December 21st, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings! Well, last weekend was special - and I don't mean that in a good way. Where is global warming when you really need it ? ... like when my pipes froze. The upside of last week was the two terrific shows at the Playhouse. Kudos to the organizers, staff and volunteers who made it all happen.The Playhouse has wrapped for 2016, but will rise to the occasion for their New Year's Day levée from 11-1pm. All are welcome. The shop local draw was a huge hit this year and the winner is ... drum roll ... Chester Moss from Western Shore. $1600.00 worth of goodies to play with. The Gingerbread House People's Choice award goes to "Whoville."  Congratulations to Leeona Guy-Bergey and Heather Guy. Today is Winter Solstice. Summer is coming. There IS light at the end of the tunnel.

Mark Narsansky photo

This Week in Chester  Tonight, Wednesday, is the 17th annual  SING! CHOIRS! at Saint Stephen's Church at 7:30pm. Storm date is Thursday night - same time. Three choirs, a surprise octet and special guests present an evening of seasonal music for the entire family. This musical gathering celebrates the spirit of the season. Touching, funny and lively, the music spans many genres and hundreds of years. This is always packed so get there early or, alternatively, wear comfortable footwear. A free will offering for our local Starfish Refugee Project. For more info call 902-275-5864. Thursday is wing nut night all over Chester. Hit the Fo'c'sle or the Rope Loft, choose your favourite sauce, line up the wet naps and get your bib on. Friday night at 7pm the Baptist Church on King Street will have "Crafty Women...(barely) Making It At Christmas" on stage - a perfectly imperfect celebration of the Christmas and Crafting Season with music from Reid Campbell and Tom Myers. Songs and scenes presented by Cynthia Myers, Sue Evans and Laurel Darnell. No rug rats under 12.  Tickets $15 at the door. Proceeds to Bonny Lea Farm. For more info call 902-275-3434.                                                                                     Dolly Hancock photo                                                                                                                 Remember every Tuesday night is trivia and half price burgers at Chester's own "living room" aka the Fo'c'sle Pub. Exercise that lump of knowledge and meet some new friends.  Brochure

The Santa Claus at the shopping mall was very surprised when a young lady walked up and sat on his lap. Perplexed, he asked  'What would you like for Christmas?' 'Something for my mother" she replied. Well, that's very thoughtful of you,' smiled Santa. 'What would you like me to bring her?' 'A son-in-law.' Here's a cheery little Christmas tune guaranteed to make you smile. Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

December 14th, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                   Victoria McGregor Photo                                                                                                                                                   Greetings! I guess it really is time to put the kayak away. I had to shovel mine out on Monday. And it just keeps getting better... it's a skating rink out there. This Week in Chester  The Rope Loft is open until the stroke of midnight New Year's Eve. They will be closed Christmas Eve day and re open Thursday the 29th. Park yourself in front of the fire and get your Rope Loft fix as 2016 circles the drain. If ever there was ever a time to shop local, this is it. Do not head to Halifax as there is nowhere to park and the price of gas just went up. If you don't know what your kid's teacher would like, get a gift certificate. If you click on the "BROCHURE" link in red below, you can check out our local vendors' websites. Dial them up or just drop by.                                                               Going Coastal                                                                                         This Saturday night the Chester Playhouse is very pleased to welcome Halifax's very own neo-soul diva Cyndi Cain to the stage at 7:30pm. Cyndi's musical accomplishments include singing for Queen Elizabeth and performing with some of the most respected artists including Charles Bradley, Dutch Mason, and Michael Bublé. Her talents are rewarded by earning an African Nova Scotian Music Award for Artist of the Year, Music Nova Scotia Awards and the Galaxie Rising Star Award. With a phenomenal full band behind her Cain offers up vintage soul and R&B sound, making you feel joy and groove, with a deep level of heart and emotion. Drawing her musical roots from an early age, Cain started singing over thirty years ago at the tender age of three starting off singing gospel in her church.  Brochure The 4 stages of life: 1. You believe in Santa Claus 2. You don't believe in Santa Claus 3. You dress up as Santa Claus 4. You look like Santa Claus I just had to include this bit of Zen for the holiday season ... a hamster eating a carrot. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

December 8th, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings! Remember to dress up and put out your gingerbread "flat man" for the holidays. We are all about "shopping local" here in the Hamlet, so please support the merchants who in turn support events in the community. Every time you purchase anything at our shops you can enter to win  a huge gift basket that is on display at Going Coastal.

