August 26th Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Last weekend Chester Yacht Club hosted the annual Tradewinds Realty Bluenose Championships. There were 21 boats on the line and it was a wonderful sight to see. Spectators lined the waterfront to watch the action and they were not disappointed. Many thanks to Tim Harris for the photo and to Tradewinds Realty for sponsoring the event. I felt it in the air the other day - that crisp north wind morning breeze. The air that spells "Skool Supplies" at the HS Zinck store. You dress accordingly at 0700 and by 0900 you're melting because it's now 30C. Yes, September is in the wings and with it comes even more fabulous weather, well except for the odd hurricane that may roll through. This Week in Chester "Flowers, Flowers, Flowers" is a lovely little shop at the corner of Pleasant and King Streets. Upon entering the aroma of fresh cut flowers takes you to a new level of peace.Stop by and see what Robin has in the fridge and on display. Friday has the Seaside Farmer's Market back at the Parade Square. This is the beginning of the harvest season. Stop by and pick up some seasonal vegetables, organic meats,eggs and more - all sorts of freshness to be found here. Friday evening Peter Grant and Three for Now are on stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub at 8pm. Drop by, have a meal then dance off the calories. Make a point to stop by Nicki's Inn this month for world class dining from Wednesday to Sunday. Nicki's is located just across the street from the flower shop. Here's a little clip to give you a better idea of what awaits you here. On Sunday Shawn Hebb will be strumming his guitar at the Fo'c'sle Pub from 4-8pm to accompany your evening repast. On Monday there will be a Blood Donor Clinic at the Chester Legion, 14 Union Street, from 1- 3 pm and 5 - 8 pm.  1-888-236-6283 for more info or to book an appointment. I dialed a number and got the following recording: "I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

August 22, 2012 Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release There were no Race Week casualties reported so I guess we made it through another year. Cars and bodies lined the streets and ditches. We are all now nursing our respective hangovers. I heard the entire conversation of a couple breaking up outside my bedroom window at 5 am Sunday morning. Thank gawd Chester Race Week only comes once a year ! The guy I found sleeping on my couch one morning last week proclaimed it to be an  "awesome week dude."

This Week in Chester Tonight and through till Saturday @ 8pm the Chester Playhouse presents a delightful romantic comedy from Quebec, "The Bookshop." This play is a story of books, chocolate and the mysteries of life. It explores the serious notion of self-esteem, the desires to love and be loved and the importance of listening to one's own heart. It covers all boundaries of age and experiences to get the heart of the nature of love and will charm and move audience members of all ages. There is also a 2pm matinée on Saturday. The Train Station Gallery is exhibiting the show "Hidden Talents". Hilary McCarron will be featured showing crochet, knit, plastic canvas and needle work.The show also showcases bowl turning and woodworking by Steve McCarron. On Friday the Seaside Farmer's Market is back at their normal digs from 2-5pm at the Parade Square.The beer truck, the bodies, and the red plastic cups have all moved on. Friday night SWIG is back at the Fo'c'sle Pub to entertain you. Saturday is the annual Chester Municipal Heritage Society "House and Harbour" tour from 10am-4pm (rain or shine). Several houses to be snooped through - one is haunted. BOO ! Also a little harbour tour to see Chester from the best vantage point. Be at the old train station AKA the visitors info centre and start your engines. 275-3842 Saturday is also the launch of the annual Tradewinds Realty Maritime Bluenose Championships. At least 25 boats will be competing for the trophy so this will be a sight to behold. It is a 2 day regatta and the competition will be fierce. Pack a picnic and stake your waterfront viewing spot as these races are all within the bay and a wonderful sight to watch. Why not wander over to "Light My Fire" between races. A delightful candle shop with ohhh so much more than just candles. Here's a clip to check out the inner workings of the studio. Saturday evening Jens Jeppesen is on stage at the Fo'c'sle Pub. Sunday Shawn Hebb is at the Fo'c'sle to entertain you through your evening meal from 4-8pm. Sunday also has the "Tuesday Night Showband" at the Bandstand on the Parade Square at 7 pm. This band is fabulous- don't miss it. They play the music of Gershwin, Count Basie, Pearl Bailey, Tommy Dorsey, Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails." - Mark Twain Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

August 15th Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Well the lid is coming off the blender this week. Batten the hatches and lock up your daughters, Chester Race Week starts today. Sailors from far and wide descend upon our little hamlet to partake in this regatta. 130 boats have registered so it will be the usual mayhem. We are all about sailing, music and entertainment this week. Please join us. You won't forget it ! Well you might, but someone will refresh your memory. Last weekend the Annual Classics Regatta was a beautiful sight to behold. Lovely billowing spinnakers emerging from behind Quaker Island, sleek wooden yachts crossing the finish line right before your eyes.I went to the Parade Square and watched the finish from the Bandstand. Epic. Kudos to Gold River Marina for their financial and physical sponsorship and for making this happen.

