See Saint John - Market Square

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Market Square
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A pleasing blend of historic and modern Saint John, Market Square is one of the primary tourist destinations. Today’s Market Square, a $100 million development, was completed and opened in May 1983 but for much of its history, this area was bounded by warehouses and the waterfront. Now a modern thoroughfare, it’s facade incorporates the front of the old brick warehouses which in the last century lined both sides of Market Slip and it is the anchor for the Inside Connection, a pedway connecting Market Square, Brunswick Square and the City Market. Market Square was the national winner in the Renovation and Redevelopment Category at the Annual Canadian awards ceremony in 1996.

Justifiably called Saint John’s Festival Place, here is a brief overview of the upcoming events at Market Square for the remainder of 2007 and the beginning of 2008.

On November 17th, Market Square’s pre-Parade Party, runs throughout the afternoon prior to the Uptown Saint John Santa Claus Parade. Each year they have hosted a themed event that caters to every member of the family. In previous years some of the themes have been SpongeBob Square Pants, Harry Potter, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. This year’s theme is still under wraps until closer to the event but it will offer activities and events that transform the Market Square Atrium into a world of wonder for all ages. Come and Enjoy!!!

December 6th will be Men’s Shopping Night. This event focuses on taking the guesswork out of shopping for that special lady in their lives. Each participation shop has a Santa’s Wish List in their location which acts as a gift registry for themselves; this means they can try on that new outfit or pick out that lovely quilt, write down the information, and the men simply have to show up and pay! This is a night for them as well, though; Market Square also offers a cup o’ cheer and some treats in the Atrium to pick up their spirits as they make their way around. Many of their shops and restaurants also offer deep discounts so they can pamper themselves!

Saint John is Canada’s most Irish City. There are more people of Irish heritage per capita here than anywhere else in North America so if you are looking for a place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Market Square is an excellent choice. They partner with the Irish Society of Saint John and are the host venue for the Saint John St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, which is a much-anticipated event of the region!

Whether you want to find a quiet intimate restaurant, a quick bite to eat, a bar, a shop with something different for that special person or raise your spirits at a spa, you can find them all and much more at Market Square. In alphabetical order, the shops and services are - A&W, Ambiance Day Spa; Boilerworks; Candy Bouquet; Cougars; Grannan’s; Holly Café SoHa; House of Tara; Lanie’s Place; NB Museum Gift Shop, Running Room; Saint John Alehouse; Samuel & Co.; Simply Cottage; Tackles; Tim Horton’s: Walsh Luggage; Wicker Emporium; WH Hayward & Warwick.

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A Chair Fit For a President!

Of all the artifacts of the Saint Andrew’s Society, the President’s Chair - presented on March 8, 1908 - to mark the 110th anniversary of their founding is the most highly cherished. It was carved by John Rogerson, a member of the Society and a talented craftsman of his time. The wood for the chair was collected in seven different localities in Scotland and included a piece of a holly tree planted on Robert Burn’s first grave in Dumfries, and a piece over 800 years old, which had come from the castle where Bruce was born. The chair contains 26 pieces of wood.