June 28th, 2017 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! It's Canada Day, Week, Month, YEAR ! The national colours of Canada were declared by King George V in 1921 to be red and white. Red is symbolic of England and white, France. The maple leaf is one of the national symbols and red is the autumn colour of the leaves. So there. Why not put something red and white on, or outside your house this week. A Canadian flag, a case of Olands, a caesar with horseradish, a red convertible with whitewall tires, a friend who has returned from the beach or just paint your toes red and white. Maybe light up your house with red and white lights - be creative. Get your Bob and Doug McKenzie groove on and let's celebrate - eh? This Week in Chester  Tomorrow, Thursday, you are invited to Amicus Gallery from 6-8 pm to view the works of Shelley Mitchell and Brianne Williams. Did someone say wine and cheese? There will be a Canada 150 Ecumenical Service at Lordly Park @ 6:30 pm Thursday evening featuring the Praise Band and special music. All are invited. Praise the Lord and pass the peanut butter. Friday evening Ariana Nasr takes the stage at the Chester Playhouse at 7:30 pm. Whether she is singing Édith Piaf, an Italian art song or jazz she will give you everything she's got and more. Ariana has added Jacques Brel to the theatrical presentation, dressing and performing as Édith Piaf for the first set and as Jacques Brel for the second. Do not miss this show - you will truly believe you are in 1950's Paris. The Rope Loft is celebrating Canada's birthday in swaths of red and white. They are offering up steamed lobster with potato salad and Bulwark raspberry cider all day. Park your good self in a deck chair and settle in. Saturday evening at 9 pm is the Parade of Lights. Rain date:  Sunday, July 2nd.  Celebrate Chester's maritime heritage on Canada's 150th along the shores of the front harbour. Experience the Parade of Lights sail past flotilla with local boats festooned with lights and live entertainment!  It's not too late to enter your boat - contact David Archibald @ 902-279-0554. Following the Parade of Lights there will be Canada Day fireworks in the bay, so don't fold up your tent. Stick around for the show. Sunday night the Chester Bandstand Summer Concert Series presents the Bridgewater Fire Department Band @ 7 pm. Children are welcome and dancing is encouraged. Bring one of those flip top lawn chairs with the drink holders. Concerts may be cancelled if there is a monsoon. Contact Evelyn Ernst for updates at (902) 529-0016.                                                                                 Make a note that the Chester and Area Visitor Information Centre and VICafé are open June 30th - September 3rd from 8 am to 5:30 pm. Laughing Whale Coffee, Haskapa products and Tuff Hammocks may be purchased at the VICafé. Next Tuesday, July 4th, Kevin Koloff and his Gypsy Minstrels will be performing in the gazebo at Lordly Park from 6-8 pm. This evening's entertainment is sponsored by B.W. Armstrong Insurance and this is the 2017 kick off of the Tuesday Picnic in the Park series for the summer season. Everyone is invited so bring your picnic and your dancing shoes. If you don't want to make a picnic there is a pig roast at the park that night at 5 pm. There are 75 tickets up for grabs so get 'em while they're hot. Tickets are $15 and are available at Maple Cottage all this week from 10 - 4 pm daily. For further info call 902-275-3842.  If it is pouring rain you will find your porker on a plate at the Baptist Church around the corner. The following day, Wednesday, July 5th, the Kiwi Café is having a spice tasting. Locally blended in Bedford but originating from Mauritius. Bring your rack of ribs and see what can be done. Heads up ! The Chester Playhouse annual Galapolooza is at the Captain's House next Saturday, July 8th from 6-9 pm. This year's theme is PINK; pink flamingos. pink ladies, pink champagne. When you venture into your closet for the event - think pink. Indulge in exquisite hors d'oeuvres by Cocoa Pesto and enjoy the music of Jeff Goodspeed and his band, Los Primos. "Chester Dines," the exciting food extravaganza returns. If you are the successful bidder, you will be wined and dined by local Chester Playhouse patrons and supporters. Raffle items this year include artwork by Jose Valverde-Alcalde, five sets of ScotiaBank Centre skybox seats to see TLC's Long Island Medium, Theresa Caputo on August 6th, a luxurious stay at Oceanstone Resort in Peggy's Cove, and many more items. Kick off the summer season with a fabulous party for a great cause. Call the Playhouse today for your tickets to ensure you don't miss out.  Brochure And what's more Canadian than this? Happy Canada Day to all ! Let's celebrate the fact we live north of the 49th. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

