Aug. 9th, 2023 Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! It sure was a super (moon) week. The night skies were amazing and the tides exceptional. Here are a few other super moon shots from around the world last week. We are all about arts and culture here in Chester this week. Don't miss out ! The Chester Art Centre is pulling out all the stops this weekend for a top notch bash. There is something for everyone - even if you are not under 30. Art, music, food and so much more. Please see the attached schedule to plan your weekend of merriment. Celebrate summer at the Rope Loft with a Gosling's Dark n’ Stormy.  Featuring Pub Night, with Roaster Wings and Potato Skins - Thursdays at 5 pm. Fresh Seafood Daily!  This Saturday is the Chester Heritage Society's annual yard sale at the Chester Train Station from 9:30 - 2:00 pm. Rain date: Sunday, August 13. They have several large furniture items on the block. For donations drop off: 902-275-8416 / 902-275-3826 by Friday, August 11th. Organizations or groups are welcome to come sell as well: $20/Table. For more info call 902-275-8416 or email lordlyhouse@gmail.com. The Chester Playhouse continues their "Playhouse Without Walls" with "New Waterford Boy: A Ceilidh" Show times are this Saturday @ 7:30 PM and Sunday @ 2:00 PM Part East Coast kitchen party, part inspiring storytelling, part ceilidh, get ready to sing along with New Waterford Boy! An intimate, upbeat kitchen party where Richie Wilcox tells personal tales of being Rita MacNeil’s nephew for a week, conquering first kisses at junior high dances, the inner workings of Canadian Idol, and more. He belts Cape Breton classic tunes from the Rankin Family, Rita MacNeil, and John Allan Cameron. The Chester Bandstand summer concert series continues this Sunday evening with the Tuesday Night Show Band from 7-8:30 PM. Don't miss this. Upbeat tunes, swing, show tunes- fun stuff ! This band is terrific. Ahhh. Summer. Time to kick back and relax. This year is The Bluenose's 60th Anniversary ! I was digging around YouTube and found an old Rick Mercer clip from his day out on the Bluenose. Check out our blog Visit our website A bargain is something you can’t use at a price you can’t resist.  Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants' Group

July 26th, 2023 Press Release!

 Chester Merchants Press Release

Hello! I think I saw Noah's ark on Route 3 today - or maybe it was an 18 wheeler. The landscape is very different in Chester this week - there's more water than land. Even the drive through has a marine element.

Tonight , Wednesday, there is a tennis tournament at the Chester Tennis Club at 6 pm with four South Shore clubs participating. It's not Wimbledon, but you don't have to get on a plane to see it. Free admission.

Get fired up at the Rope Loft this weekend ! 🔥 Buy a Caesar when you visit and fill out a ballot for a chance to win a Fire Pit from Mott’s Clamato. Double up for double entry. Contest ends Monday, July 31st. What are you waiting for?

Going Coastal Fine Art and Furnishings offers a wide range of local arts, crafts, and decor, and showcases their in-store and custom-made furniture. They feature several well-known Chester-based artists and artisans in their store. These include Kiln Art World-Class Fused Glass, artist Malcolm Callaway, Paula McDonald ceramics artist, and Rosi Robinson Batik Artist this summer.

The Chester Farmers and Artisans market is on Friday at the Old Railway Station, from 9 am - 12:30 pm. Rain or Shine. Local fresh produce, meat and fish, artisan baking, tasty meals, flowers and plants, handmade crafts, jewelry, and treats.

The Chester Playhouse continues their “Playhouse without Walls “ summer series. They are featuring a musical event this weekend, Los Primos "Eclecticus". This promises to be a super evening of Cuban Jazz with a twist!

Saturday night the Chester Yacht Club is throwing open the doors to all comers. Dance to the beat of our favourite local band "Dark and Stormy."

This Sunday the weekly Bandstand Series continues with the "Second Chances" Community Band.The show starts at 7 pm - unless there is another monsoon.

The Chester Art Centre is showcasing a solo exhibition by Ian McKinnon. Stop by and check it out.

Next Tuesday Picnic in the Park presents Kevin’s Gypsy Minstrels sponsored by Chester Building Supplies from 6-8 pm. Donations for the band greatly appreciated.

Jim Smith’s Fine Studio Pottery at 112 Water Street is holding an open house next weekend August 5th from 11-5pm and 6th from 12-5pm. I popped by there yesterday. There are some spectacular pieces going in the kiln today.

