Sept.26th,2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release   Greetings!   Despite the slight chill in the nighttime air, the days are still gorgeous here and the water can shimmer like diamonds. Mind you, if you have not topped up your woodpile or your heating fuel you may want to do that......

This Week in Chester  The Chester Farmer's and Artisan market is still going strong this Friday at the Chester Train Station from 9am - 1pm (rain or shine.) Talk about harvest bounty.....the village zucchini wars have started!!! Remember that the Station 20 Handcraft Shop located at the old Train Station is running from Wednesday - Saturday from 10am - 5 pm until the end of the month, so this is your last opportunity!!  A wonderful collection of antique and handmade items such as hooked rugs, knitted socks, mittens, sweaters, fine wood turning and wood working, antique furniture, paintings by local artists, hand crafted soaps, gift cards, sewing, quilting, driftwood and beach glass creations. For more info call 902-275-2592.  While the Chester Playhouse has nothing on this week coming, just want to give you a head's up that there are some fantastic music events coming in October so watch this space or visit their website for more info!  Chester Playhouse This Friday night at the Rope Loft Tom & Cynthia Myers are playing a few standards...joining them on Sax is the amazing Mike Watson, with a guest appearance by Jeanne Nash. This all kicks off at 8:00pm but get on down there early for a fab dinner in advance as the Friday night Prime Rib is back on the menu!! The White Gate Restaurant is gearing up for their Thanksgiving Sunday Prix Fix Menu $42 for 3 courses. Check out either their Facebook page or website for details, and book soon!! They will take bookings that Sunday from 4:00pm to 7:45 pm. Plus Thanksgiving is last weekend of their 2018 regular season!! Image Courtesy of Laura Mulrooney.This time of year the light at dawn and dusk can be spectacular....worth getting out for a stroll.......                                                                                                                                                                                   Brochure

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group   Join Our Mailing List!

Sept.19th,2018 Chester Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release   Greetings!   Happy Yom Kippur !   Hey, who turned down the heat ?   I thought this would run clear through till October.

This Week in Chester  The Station 20 Handcraft Shop located at the old Train Station is running from Wednesday - Saturday from 10am - 5 pm until the end of the month.. A wonderful collection of antique and handmade items such as hooked rugs, knitted socks, mittens, sweaters, fine wood turning and wood working, antique furniture, paintings by local artists, hand crafted soaps, gift cards, sewing, quilting, driftwood and beach glass creations. For more info call 902-275-2592.  The Chester Farmer's and Artisan market is on this Friday at the Chester Train Station from 9am - 1pm (rain or shine.) The tables are literally groaning with produce this time of year. Stock up on everything ! Bring a U Haul. If it looks like John Lennon, chances are it sounds like John Lennon. Beatle on over to the Rope Loftand check out Kevin Koloff on guitar from 8 -11 pm this Friday night. The grill is firing until 10pm. Get there early to assure your self a seat and stake out your dancing territory. Every Monday is Vintage Voices at Tuck Hall, 54 Regent Street at Saint Stephen's Parish at 1pm.   If you like music from the 30's, 40's, 50's or 60's, simply show up at Tuck Hall for a great sing along. They even take requests! Tuneful Tots follows at 4pm for a half hour of live songs and dancing.  902-275-3804                                                                                                                                                                                   Brochure

I want to be like a caterpillar. Eat a lot. Sleep for a while. Wake up beautiful. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group   Join Our Mailing List!

Sept.12th, 2018 Chester Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings!   I love this time of year in the village...the days are warm and the nights are cool....I can put the duvet back on the bed, light a cosy fire of an evening, think about heartier foods and just generally reflect on a happy busy summer and look forward to the leaves changing and the fresher air!! And there is still activity in the village, so take a look!!

