🕵️ Tequila, Cheap Gas & a Scam!

Good morning Saint John, It’s April Fool’s Day, and the worst prank of all is that it’s not sunny and 15 yet.

Here’s what we’re falling for today:

• Gas is getting cheaper 💰

• Don’t get scammed at the door 🚫

• Did someone say tequila? 🍹

Have a great day!

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NEWS NOTES

 ⛽️ Pump Relief? No Foolin’

Gas prices are down, and no, it’s not an April Fools’ prank. As of today, the federal carbon price on fuel is gone, cutting 17 cents off gas and 21 cents off diesel. A pre-election gift? A temporary glitch in the matrix? Either way, we’ll take it. Fill up while the savings last, because nothing good at the pumps ever sticks around for long.

🚪 Knock, Knock - Who's There? Maybe a Scam.

The Financial Consumer Services Commission is warning New Brunswickers to think twice before opening their wallets to door-to-door salespeople, especially the unlicensed ones. Reports have surfaced about sketchy sellers peddling home services and equipment through social media ads, telemarketing, and doorstep pitches. Some use classic scare tactics, like claiming your furnace is on its last breath or that your water is secretly trying to kill you. Others pretend to be from the city or a utility company.

Before signing anything, ask for a licence (they legally need one), do some research, and remember you have 10 days to back out of a contract. And if a salesperson seems pushy, don’t be afraid to send them packing…your front porch, your rules.

For more tips (or to report a shady seller), check out the Commission’s website.

🍁 Sticky Situation? Not for Crosby Foods

Crosby Foods is making sure no one has to squint at the back of their molasses carton to know they’re proudly Canadian. The Saint John company, in business since 1879, is moving its “Proudly Canadian since 1879” emblem from the fine print on the back to front and center on its packaging. While they can’t legally slap a “Made in Canada” label on it (since their molasses is imported from Central America), they’re making sure their Canadian roots are crystal clear.

With tariffs looming and a buy-Canadian wave sweeping the country, Crosby’s isn’t rushing any snap decisions, but they know branding is a marathon, not a sprint. And when it comes to branding molasses, slow and steady wins the race.

🚰 Saint John Water Tightening the Tap on Costs

Saint John Water is tweaking its budget game plan to keep rates from flooding your wallet. Right now, when a new apartment building pops up and needs bigger pipes, the water utility foots the bill, while the city enjoys the extra property tax revenue. A proposed change would give the utility a slice of that tax pie to help cover costs.

They're also setting a borrowing cap, making sure their debt doesn’t spring a leak past 15% of the operating budget. Luckily, overall debt is expected to shrink over the next decade, unless, of course, something unexpected bursts onto the scene. Council will wade through the details at an upcoming meeting. ($)

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

April’s here, and it’s bringing some good times with it! We’ve picked out a few events we’re especially excited about this month…because who needs an April Fool’s joke when the real fun’s already lined up?

🌵 Tequila Expo Hits Town, And We’ve Got Tickets! | April 25 & 26*
Clear your calendar and dust off your party sombrero - the first-ever Saint John Tequila Expo is shaking things up on April 25 & 26 at the Trade & Convention Centre. Think top-shelf tequila, smoky mezcal, fresh tacos, ice-cold cocktails, live mariachi, and Lucha Libre wrestlers flying off the ropes while you sip and snack.

Want in? Grab your tickets now and you’ll score a souvenir shot glass plus two complimentary food or drink tickets, because tequila without a great pairing is like a margarita without salt: technically fine, but why would you do that?

Oh, and stay tuned because SJ Today will be giving away tickets as we get closer to the event. Keep an eye on your inbox, because nothing says “luck is on my side” like scoring free tequila!

🐱 Don't Miss 'American Cats' – Last Foggy Docs Screening! | April 15
The final film in the Foggy Docs Series is here - American Cats: The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly dives into Ontario’s controversial cat declawing issue, with Amy Hoggart from Full Frontal with Samantha Bee bringing humour, kittens, and some serious catspiracy.

Catch it Tuesday, April 15 at 7:30 PM at the BMO Studio Theatre. Tickets are $15 + fees. Stick around after the screening for a Q&A with local reps connected to the film’s theme.

✍️ Celebrate National Poetry Month at Write Cup Café | April 16
April is National Poetry Month, and this year’s theme is family. Whether it’s your birth family, chosen family, or quirky pals, poetry has something to say about all kinds of connections.

On April 16 from 6-9 pm, Hot Bottled Poetry, a local poetry podcast, and the Write Cup Café are hosting an open mic poetry reading. It’s your chance to share your thoughts on family in all its forms. Poets, poetry lovers, or anyone with a family are invited to read or cheer along.

A big thank you to Stephen Kent Roney for sharing this event with us! Keep an eye on the Write Cup Café’s Facebook page for more details.

🎤 James Mullinger Live in Saint John | April 26!

Don’t miss James Mullinger’s ONLY full-length show in Saint John this year! On Saturday, April 26, he’ll be performing his 2025 tour at the Dennis Knibb Auditorium at Saint John High School from 7:30-9:30 PM.

It’s a night packed with 90 minutes of comedy and special guests from New Brunswick’s biggest cheerleader himself! Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to book yours before they’re gone!

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