This Week in Chester  Going coastal is still going every Thursday - Sunday from 11-5pm right up until Christmas Eve. Stop by their Queen Street shop across from the Fo'c'sle Pub. Lots of amazing repurposed wood items up for grabs. Why not strap your skates on and work off the pre holiday bloat. Adult skating is Monday and Thursday mornings from 10 - 11. $3.50 per person. 902-275-7522 Paula at Amicus Gallery just threw open the doors of her kiln this morning and out popped a bunch of puffins - Amicus' 2016 ornament. There is also a fresh batch of seasonal red crockery just waiting for a turkey leg to adorn it. The Stretch Diner has invited Santa to breakfast this Saturday morning from 8 - 11.  Adults $10 and Children $5. Pancakes for the children and a buffet breakfast for taller people. They are selling tickets on lobsters and raffle tickets for a Christmas basket. Bring your camera for photos with Santa. For further info call the Family Resource Centre @ 902-275-4347. Saturday afternoon at the Kiwi Café from 2-4pm there is free gingerbread cookie decorating for kids and Cavicchi's sausage sizzle on the Traeger smoker cooked by a "guest chef" out on the side deck accompanied by hot cocoa. All proceeds cash and food donations for the Chester Food Bank. Artist/chef Larry Fogg and ceramicist /artist Teresa Bergen are having a joint studio open house, pottery show and art sale this Saturday from 2-6 pm at 60 King Street. They are serving up coffee, tea, treats and wine. Do not miss this event. These are two incredible talents that know no boundaries. I will be hovering near the wine.                                                                                  Le Voreaux by Larry Fogg Well known Canadian comedian Ron James is bringing his show to the Chester Playhouse next Thursday evening, December 15th. Tickets are racing out the door, so dial up the Playhouse and get yours today. Brochure

An uprising is a revolution that fell short. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 30th, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Tomorrow is December 1st and you know what that means ... rum and eggnog all month. Yippee ! The Chester Merchants' "Shop Local" campaign is in full swing. Ballot boxes are taking over the village. You may enter to win a gift basket with a value over $1600 with every purchase. Drop by the shops and check out the Gingerbread houses. They're fabulous! This Week in Chester  Be sure to stop in at Going Coastal this Saturday from 1-4 pm to see their amazing furniture from re purposed wood and check out the merchants' gift basket. Tonight, Wednesday, at 7pm, 14 short ones from CAMS present their production "26 Days" at the Playhouse. During the holidays, not everyone is on board with the whole Santa ho ho ho program. What face do you put on for all those people who embrace all things Christmas? These young actors take their characters through the gamut of emotions and give us a new look at how to cope with the demands of the holidays. Wine anyone? Tomorrow, Thursday, at 6 & 7:30pm students from grades 3-5 present "The Emperor's Nude Clothes."  Poor Prince Harry has his troubles with the tabloids, first getting caught with his pants down in Vegas, and now defending his girlfriend. Join this talented group of actors and explore the struggles of speaking the truth and standing up for what you believe in. There is a silent auction going on at the Playhouse with fun Christmassy items that you may bid on before and after the show. All proceeds to the Playhouse. Bid now, bid often, bid big.                                                                                          The lovely ladies at Luna Spa are taking it all off this weekend. Yes, Saturday, December 3rd, enjoy a few hours of tax free shopping from 0900 until noon. Be prompt or you will have ugly cuticles and hair that looks like it was chewed by a rat. If you miss this brief window of tax free bliss, dial them up and make an appointment so you can be perfect by Christmas. Saturday evening at 5 pm there will be Christmas carols and lighting of the Lightfoot Tower at the Zoe Vallé Library grounds on Regent Street. Join in singing carols led by the Vintage Voices Choir. There will be cider and cookies - flask optional. Rain date is next Saturday. All are welcome. This Sunday is the Chester Farmers and Artisan Christmas Market at the Legion from 10 am - 2 pm. Artisan products include soaps, folk art, jewellery, pottery, hooked and felted items, jams & jellies, candies and more!  Farm fresh meats, honey and eggs, and seafood are all available for your dining pleasure. Hot food prepared by hot chef George Evans in the kitchen. Don't miss out. The Chester Brass Band is ringing in the Christmas season this Sunday at the Oak Island Inn in Western Shore starting at 5:30 pm with cocktails and carols. Dinner will  be served at 6:30 pm followed by seasonal entertainment with the Band and guest performers Sax 5th Ave. For tickets call Greg Fraser @ 902-275-3453. Brochure Paddy O'Leary was flustered not being able to find a parking space in the mall's lot for his Christmas shopping excursion. "Lord," he prayed, "I can't stand this. If you open a space up for me, I swear I'll give up drinking me whiskey, and I promise to go to church every Sunday." Suddenly, the clouds parted and the sun shone on an empty parking spot. Without hesitation, Paddy said, "Never mind, I found one." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 23rd, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! The Gingerbread houses have arrived and wow, they are spectacular ! The time and effort that goes into these creations is truly amazing. Hats off to all the participants. Stop by the village shops to see these houses on display. This Week in Chester  We are all about shopping local this season, well, all year in fact. There are ballot boxes at all the local merchants in the village and beyond. Every time you buy local, you may enter to win the massive basket of goodies displayed at "Going Coastal" on Queen Street. The winner will be announced December 21st. You will need a truck to pick up your prize. This week is the annual Victorian Christmas Craft Fair at Lordly House Museum on Central Street. It opens tomorrow, Thursday, and runs until Sunday from 10 am - 5 pm daily. This is a delightful show with exceptional handcrafts. 902-273-2176 / vcshow@eastlink.ca. If you happen to see a good looking dude in the theatre district this Friday who looks suspiciously like George Canyon, chances are it is George Canyon. The country star is performing at the Playhouse that night. Don't get your cow bells in a knot because you didn't get a ticket - this show sold out months ago.                                                                                        Saturday there is a craft fair at the Baptist Church on King Street just around the corner from Lordly House from 10 am - 2 pm. Items include knitted and sewn goods, soap, wooden stuff, jewelry and of course, fudge - all sorts of goodies ! Free admission. The Shoreham Ladies Auxiliary are hosting their annual dinner theatre this Saturday at the Chester Legion featuring the Accidental Actors in their comedy "The Great Pretenders." Tickets are available at the Bank of NS on the corner or by calling Geri @ 902-275-3817. Tuesday next week is the kick off of the After School Youth Program at the Chester Playhouse. These productions are written and directed by the effervescent Cynthia Myers. Get there early as these always sell out, just not as quickly as George.  Brochure A visiting couple were driving through the Musquodoboit Valley in Nova Scotia and arguing about the pronunciation of the town. After much discussion they stopped for lunch. At the counter, the husband asked the attendant "Before we order, could you settle an argument for us? Can you please pronounce, very slowly, where we are?" She leaned over the counter and said,   " T  i  m   H  o  r  t  o  n  ' s." Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends. Enjoy your turkey. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 16th, 2016 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings! The Super Moon has come and gone and it was, well, super. How's your new Movember facial fur pile coming along? I saw a nice set of mutton chops at the Legion last weekend. Go Chris ! We can't go further without addressing the elephant in the room. A friend likened the activity in the US this week to the equivalent of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Winter warmth at the Village Emporium