This Week in Chester  The White Gate Restaurant has launched their Fall Menu with favorites such as Lamb Shanks braised in red wine and Seafood Pie back on the menu. Hours through Canadian Thanksgiving are Friday & Saturday 5:30pm to 9:00pm and Sundays 5:00pm to 8:00pm. You can contact them on 902.275.4400. Thursday night is Wing Night at the Fo'c'sle tonight. Get down there and order by the wing or the dozen...always buzzing on Thursdays at 'The Tav'!! Remember the Chester Farmers and Artisans are back at the Train Station Fridays from 9-1pm until October 5th. Plenty of harvest bounty available.....local farm and artisan vendors will be selling fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, hot food and more.  The Lordly House Museum has closed its regular hours but is still accessible by appointment and the Heritage Society continues to host Wednesday afternoon Craft Circles at the Chester Train Station from 1:00 - 3:00. Pop in for some lemonade or iced tea, a chat and some crafts. Chester Heritage Society A Chester favorite - Jamie Junger takes to the stage this Friday night down at the Rope Loft  with his lively list of original music from 8-11pm. If you have never seen Jamie perform you should!! And if you have you know how great the evening will be!! Get there early to assure yourself of a seat.  The Chester Art Center has a fantastic series of events coming up - A Journey into the World of Botanical Art - featuring internationally recognized artist Margaret Best. They kick off the series this Sunday, September 16th with a lecture on the history of the art form and why it has become so popular. The lecture is free and runs from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Then the series continues with a roster of workshops later this month and events in both November and December.  For more information visit their website www.chesterartcentre.ca or call them on 902.275.5789 This Sunday the Terry Fox Run is starting at the Chester Legion from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. For more information call 888.836.9786   Terry Fox Run Chester Legion And by the way.....there is always Bingo at the Chester Legion on Tuesdays!! It starts at 7:00pm so get out your daubers!! Enjoy!!                                                                                                                                                                                   Brochure

Nicola Boyd for the Chester Merchants Group   Join Our Mailing List! End your promotion with a kick — consider a postscript to reinforce one of the key product or service benefits.   Sincerely,   Suzi Fraser Chester Merchants Group

Aug. 29th, 2018 Chester Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                               Jennifer Paterson photo                                                                                                                                                                                      Greetings!   Well, that's a wrap.   Summer is over. It was hot, dang HOT !  But the best is yet to come. The long languid days of autumn. Bring it on ! This Week in Chester  It's pasta night at the Fo'c'sle tonight. Get down there and see what's on the board. Affectionately known as "Chester's living room," the Fo'c'sle is an inviting restaurant and pub. Depending on where you sit, you're in a former grocery store, stable, inn or tavern dating back to 1764. The Farmers and Artisans are back at the Train Station Friday from 9-1pm. Stop by and load up for the long weekend. Local farm and artisan vendors will be selling fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, hot food and more.   The Seaweed Soap Company will be there. Nancy's soaps are made with kelp and Irish moss which are rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. They contain collagen to make the skin feel soft and toned. This is for you ! Who knew? Buy a case. Friday night down at the Rope Loft Shawn Hebb is on stage with your favourite cover tunes from 8-11pm. get there early to assure yourself of a seat. This is the final night of the musician summer series so why not make a night of it. The kitchen is open till 10 pm. This weekend the Chester Yacht Club is hosting the International One Design North Americans. This is a big deal ! Why not plan a picnic to take to the shore front and watch these beauties competing on the bay.                                                                                                                                                                                   Brochure   For those who drink to forget, please pay in advance. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group   Join Our Mailing List!

August 22nd, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Another Chester Race Week has come and gone. It was lovely to see all the boats coming home with spinnakers flying. Top marks to all the organizers - it was a great show ! This week we are saying goodbye and good luck to Gord Gillis. Gord has been one of our favourite bartenders at the Fo'c'sle Pub for many years. He is leaving us for the brights lights of Sydney, Cape Breton. "Down with the Causeway!" This Week in Chester  Chester Playhouse is excited to present 2b theatre's production of "One Discordant Violin" tonight, Wednesday, until Saturday, August 25 at 7:30 pm and a 2 pm matinee this Saturday. Beauty is found in unexpected places. A duet for actor and violinist based on a short story by Yann Martel (Life of Pi), One Discordant Violin explores a transformative encounter with an unlikely composer. Delicate, gentle, and moving, it is a story of what happens when we reach for something beyond our grasp. Happy Hour is happening tonight from 6 pm with the musical stylings of our favourite local musician Kevin Koloff. Drinks are $3.50. What's not to love about that ? Enjoy a lively hour with your friends at the Chester Playhouse and catch 2b's performance after. The Playhouse now allows you to take your drinks inside. Bring your sippy cup. Friday the Farmers and Artisans are at the Chester Train Station from 9 - 1pm (rain or shine) Fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, folk art, flowers, sweet treats and hot food. Lots going on Friday night... From 6-8 pm Going Coastal is having a show reception for artists inspired by boats and views of the South Shore. Voctada is hosting an hors d'oeuvres evening from 6-8 pm at the Chester Yacht Club for members and guests. Then over at the Rope Loft Darren Arsenault is on stage from 8-11 pm. Darren covers all genres from Country and Blues to Folk and Rock. The kitchen is open till 10 pm but the drinks are flowing till last man standing. Rock on. Remember there is a matinée on Saturday at the Playhouse at 2pm. This Sunday the Chester Bandstand Summer Concert presents "The Gypsy Minstrels 60's & 70's" at 7 pm. Get your rose coloured John Lennon glasses out and head on over. Concerts may be moved or cancelled in heavy rain at the discretion of the performers. For more info contact Sue LeBlanc @ 902-299-0139. Next Tuesday at the Old Train Station they are showing you how to make icing sugar roses. Got an upcoming wedding in the family?  -  this class is for you. 902-275-2592.                                                                                                                                                                                       Brochure I wish Noah had squashed those two fruit flies. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