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Don’t tell secrets in the garden. The potatoes have eyes, the corn has ears, and the beanstalk. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants' Group

Chester Press Release June 28th, 2023

Chester Merchants Press Release These boats could be seen in the Front Harbour last night before they disappeared in the fog. Well, last month we prayed for rain and boy, did He deliver. It looks as if it is going to be a wet weekend. Never mind. It's Canada Day ! Let's celebrate ! The Chester Farmers’ and Artisans Market happens every Friday at the Old Railway Station from 9am - 12:30 pm. Farm produce, baking, craft beer and spirits, artisanal crafts and food to go. Always a great spot to catch up on the local gossip. The Chester Heritage Society is hosting a July 1st Garden Party at the Chester Train Station from 4 - 8 pm. Join in on all the family fun: bouncy houses; games; face painting; games of chance, food vendors, and lots of prizes. canauss@gmail.com for further info. Going Coastal Fine Art and Furnishings marks its tenth year in business at 41 Queen Street. The store offers a wide range of local arts, crafts and decor, and showcases their in-store and custom-made furniture. Going Coastal is welcoming several well-known Chester-based artists and artisans this year: Kiln Art world class fused glass; artist Malcolm Callaway; Paula McDonald ceramics artist and Rosi Robinson batik artist. Over 30 Nova Scotia-based artists will be featured. If you're looking to add a touch of seaside style to your home or cottage, Going Coastal Fine Art and Furnishings have you covered with their selection of beautiful and unique furniture! Whether you're in a hurry or just looking for inspiration, peruse their selection of furniture. If you have a specific vision in mind or a unique space to fill, their custom-made options may be just what you need. Malcolm Callaway This Sunday kicks off the summer season for the Chester Bandstand Summer Concerts series starting at 7 to 8:30 pm, weather permitting. The Chester Brass Band is celebrating their 150th year !  They will be headlining this Sunday.   "Picnic in the Park” has live music every sunny Tuesday at Lordly Park from 6 - 8pm.  Rain date is Wednesday, then Thursday. Check for Event Cancellation. Free admission - donations for the band appreciated. Next Tuesday is “Jamie’s Jungernauts” sponsored by Susan Diamond of Engel & Volkers. Next Saturday, July 8th, is the "Playhouse Party," the Chester Playhouse's annual summer fundraiser. This year’s festivities will be at the beautiful home of Ross and Stephanie McNeil on Hutchinson Drive. Catch up with friends and celebrate the summer, your Playhouse, and the much anticipated re-opening in August! Enjoy live music, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a wine & bar selection from Bishop’s Cellar in a gorgeous setting with a spectacular view. You’ll also have an exclusive chance to bid on several very special auction packages and to win Playhouse raffle items. Dial up the Playhouse now for your tickets 902-275-3933 At once intimate and interactive, "Every Brilliant Thing" is a touching, funny and uplifting performance that chronicles life's small joys and reveals the lengths to which we will go for those we love. Tickets for the show are available online or by calling the Playhouse 902-275-3933 Check out our blog Visit our website This squirrel is making the social media rounds I I think there might be an Oscar in his future. Exercise makes you look better naked. So does wine. Your choice. Happy Canada Day from all of us ! Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants' Group

December 14th, 2022 Press Release!

 

Chester Merchants Press Release

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‌ Greetings! Our Chester Village Christmas weekend was a huge success despite the North Pole climate we experienced on the Saturday. Families came out in droves and everyone was sporting an elf name. My favourite was Pee Wee Sugar Waffles. A huge shout out to the sponsors and volunteers that made this event happen.

The annual pet parade was a highlight. The "Festival of Trees" had over 500 visitors !

Less than two weeks left till we can put the bunny slippers on and relax. Until then, it's all go go Go !

Congratulations to Andrew Chandler, executive director of the Chester Playhouse. Andrew has navigated the Playhouse through an extremely challenging time and has done it all with determination and a huge smile. Thank you Andrew !

Flowers are always a delight - at any time of year. Dial up Robin to order yours.

Rob Philip photo

Trivia is held at Chester's Cafe and Social House every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8pm. Erin will be starting up again January 3rd. Rob Philip photo Entering the Village Emporium past the gems and the alpaca mittens, past the books, baby blankets and such, down a step or two, take a left, and behold - the best of suttles which is Swallowtail Bunting Company Christmas decor. The Bahamas has come north ... to Western Shore. 242 Bahama Mama Delicacies opened yesterday in Western Shore ! The Mecklenburgh Inn offers gift certificates when a pair of socks just won't do. Teresa Bergen is known around the world but is our best kept secret. Stop by her studio and see what's fresh out of the kiln. # 117, Highway 14 just past Oceanview Nurseries. ‌ I happened upon this video for United Way Halifax. I think it sums up our current situation very well. Please find it in your heart to donate to those in need, not just at Christmas, but year round. The need never goes away.

You are getting this joke again, because everyone I asked - didn't get it... We are now firmly parked in the middle of flu and cold season. Women just soldier on, while the men ... well, men, they get a CLICK >>CLICK>> MAN cold << CLICK<< CLICK

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When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys 

as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the pre-Christmas 

pressure.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed 

Santa even more. When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three 

of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and 

were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the 

toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered. So, frustrated, 

Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he 

went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and 

hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider 

jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen 

floor.He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw 

off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, 

yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas 

tree. The angel said very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this 

a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to 

stick it?"

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

The Chester Merchants wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season. All the best to you and yours.

Suzi Fraser

for the Chester Merchants Group