🌊 So Long Billy's

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today with a quick note to say thanks for all the emails and messages. Hearing how much you’re enjoying the newsletter really means a lot! Be sure to keep sharing ideas, introducing us to amazing locals you know and sharing SJ Today with your friends. 👋

Here’s what’s happening today:

• Order of New Brunswick noms are open 🏅

• We say farewell to one Uptown restaurant and hello again to another 🍽️

• A concert announcement hitting all the high notes 🎶

Happy Hump Day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

⭐ Know a Hometown Hero? Give ’Em the Spotlight! 

Every community has that one person who just makes things happen. The tireless volunteer, the culture champion, the behind-the-scenes powerhouse. Now’s your chance to get them the recognition they deserve! Nominations are open for the Order of New Brunswick, the province’s highest honour. It’s for those who’ve made a lasting impact on our communities, whether in business, the arts, or public service. The deadline to nominate someone is April 1, and winners get their well-earned moment in the spotlight this fall. 

Lace ‘em up—Lily Lake is open for skating!

Thanks to the recent deep freeze, the city has cleared and flooded the ice at Rockwood Park’s Lily Lake, making for prime skating conditions. But in typical Saint John form, it looks like we’ve got about a day to enjoy it before the temperature jumps up…and then of course, falls back down in a few days. If you do get out, check for posted signs, wear a helmet if you can, and stick to the designated areas.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Billy’s Seafood Says Goodbye After 32 Years

We’re sending a tough farewell to a Saint John staple, Billy’s Seafood has officially closed its doors after 32 years in the Saint John City Market. Owner Billy Grant, who started working in the Market at just 17, says the decision comes after years of challenges, from market renovations to pandemic struggles. Despite their best efforts, the business is no longer viable. Billy’s was more than just a restaurant—it was a cornerstone of Uptown’s food scene. To everyone who’s ever stopped in for a meal, it’s the end of an era. Thanks for everything, Billy. ❤️

🍕 Beer Bread Is Back—And You’ll Want a Seat

Forget the sad desk lunch, today is not a day to eat at work. Beer Bread Restaurant is back today at noon, and they’re serving up a rebooted menu that demands your attention. We’re talking 5-Spice Duck pizza, Charred Octopus Carpaccio, and a 36-hour braised beef sandwich that’s worth ditching your leftovers for. Plus, Chef Alex Newton and his crew are all about unreasonable hospitality, which basically means they’re rolling out the red carpet. Take a long lunch, grab a table, and dig in. And if you don’t make it back for that afternoon meeting…🤷

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WINTERFEST PREVIEW
👉 It’s week four of Fundy Winterfest and here’s a rundown of what’s on tap as we get ready for the weekend - plus an Insane concert announcement came down yesterday.

⛸️ Costume Skate
Wednesday, February 5, 6-8pm at the Rothesay Common
Step back in time to the Winter Carnival on the Common in 1945! Dress up in your best costume and enjoy a fun skate on the Common ice. It's a free, family-friendly event, and hot chocolate will be served! Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item to support the KV Food Basket.

🎉 Winter Carnival on the Common
Saturday, February 8, 2-4pm at the Rothesay Common
Celebrate 80+ years of winter fun with skating, snowshoeing, face painting, and more! Don’t miss the Ice Dance International performance at 2:30pm, followed by public skating. Grab some hot chocolate and enjoy the festivities! Free admission, and donations for the KV Food Basket are appreciated.

💖 Trail of Hearts
Saturday, February 8, 6pm at 20 Randy Jones Way, Quispamsis
Take a romantic stroll through the lighted Trail of Hearts! This free event offers a magical evening walk through nature, with parking at the qplex.

⛸️ Ice Dance International
Saturday, February 8, 2:30pm and 6:30pm at the Rothesay Common
Don’t miss this magical outdoor ice performance of Winter Tidings by Ice Dance International! Enjoy the artistry on ice and skate with the performers afterward. Free admission, with food donations accepted for the KV Food Basket.

🎤 Get Ready to Blaze Up the Night with Cypress Hill | May 17
These hip-hop legends are rolling into town, literally! Cypress Hill is bringing their
O Canadabis Tour to TD Station on May 17, and it's going to be a night to remember! Joining them are De La Soul and The Pharcyde, bringing those throwback vibes! You can expect iconic hits, electrifying performances, and, let’s be honest, a very distinct aroma. This is your shot to see hip-hop royalty live in Saint John before they blaze their way east.  Tickets go live Friday at 10 AM, and trust us, you don’t want to miss out.

Got an Event to Share?

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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 know where this throwback photo is hanging in the city, hit reply with you guess or let’s us know on Facebook or Instagram. 

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with the last person you texted. 📲

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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