August 15th, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Well, here we are, Chester Race Week Summer 2018! Pump out your dinghies, fluff up your PFD's and get those dancing shoes out of the back of the closet. Come on down to the sea for days of fun and frolic, the harbors are full of pretty boats and everyone is tuning up and filling their coolers. There is lots on the go this week, so pace yourselves!! Here we go...... This Week in Chester  The Chester Playhouse Summer Theater School is gearing up to present Mary Poppins JR. this week. Over the past month these amazing young actors have been working hard to bring the story of Mary Poppins to the Chester Playhouse stage. In the last couple of weeks they have worked with Alumni Student Choreographer Abby Blanchard, rehearsed musical arrangements with David Findlay and developed acting skills with program director Cynthia Myers. Ticket prices for the show are $17 for adults, $15 for youth and seniors, and $8 for children under 8 years old. Tickets for this production and all Summer Festival offerings are available online at chesterplayhouse.ca The Playhouse also continues Happy Hour every Wednesday at 6 pm featuring the musical stylings of local musician Kevin Koloff and $3.50 drinks. The Chester Heritage Society along with internationally renowned artist Raymond Chow, invite you to the Lordly Park Paint-Off and Afternoon Tea with Raymond Chow on August 17. The Lordly Park "Paint-Off" runs from 12 - 2 PM at the Lordly Park gazebo. The paint-Off features renowned painters who reside in Nova Scotia. Raymond Chow, of Pleasantville competes against historical painter Wesley Lowe, of Bridgewater. Chester Race Week yacht race painter Beverly Hubley, of Halifax, faces off against Chester's own still life painter Pat Christensen. Painters will be allotted the same amount of time to paint a selected object(s). There will be a slight intermission for painters to speak with on-lookers. After the intermission painters will complete their works, which will be auctioned off at the end of the event. Following the Paint-Off, "Afternoon Tea with Raymond Chow" runs between 2 - 4 PM up the hill at the Lordly House Museum, located at 133 Central Street. The afternoon tea hosted by the Chester Heritage Society is $8.00 per person. Raymond Chow will graciously present for your viewing pleasure, pieces from the "White Gown" series, the "Lisa" series, and a pen-and-ink series of the "Chester area and buildings." Pleasantville resident and society member Raymond Chow will also tell stories and answer questions regarding his works, and life's experiences. This intimate event is a must do while visiting Chester Village this summer. Christmas continues to happen at Station 20 Craft Shop at the old Train Station until August 18th from Monday - Saturday. Get your Christmas fix now. Ho Ho...Ho. Friday the Farmers and Artisans are at the Old Train Station  from 9 - 1 pm (rain or shine.) Fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, hot food and more. For more info visit Chester Farmers Market. Friday night Jamie Junger is the live entertainment at the Rope Loft  from 8-11 pm playing original songs! Boats will be rafted up in the harbor so the place will be stomping!! Get there early or you'll miss out. The kitchen is open until 10pm. If you haven't heard of Chester's Online Fish Guys, those enterprising young men who will deliver beautiful fish to your doorstep, you are really missing out. They have fresh fish directly off the boat along with various frozen seafood products ready to deliver twice a week. Check out their website at www.onlinefishguys.com The Chester Bandstand Summer Concert series presents Chester Brass for the Race Week Sunday evening at 7 pm. Concerts may be moved or cancelled in heavy rain at the discretion of the performers. For more information, contact Sue LeBlanc 902-299-0139.                                                                              And speaking of Race Week.....for your detailed guide for the week's events, both on and off the water check out the official Helly Hansen Chester Race Week Event Guide! The Chester Art Center still have some spaces for their August Art Camp..... And if after all that you still have the energy to picnic in the park, check out Amanda Riley at Lordly Park on Tuesday!!                                                                                                        Brochure Nicola Boyd for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!