on the day, with the action running from 10am to 5:30pm.

Top national athletes like Sarah Mitton (shot put), Alex Canning (kayak-canoe), and Brett Himmelman (kayak-canoe) will be there for mentorship. Himmelman credits the RBC program for his own national team success, so this is your chance to get some expert tips and maybe even jumpstart your own Olympic dreams. ($)

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LOCAL BUSINESS

👒 Hats on the Move

Exciting news from Hats on the Square! Susie Hines is making a move from Germain Street to a bigger and better space at Market Square. With her lease up for renewal, she decided it was time to spread her wings and offer an even wider selection of Canadian-made products. The new spot will give her extra floor space to showcase even more of what customers love. She’ll be closing from March 28 to April 3 for the move, but you can stop by and check out the fresh digs starting April 4.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

🏛️ Quispamsis Council Meeting

Here’s a few of the items on the agenda for this week’s council meeting:

• Honouring Local Leaders: Presentation of the VIVE Award for gender equality, with provincial ministers expected to attend.

• Regional Updates: Fundy Regional Service Commission CEO to present on 2024 successes and 2025 plans.

• Development Decision: Council to review a request to amend a development agreement for 196 Hampton Road.

• By-law Changes: Discussions on a proposed council code of conduct, online dog licensing, and a water utility by-law update.

• Community Reports: Updates from building inspection services, Kennebecasis police, and the public library board.

See the full agenda.

The meeting begins at 6pm at Quispamsis Town Hall. You can attend in person or watch via livestream.

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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!

TODAY

☘️ Plenty of people got their Paddy’s Day celebrations in over the weekend, but when the big day falls on a Monday, it’s a true test of your Irishness… Here's where to be for some pints today. ☘️

Shamrocks & Shenanigans | March 17
Foghorn Brewing is bringing the craic with a St. Paddy’s Day bash full of live music and good cheer! Phil Babineau and Zack Ingles get things rolling at 5pm, followed by Brian Baker and Mike Beaton at 7:30pm. No cover, no reservations - just first-come, first-served seating, great tunes, and a few well-earned pints. 5-10pm.

St. Patrick’s at Drifter | March 17
Drifter Brew Co. is making an exception this Monday, opening up just for St. Patrick’s Day! From 2-6pm (ish), swing by for drinks only - plenty of fresh Drifter beer on tap, but no food service. It’s the perfect excuse to throw on some green and raise a pint. 

Paddy’s Day at O’Leary’s | March 17
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at O’Leary’s with live music all day & night! Enjoy tunes from Frank James, Mike Chase, Farraige, and O’Radio Factory - the perfect soundtrack for a pint (or two). Don’t miss the fun and festivities. Let the craic fly! 

WEDNESDAY

Grant Writing for Artists | March 19
2SLGBTQI+ creatives, this one's for you! Chroma NB is kicking off its Rainbow Entrepreneurship Program with a free in-person workshop on grant writing, led by Katie Buckley. Learn how to secure funding for your art, music, or creative business. Stick around for future workshops on building skills for success. 5:30-7:30pm, Envision Saint John (16th floor, 1 Germain St.). Free consultations available - email [email protected] to sign up.

Drive Back Home Screening | March 19
The Lorenzo Society is hosting a free screening of Drive Back Home, a film inspired by a true New Brunswick story. Set in 1970, it follows a gruff small-town plumber on a tense road trip to retrieve his estranged brother from jail. Directed by Nashwaaksis-born filmmaker Michael Clowater, this powerful drama is not to be missed. 7pm start with first-come, first-served seating.

THURSDAY

It’s Not Me, It’s You | March 20
Hampton Brewing’s taproom is getting a comedy shake-up with Taylor Lakeport and a lineup of unapologetically funny Moncton comics. Expect sharp wit, unexpected punchlines, and a whole lot of “pathetic woman stuff” from headliner Maggie Estey. Also on stage: Evan Steeves, Danielle Anderson, and Nick Tomkin. Seating is limited, so grab your $12.50 ticket via Locarius. 7:30pm, Hampton Brewing Co.

FRIDAY

The Art Assembly Pop-Up | March 21 & 22
Art, community, and craft beer—what more could you ask for? The Art Assembly’s first pop-up show brings together 10+ emerging artists at Picaroons General Store for a weekend of creativity. Browse curated collections, support local talent, and sip on a brew. Plus, 10% of all art sales go to Pulse Saint John. Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 11am-3pm, Picaroons General Store.

SATURDAY

Theresa Malenfant at Water Street | March 22
New Brunswick’s Queen of the Blues, Theresa Malenfant, returns to Water Street Dinner Theatre for a night of raw, soulful power. Alongside guitarist Scott Medford, she’ll bring deep, intense blues that demand attention. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm. Water Street Dinner Theatre.

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YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY.CA

📸 Alex Coffin | 📍 Saint John Boardwalk

Congrats to everyone who took part in the 32nd annual Pete’s Pub St. Paddy’s Day Dash! Over 100 runners hit the Harbour Passage yesterday, with proceeds supporting our friends at Red Head Strays. Check out the runners’ results times here.

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who has made the Irish Goodbye a regular part of their social life. 🎩

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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