June 21st, 2017 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Today is officially the first day of summer - reason alone to break out the blender. Take the top off the convertible and hit the road. We have two days of predicted sunshine before the next deluge so take advantage of it. There are just nine days to go before the big  One. Five. Ohhhhh. This Week in Chester  Join us in the Parade of Lights next Saturday evening, July 1st at 9 pm. Come and be a part of our nation's celebration. Everyone is invited to join in the fun. If you would like to bring your boat, contact David Archibald at (902) 279-0554 to register. No boat?  Find someone who has one or come to the waterfront and watch the parade. This promises to be THE kick off event of the summer cocktail season. Rain date is Sunday, July 2nd. Thursday night is wing nut night at the Fo'c'sle Pub. Get yours "hot on" or with the blue cheese sauce on the side - my favourite. Refer to the Canada food guide for your wing choices. This Friday from 10-2pm the Chester Farmers' and Artisans are back at the old train station. There is something for everyone here. It's lettuce season people - stock up on all that greenery to offset the wings. The Rope Loft is pleased to introduce their new chef on the range, Bobby Zwicker. This Friday he is featuring a beef tenderloin special so stop down and check it out. They are also featuring some kick ass local craft beer - that's in the food guide too... somewhere. This Friday is the Swing for Shoreham Golf Tournament at the Chester Golf Club. This tournament is a fundraiser to provide Shoreham's senior residents with the care they need. To register call Sue Newhook @ (902) 223-5052.                                                                                 Saturday from 9:30-5 pm the Chester Art Centre is hosting a workshop to help you take really cool photos with your digital camera. Kas Stone will demonstrate your camera's sophisticated technology and help make it work for you. The workshop combines classroom theory, hands-on camera practice and an afternoon out in the wilds of Chester. Bring your lunch pail. Also this Saturday is the annual Graves Island Car Show from 10 - 4 pm.  Rain date: Sunday. If you don't own a vintage steed, drop by anyway and check out some classics. For more info contact Gordon Bremner @ (902) 275-5751. Saturday night Port Cities will be on stage at the Chester Playhouse @ 7:30 pm. Port Cities is a collaboration of  six years work; the trio of Breagh Mackinnon, Carleton Stone and Dylan Guthro first crossed paths in 2011 in Nashville. Keeping true to their Nova Scotia roots, the album became the perfect balance of Nashville and Nova Scotia. Although Port Cities' self titled album was the group's first collaborative work, the members have their own personal roots in the Maritime music scene.   Brochure Donald Trump went on a fact-finding visit to Israel. While on a tour of Jerusalem he suffered a heart attack and died. The undertaker told the American diplomats accompanying him "You can have him shipped home for $50,000, or you can bury him here for $100." The diplomats went into a corner and discussed this. They came back to the undertaker and told him they wanted the president shipped home. The undertaker was puzzled and asked, 'Why would you spend $50,000 to ship him home, when he could be buried here for only $100?  The diplomats replied "A long time ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days later he rose from the dead.  We just can't take that chance." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

June 14th, 2017 Press Release...for the goings on in Chester!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Pack up your wool socks and break out the small clothes - summer weather has finally arrived. We are celebrating Canada's 150th here in the hamlet with a Sail Past in the harbour at 9 pm Saturday, July 1st. There will be brightly decorated boats, music, fireworks, dancing girls...the whole shebang ! You too can be a part of this celebration. If you would like to participate with your boat, contact David Archibald today at (902) 279-0554 to get your oar in.  Everyone is invited to join in the fun. If you don't have a boat find someone who does or come to the waterfront to watch the parade of sail. This promises to be THE kick off event of the summer season. Rain date is Sunday July 2nd. This Week in Chester  Tomorrow, Thursday, the Lordly House opens for the season. This summer the Heritage Society is celebrating Canada's birthday with 150 years of what we consume (!) There will be a food exhibit featuring Sir John A. MacDonald's dining table and an opportunity to learn about the events in Canada at the time of Confederation. This week the new kid on the block, White Gate Inn and Restaurant, is kicking it up a notch. They are now open from Thursday - Sunday for dinner and invite you to join them for lunch on Sunday. The outside deck will be open and they are featuring Father's Day specials including lobster pot pie, White Gate caesar cocktail with grilled cajun shrimp on a skewer, plus a dessert for $28. The evening meal features a special set dinner menu of three courses for $45.00. Dial up 902-275-4400 now to ensure you won't be the one cooking that night. The Chester Arts Centre is hosting a Mosaic Workshop this Friday, June 16th and Saturday, June 17th from  9 - 4pm and June 18th  9 am - noon. Create your own beautiful mosaic flowerpot. Yeah baby !  All materials are included for the course but if you have some shattered pottery you want to incorporate - have at 'er. Bring your Snoopy lunch pail. This Friday the Chester Market is in full swing at the old train station from 10- 2pm. Get there early or you will miss the bread and everything else.  José Valverde's studio at 31 King Street is open Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings throughout the summer season except Canada Day weekend.                                                                                    Saturday night the Chester Playhouse is proud to present Ben Caplan. ECMA Songwriter of the Year, Ben Caplan, is literally on your doorstep here in Chester at 7:30pm. He will be delivering an unforgettable show. With his huge beard and unruly mane, he is as visually striking as he is aurally compelling. His rough and textured tones cut through crowded halls roaring louder than the raucous crowds. "The Blue Lane" will be playing in the Red Shed at 35 Union Street at 8 pm this Saturday. Cover charge is $15. Bring a refreshment and come hear these talented musicians in a warm, intimate setting. The Blue Lane is a genre-defying Halifax-based trio that merges the sounds of jazz, blues, rockabilly, fusion and traditional pop music. The electrostatic weaving of sultry vocals, intricate harmonies, lightning guitar and ever so thick beats, define this group. The Rope Loft is ready for you this Father's day weekend. They have ice chilled Blue Lobster Vodka - try the fresh eel lake oysters with an ice chilled Blue Lobster Martini chaser. They also carry "Willing to Learn Gin" and "Fisherman's Helper Rum" by the Nova Scotia Spirit Company. Why wait till the weekend? Go now ! Sunday evening the Chester Playhouse will be hosting Jamie Junger's "Plug Into Music" CD release at 7 pm. Jamie and his students have been collaborating to produce an original CD, and will be performing it together on stage at the Chester Playhouse alongside Caleb Miles and Afraaz Mulji. Jamie brings his students a wealth of knowledge gained from years of experience in the industry.  Tickets are available through the Chester Playhouse or by calling 902-275-3933. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for youth with general admission seating.    Brochure Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to many ailments, but I've never heard of one who suffered from insomnia. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

