🍁 Syrup’s Pouring, Pride's Soaring

Good morning Saint John! It’s Shrove Tuesday and the best part? You’ve got a legit excuse to eat carbs, drenched in maple syrup. You're feeding your inner glutton and showing off your Canadian pride…win-win! 🍁🥞

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Who’s ready to spring ahead? ⏰

• Queen Square Farmers Market celebrates farmers 👩‍🌾

• Bitter fiddlehead to swallow 😖

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

♻️ Grand Bay-Westfield Joins Regional Recycling Program

Beginning May 1, 2025, Ward 1 residents of Grand Bay-Westfield will transition to an enhanced recycling system, joining other municipalities in the region. Expect a new curbside collection schedule, new bins, and more! Circular Materials, a national non-profit, will manage the program. Ward 1 residents will receive a brochure from Circular Materials this week. No changes are planned for Ward 2 residents. Get more information, plus a handy schedule and recycling wizard tool (available for all regions).

🥕 Queen Square Farmers Market turns 15 with Gift to Farmers

We’re counting the Sundays until the Queen Square Farmers Market returns (just 10 to go) for its 15th season! And to mark the milestone, they’re showing some extra love to the farmers who help keep our tables (and vases) full. For May and June, the market is waiving vendor fees for New Brunswick farmers, meaning more fresh, local produce right here in the heart of the city’s south end this summer. It’s a great reason to get excited about buying local this season. If you’re a farmer, or if you know one, now’s the time to get in on the action. Get the details and the vendor registration form here.

🕰️ Spring Forward, Lose an Hour, Gain More Sun

Ready or not, daylight saving time is here to mess with your sleep but bless your evenings. This Sunday, March 9, at 2am, we spring forward, which means one less hour of rest but one big step toward longer, brighter days. Yes, Monday might feel a little rough, but by next week, you’ll be soaking up extra evening light and forgetting the pain. Pro tip: Change your clocks before bed Saturday (even the microwave one), and maybe call it an early night. Or don’t…and just run on caffeine until your body catches up. Either way, brighter evenings are coming, and that’s worth a little yawning.

🎻 Fiddleheads Get Roasted…And Not in a Good Way

TasteAtlas, a foodie website ranking global cuisine, just named boiled fiddleheads one of the worst-rated foods in Canada. And New Brunswickers aren’t having it. The springtime delicacy, depending on who you ask, either a buttery delight or a swampy mistake, landed at number two on the list - an outrage to anyone who’s ever slathered them in butter. Acadians are especially fired up about fricot, a traditional stew, making the list. One cookbook author even launched a “fricothon” to fight back. As for fiddleheads? We’ll keep eating them, and the rest of Canada can just stay confused. ($)

💬 Your Opinion, Please!

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Here are a few of the events we’re most looking forward to in the month of March. 

35th Annual Irish Breakfast | March 15
☘️ O’Leary’s is serving up a hearty Irish breakfast for a great cause! From 9am-1pm, enjoy a plate piled high (courtesy of Big Tide Brewing Co.) while tapping your toes to live tunes from Comhaltas. It’s all in support of L’Arche Saint John. $14 for adults, $10 for kids. A proper way to kick off your St. Paddy’s weekend! 🍀

Pete's Pub St. Paddy's Dash | March 16
☘️ Lace up, dress in green, and hit the pavement for a two-mile fun run (or walk) in support of Red Head Stray Cats! Post-run, warm up with chili and buns. Register on race day at Picaroons or pre-register at Alex & Lily’s. Want to get a head start? Timed runs happen Wednesday, March 12 at 6pm. A little cardio before the pints never hurts! 🍀

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Whisky Pairing | March 17
🌈 Thandi is bringing the luck of the Irish to your glass with their 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Whisky Pairing. Kick off the evening with a custom cocktail, then indulge in a five-course gourmet meal, each dish perfectly paired with whisky from Hopscotch Whisky Bar. Live entertainment, rich flavours, and a proper toast to Ireland—what more could you ask for? ☘️

It’s Not Me, It’s You: Stand-Up Comedy | March 20
🎤 Hampton Brewing Co. is serving up laughs with a night of no-holds-barred comedy featuring some of the funniest voices in the Maritimes. Hosted by Taylor Lakeport, with headliner Maggie Estey and a stacked lineup, expect sharp wit, bold punchlines, and just the right amount of awkward. Seating is limited, so grab a ticket ($12.50 via Locarius) and get ready to laugh (or blush) all night long!

Spring Tide Shantyfest | March 20-22
⚓ Uptown Saint John transforms into a sea shanty paradise as the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival brings maritime music, history, and culture to life. Over three days, enjoy performances from six musical groups, knot-tying workshops, a family-friendly Céilí dance, and themed dining like “Seafood Chowder & Shanties” at Steamers. Multiple venues, endless good vibes—winter’s over, let’s sing it out!

Mike Biggar & The MB Jazz & Blues Revue | March 29
🎶 Big, bold, and bluesy, Mike Biggar is back at The BMO Studio Theatre with a powerhouse lineup of jazz and blues favourites. Expect fresh takes on classics like I Put a Spell on You and New York State of Mind, plus plenty of crowd-pleasers from last year’s sold-out show. Only 100 seats available so don’t miss out on this jivin’, jumpin’ night of music!

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who likes to get fancy by throwing berries in the batter. 🫐

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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