This Week in Chester The fabulous Steve Poltz is on stage tonight at the Red Shed at 35 Union Street at 8pm SHARP. Get there earlier to ensure yourself a spot. This guy is WILD! Tickets are $20 - a bargain at twice the price. Bring along something to drink if you like. If you have an extra chair drag that along too. You owe it to yourself not to miss this performance. Check out his website - he's out of this world ! Tonight through to Saturday at 7 pm, the Chester Playhouse Summer Theatre School presents "Charlotte's Web,"  one of the most popular and enduring children's stories ever written. The resourceful spider Charlotte conspires with the irresistible pig Wilbur to save him from being on the menu. Set in a barnyard with the community of animals who inhabit the farm, this is a beautiful play about friendship and the circle of life.There is also a matinee at 2 pm Saturday. Also tonight the Rope Loft is hosting the "Hopping Penguins" at 9:30pm. Get there early or you'll have to tread water to see them. Also this week at the Rope Loft "George's BBQ Pit"  will feature a 10 oz striploin with all the fixings from 6-10pm tonight till Saturday. They also have Papa D's Pizzas available for take out. Brunch will be served Saturday and Sunday from 11-2 pm featuring Polar Ice Caesar's. Ahh, a ceasar in hand on those lovely adirondacks on the dock - what could be finer. The Fo'c'sle Pub has music on stage this week: tonight the Shawn Hebb Trio takes the stage at 8 pm; Thursday Late Night Lover will be on hand; Friday has SWIG at the microphone; Saturday Darren Arsenault is back and Sunday from 4-8pm Shawn Hebb will be strumming his guitar to accompany your evening meal. On Friday the Chester Farmer's Market is moving to CAMS across from the Save Easy on Duke Street from 2-5 pm. The Chester Train Station Gallery is exhibiting a new and wonderful selection of work by local artists. The featured artist is Annette Sawers and there is also the solo show "Hidden Talents" by Hilary and Steve McCarron. Daily from 10-4 pm. Why not check out the Stretch Diner this week. A delightful little spot where the fish and chips are flying out the door, or perhaps breakfast to soak up last night's activities. 3758 Highway 3. Phone 275-7506 Opening next Tuesday the Chester Playhouse presents "The Bookshop" a thoroughly delightful romantic comedy from Quebec's Theatre du Gros Mecano. It is a story of books, chocolate, and the mysteries of life. It explores the serious notions of self-esteem, the desire to love and be loved and the importance of listening to one's own heart. Looking ahead to September there is a "Swing for Shoreham" fundraiser. It is Wednesday, September 5th at the Chester Golf Club. Registration is at noon and a shotgun start will follow at 1pm. $150/single and $600 for a team. Carts, lunch and dinner are included. March your cheque or credit card on down to John Campbell at Scotiabank on Pleasant Street to ensure yourself a spot.

"Everything will be alright in the end. If it's not alright, it's not the end." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

Correction Blog for August 8th PR

Chester Merchants Press Release

This is a very special Classics weekend. Beautiful wooden sailing yachts from far and wide are gathering to take part in the Annual Classic Yacht Regatta weekend here in Chester from Friday to Sunday. Come down to the waterfront and watch these beautiful grand dames as they elegantly wend their way around the bay. The gun is at 1300.


On SUNDAY the Chester Heritage Society is hosting the official opening of two exhibits "The American Connection" and "The Blandford & Area Marine Exhibit" Get yourself over to the Lordly House Museum @ 133 Central Street from 12-2 pm.Old fashioned refreshments to follow.These  exhibits may also be viewed during regular museum hours. 275-3842

August 8th Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release We're all about Art this week. Get your paint by numbers kit out and get busy.  March your dollar store paint box on down here and show us what you can do. Unleash your inner self. It all awaits you here in Chester. "The difference between art and science is that if something works in art, you don't have to explain why."

