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!