June 7, 2017 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release

Greetings! It's that time of year again. Spring has sprung -  note seasonal colours above. There is an unmistakable happy vibe in the hamlet. It is Canada's 150th ! Stock up on the fireworks, put a little extra lighter fluid on the hibachi  - let's celebrate !

This Week in Chester  The short ones are back on stage. This week the Chester Playhouse After School Program is proud to invite you to attend their final two shows tonight Wednesday, and tomorrow, Thursday at 7 pm both evenings. Each play is conceived, written and directed by the inimitable Cynthia Myers. The After School Program provides an opportunity for students too young for the Summer Theatre School program to explore the world of acting with a helping hand. Don't forget every Wednesday the Library Bus is at the Chester Legion from 1- 4pm. This is a wonderful resource. Use it or lose it - make a point to check out what they have to offer. Recently released movies are just one of the many finds available here at minds on wheels. Friday, the Chester Farmers' and Artisan Market is happening at the Chester Visitor Information Centre at the old train station from 10am - 2pm (rain or shine). The market offers a variety of local farm vendors and artisan vendors selling fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, hot food to go and more. Stop in at the VIC and visit with George Evans our Chester raconteur who has created a whole new world of experiences for visitors and locals alike. Thank you George for your unbridled enthusiasm !                                                                                              There's a new kid in the sand box. We are delighted to welcome White Gate Inn and Restaurant to the village. Nicki's Inn has been transformed with crafted attention to every detail. Nicola Boyd, proprietor and Kyle Nelson, executive chef look forward to welcoming you. Their current opening hours are: Friday and Saturday evenings from  5:30pm - 8:30pm; Sunday (luncheon menu) from 11:30am - 2:30pm and Sunday night from 5 - 8pm The hours will expand as the season progresses so stay tuned. Saturday morning is breakfast at the Chester Legion from 7:30 - 10:30 am; eggs (any way you like them), french toast, hash browns, beans, bacon, sausage, toast, tea/coffee and juice.Two talented young local bands Brothers Band and The Blue Lane will be on stage at the Chester Playhouse at 7:30 pm Saturday night.  "Brothers" has taken the city of Halifax by storm, quickly climbing the performance ladder with energetic and captivating performances.They won the Coast Award in 2016 for best new band with a blend of hip-hop and rock with a splash of alternative and pop. "The Blue Lane" is a local band with an energetic vibe that merges rockabilly, jazz, blues and traditional pop music blending sultry vocals with a vintage feel.  For tickets and more info visit Chester Playhouse or dial  902-275-3933 on your rotary phone. This Sunday there is a lobster crawling onto your table at the Captain Kidd Rod & Gun Club from 11 am - 6 pm. Dinner includes:  a lobster (or 6 oz Filet Mignon), potato salad, coleslaw, roll, wine, tea or coffee and homemade pie $25.  Steak dinners must be pre ordered. For tickets ring Kelvin @ 902-275-2174.                                                                    Brochure                                                                                                     Bruce MacKinnon

Not everyone can be Irish. Someone has to drive. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!