This Week in Chester  The Village Emporium has some fresh new stock in for the Christmas crazy season. Photos of many of items they have in stock are on their facebook page. Light My Fire Candle studio on Duke Street have finished their fall renovations. They are celebrating the new windows and door with a working model railroad, a Gingerbread House display and a fresh bottle of Windex. Stop by and see what's on the go and book your group for a Peppermint Snowball workshop. I had to ask ..."A gorgeous round candle frosted like a snowball and scented with peppermint essential oil." So there's your answer. Book now. This Friday is the Fish Friday Fun(d)-raiser from 6 - 8pm at St. Stephen's Hall. Come one come all for fish and chips, fabulous dessert and a whole boatload of fun with fishing games for all ages. Tickets available at St. Stephen's Parish Office $20/ person $10/ under 12. Funds raised will support St Stephen's Outreach Programs. Cash bar. Yipppee ! Friday night at the Chester Playhouse Evans and Doherty hit the stage at 7:30 pm. This duo have been an integral part of the East Coast music scene for over 35 years. This is a  lively blend of traditional, original and contemporary Irish songs with a liberal sprinkling of stories and humour. If you would like to donate to the Festive Food Fundraiser for the Chester Playhouse this season please call George Evans @ 902-279-1955 to set up a pick up/drop off time for your devilishly delicious food item. If it is perishable, a photo will do. These items will be up for silent auction at the Playhouse until December 17th. Bid now, bid often. In other Playhouse news the poinsettias are  b a c k ! Yes, sadly, you can't kill them. $20 for 7" pots in red or white. Wave the Canadian colours and shop now. Order before next Thursday, November 24th for December 3rd delivery. After the Playhouse wraps Friday night, head on over to the Chester Legion for a night of karaoke to try out your new Irish tunes. For more info call 902-275-3315. The Gingerbread Houses will be on display throughout the village shops as of this Saturday. You should come to see these fabulous creations sooner than later, because with this heatwave, they may be a pool of spun sugar.                                                                           They are on their way to make snowballs                  Our annual "Shop Chester" contest is in high gear. Shop at participating Chester merchants and receive a ballot for a mega gift-basket filled with all kinds of goodies provided by the local merchants. "Shop Chester, Shop Local."  This Saturday at 4 pm at the Rope Loft, Geraldine Tuck will be launching her third book in the Marauder trilogy "The Mystery Marauders," a story of two 13 year-old sleuths who try their hand at solving the Oak Island Mystery. All  three books will be for sale - $9.95 or three for $25.00. A nice gift for young readers to wean them of that computer habit. These books may also be found at the Village Emporium. There will be a 15 minute introduction by Danny Hennigar with some background information on Oak Island and the author will follow up from there. On Sunday there is a crib tournament at the Chester Legion starting 1 pm - enough time to get to church before the first caesar of the day. Next Monday the Chester Garden Club is holding their AGM at St. Stephen's Hall at 6:30 for 7 pm. Guest Speaker Svenja Dee will talk about new styles and trends for the holidays and do a presentation on how to make things out of natural materials. The AGM will follow the presentation. Brochure

Two blondes living in Oklahoma were sitting on a bench chatting. One says to the other, "Which do you think is farther away ... Florida or the moon?" The other blonde turns and says "Hellooooo, can you see Florida...?" Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!