This Week in Chester Last night was the opening of "Hockey Mom. Hockey Dad" at the Chester Playhouse; a slashing two-hander about two lonely single parents who meet and fall in love while watching their kids play a season of minor hockey.The show runs until Saturday night with a 2 pm matinee on Saturday. Maybe there is a reason to go sit in those beastly cavernous refrigerators. Who knew? The playhouse also offers dinner and theatre packages to make it an evening to remember. Dinner is on the table at Lesley's Pantry Thursday night from 5:30 - 8pm to include the South Shore dining hours. Reservations are recommended. 273-7373 Butternut Squash and Valley Apple Bisque or Caesar Salad with Crispy Prosciutto and Parmesan Crisps. Fire Roasted Pork Tenderloin with a Fresh Fruit Salsa seasonal veg and roast potatoes or Maple Smoked Salmon on a Wild Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto. Desert is Field Berry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream and there may also be a bread pudding or chocolate cheese cake if you ask nicely! Here's a little uTube clip of the pantry. This week is a full on Art Extravaganza in the Hamlet and it all takes place at the Chester Art Centre at 60 Queen Street. "Hands On" the featured exhibition, opens on Thursday and runs through till Saturday, August 18th.  Using a multitude of media, artists Rosi Robinson, Jim Smith, Kate Church, Shelley Mitchell, Zehava Power, Carol Hansen and Malcolm Callaway are showing their works. Other artists include Sheri Chandler, Beverly McInnes, Cindy Bradette and Paula Booher. It's a diverse collection of artwork and a bit of a puzzle too. Each of the artists have contributed a photo of their hands, so join us to figure out which hands created which artwork. The exhibition is open daily from 10am - 4pm. On Friday there is a workshop for children "Kids Create" from 10am - 2 pm in the back yard of the Art Centre. Be amazed by the wonderful creations that can be made with things found all around us. Using the Three Rs (reuse- recycle-reduce) children will learn how toys, play materials and a little imagination can create art. Make music, puppets, tinker toys, wooden boats and design leaves for the tree sculpture. $10 per child or $25 per family. Register by dialing 275-5789. Children must be accompanied by an adult.     Saturday is the annual Art Fair from 9am to 3pm. Dozens of artists and artisans from Chester and beyond - including painter Dijon Curley, puppet maker Kate Church and jeweler Joan McInnes - will all be showing and selling their wares. There will also be artist demonstrations and music from young Liam Britten on the fiddle. They're serving morning muffins and bagels - lunch will be pulled pork sandwiches, smoked salmon on bagels and quinoa salad. 9am to 3pm. Free admission. Phew. OK. Back to Friday... The weekly farmer's market is rolling into town at the Parade Square from 2-5 pm. Follow up that hunting and gathering event with the Amicus Art Gallery opening of Rosi Robinson's Batik work and introducing the works of Will Wells. Rosi holds workshops world wide and her intricate batik is renowned. The cork/screw top pops off at 6 pm. Be prompt. Friday night the Fo'c'sle Pub has "Major Shuffle" on stage. The kitchen is open till 10pm. On Saturday the Chester Heritage Society is hosting the official opening of two exhibits "The American Connection" and "The Blandford & Area Marine Exhibit." Get yourself over to the Lordly House Museum @ 133 Central Street from 12-2 pm.Old fashioned refreshments to follow.These exhibits may also be viewed during regular museum hours. 275-3842 This month the Train Station Gallery at the Visitor's Information Centre is exhibiting a new selection of work by local artists from 10am - 4 pm daily. At 1830 Saturday evening the Chester Yacht Club is hosting an International One Design Presentation "75 year Anniversary of the Classic IOD's" for members and guests. Mr. Herb Motley of Marblehead, MA will be speaking on the history of International One-Design yachts.  Also Saturday evening there will be an outdoor movie night presenting Dr Suess' "LORAX" at Lordly Park @ dusk/ 8:30pm ish. Rain location is Forest Heights Community School.  Ages 3-100 (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Donations accepted for Chester PRO Kids. Popcorn $2. Have you ever wished you could watch a movie under shooting stars? Don't forget to bring your blanket or chairs to sit on. I remember the old days of the Drive In on the Commons loop when Simon would unfold himself out of the trunk of a mini minor, the film reel would go up in flames right before your eyes, the rain would short out the massive audio box mounted on the driver's window and the steam from the hot dogs in the car would fog up your wind screen - well, hmm, maybe it wasn't the hot dogs. Once you've pawned the kids off on some unfortunate mother, head on over to the Fo'c'sle and catch the tunes of Chester's own Jamie Junger. Jamie is a village favourite and he doesn't emerge from the back 40's often, so don't miss this. At 7pm Sunday evening the Chester Bandstand has the Mahone Bay Swing Band on stage, they showcase big band sounds and swing music. Are you In the Mood? Sunday evening at 7:30 pm the Chester Playhouse is celebrating the most famous of the Group of Seven, Tom Thomson, with the film "West Wind: The Vision of Tom Thomson." Often referred to as "our great colourist" and "our Van Gogh", Thomson created his own interpretation of the Northern landscape using vibrant colours with a very busy paint brush. Shot in Algonquin Park, Georgian Bay, Seattle and Toronto, this new film by Peter Raymont and Michele Hozer examines the life and death of Tom Thomson and includes never before seen paintings by the artist. Monday has the 1st Annual Fore! Children Charity Golf Tournament at the Chester Golf Club. Shotgun start 1pm. The tournament will benefit of the Chester and Area Family Resource Centre and the PRO Kids program. $150/ person includes green fees, golf cart, dinner, prizes and tax receipt for $50. Be a sponsor for $500 - includes tournament entry for one person (value $150). Be a sponsor plus register a team for $950, includes 4 tournament entries and tax receipt for $200.  228-2132 for info.

The wife left a note on the fridge......... "It's not working!! I can't take it anymore; I've gone to stay at my mother's! "  He opened the fridge, the light came on and the beer was still cold.........  What the hell is she talking about? Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

August 1, 2012 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Well, Hayseed's celebration was epic. This event only happens every hundred years or so - a bit like one of those elusive comets that streak through occasionally. Trophies were polished, blue blazers were dusted off, the wine flowed and the band played on. Sunday had the presentation of old films of Hayseed and her friends over the years at the Chester Playhouse. I think Joe looks quite nice in a grass skirt. It was a full on weekend of merriment - as if we need an excuse ! Chester continues to ramp up the speed as we now enter "part two" of the summer madness. This Week in Chester Tonight the Chester Playhouse continues it's show "Broadway Without Borders." It's a "pay what you can" night so hurry on down there and catch this fabulous performance - a couple of Maritimers caught in the bright headlights of the Big Apple.The show runs until Saturday, August 4th. Why not stop in at the Kiwi café this week and check out the new digs. Lynda has expanded and there is plenty of room to kick back and relax with the morning paper over a coffee and breakfast. Check out the Kiwi's uTube. Speaking of the morning paper, Bruce MacKinnon knocked it out of the park with last Sunday's editorial cartoon. Mitt on tour. Shannon at the Green Grocer @ 44 Queen Street called to tell me I blew it last week- she carries everything BUT fresh produce- although I did see some very nice garlic scapes when I stopped in there the other day. She has a great selection of natural foods, gluten free products, Quebec cheeses, local meats and free range eggs. She also has an espresso machine that is so impressive you know the joe is going to come out of it with an Italian accent. There is also some whimsical folk art in the shop for sale and a daily sandwich special to enjoy at the café tables. Friday the Chester Farmer's and Artisan Market is holding court at the Parade Square from 2-5pm; an outdoor market with a 360 degree view to die for. The croissants are right up there in the "to die for " department as well. Friday night the Fo'c'sle Pub has the Shawn Hebb Trio on stage at 8 pm. Get there early to ensure yourself a good seat, and dance the night away. The kitchen is open until 10 pm and the fish and chips are superlative. Haul yourself out of the bunk early Saturday morning as there is much on the agenda. Get on over to the Eleanor Pew Memorial Rink on Pig Loop road at 0830 for a preview of Crowther and Brayley Estate Auction. Herein lie goodies from people who have gone onto a better life. They couldn't take it with them, but you can take it with you. Bidding starts at 10 am. NiLu gym offers memberships in all sizes. Stop by the office Monday-Friday @ 101 Valley Rd and talk to Shelli about signing up for "the new and improved you." They also offer groovy classes of energetic fun so check out their facebook and sign up. Saturday night Jason MacDonald takes the stage at the Fo'c'sle pub. I  rang the pub to ask of his genre and they assured me they had never heard of him. Be the first ! More antique gems for you to trip over can found on Sunday: Blue Shutters Antiques is having a yard sale from 9am- 2 pm. Bobby has some super items in the shop in addition to what is on display in the yard, so go see the offerings at 3167 Route 3 at the entrance to Graves Island. On Sunday Shawn Hebb is at the Fo'c'sle Pub with a solo performance from 4-8 pm to accompany your evening meal. Shawn is a Lunenburg County boy with a great repertoire of easy listening tunes. Sunday evening the Chester Bandstand is alive with the Blues. Our very own Morgan Davis will be there with his songs that proudly trumpet that ship's presence on the Nova Scotia license plate, to the photos of abandoned boats along the South Shore. Also Sunday night @ 8pm the Chester Playhouse is showcasing Lynn Miles accompanied by Prairie Oyster's Keith Glass. Known for her plaintive singing and melancholy muse, Miles is often compared to the likes of Shawn Colvin and Lucinda Williams entrenched in traditional country and folk roots. Don't miss this ! Next Tuesday the Chester Playhouse is opening the play "Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad," a slashing two-hander about two lonely single parents who meet and fall in love while watching their kids play a season of minor hockey. A guest arrived from Ontario yesterday and gave me the skinny on the July heat wave there...           ...the birds had to use potholders to pull the worms out of the ground           ...hot water came from both taps           ...asphalt does, in fact, have a liquid stage           ...the cows were giving evaporated milk        The Baptists were baptizing by sprinkling, the Methodists were using wet-naps, the Presbyterians were giving rain checks, and the Catholics were praying for the wine to turn back into water. Summer on Nova Scotia's South Shore/ the Bluenose Coast is ohhh so much more pleasant. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group