December 19th, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings!     Less than 1 week until Christmas. How did THAT happen? Our merchants are open until last man standing Christmas Eve. That said, best ring ahead lest they succumbed to eggnog. This Week in Chester  Tonight is the annual Sing Choirs ! at the St. Stephen's Anglican Church. The evening features Chester United Baptist choir, St. Stephen's Anglican choir, Studio Singers community choir, musicians from St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Musical Friends youth choir, and audience participation. Admission is free with a pay-what-you-will collection at the door; the donations will go to PRO Kids and Musical Friends. On Friday the Kiwi Café is buzzing with all things foodie. In the afternoon from 12-4:30 there will be a tasting of foods from "Taste of Mauritius." Friday evening pizza is on the menu from 5:30-9pm. Call ahead to avoid disappointment. 902-275-1492                                                                                    Why not ring in the New Year at White Gate featuring a 4 course Prix Fixe Dinner including bubbly for $95 per person. Dinner kicks off at 8pm and there are still spaces available. Make a night of it ! White Gate is offering a special New Year's Eve Promo - Stay at the Inn and enjoy dinner - Double Occupancy in a Queen Size room - regular value $355 - special promo price $295 + tax. To book either the Prix Fixe Dinner or the Dine & Stay Promo call on 902.275.4400 or email  info@whitegate.ca Looking ahead to New Year's, there are levees happening all over the village. It's a great way to get started on your New Year's resolutions.      The Chester Playhouse Board of Directors invite you to join them from 11am - 1pm. All are welcome as they begin to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Playhouse.    The Chester Legion is throwing open their doors from 11 - 1 pm for members and guests 19 years and older. For more info call the Legion 902-275-3315.   The Fo'c'sle is hosting their traditional levee starting at 12 noon and will run until 5 pm.    The Chester Yacht Club is welcoming members and guests from 1 - 4 pm.     Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual." - Mark Twain   The New Year brings a new radio presentation on Hubbards Cove FM 88.7    Three Classic Tales of the Sea. A RADIO PRESENTATION ON COVEFM with John Cowans and Stephen Booth, Cynthia Myers, Ellie Nightingale, Gavin Flinn and Scott Croucher *Programme 1: The Myth of the Sea: An Introduction Wed., Jan 16: 12:00 - 1:00PM & Sun, Jan. 20: 8:00-9:00 PM. *Programme 2: Homer: The Odyssey: A Greek Epic: 'One Man Alone.' Wed., Jan 23: 12:00 - 1:00 PM & Sun, Jan.27: 8:00-9:00 PM *Programme 3: Shakespeare, The Tempest: An English Drama:   'The Stuff of Dream's Wed., Jan 30: 12:00-1:00pm and Sun, Feb. 3:8-9pm *Programme 4: Melville, Moby Dick: An American Novel: 'Into the Maw of Hell'. Wed., Feb. 6: 12:00 - 1:00 PM & Sun, Feb. 10: 8:00-9:00 PM                                                                                              anniebowler.com Brochure   The Merchants would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families all the best of the holiday season and a brilliant New Year. And because I couldn't resist ... a sweet little porcupine Christmas video. Suzi Fraser    for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

December 12th, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings!     We are on the homeward stretch to the fat man in the red suit. A big shout out to Sandy Morash and her team of elves who raised $875 for the food bank in the annual cookie contest hosted by the Chester Playhouse. This Week in Chester  Sales are happening at the Village Emporium beginning this Saturday and running through until closing Christmas Eve. 25% off jewellery and a huge selection of gift items including winter woolies, POOK items, giftware, souvenir items, wallets, purses and much more. 40% off most Christmas items. Hours are Monday to Saturday 10 - 4:30 and Sunday 12 - 4, Christmas Eve 10 - 2pm. Ho Ho Ho ! The Playhouse has  gift certificate available for purchase in increments of $50 / $75 or $100 for anyone on your gift list. 902-275-3933                                                                                                                                                                                           The Kiwi Café is brimming with all things Christmas. Stop by for a hot chocolate and cruise through the Pantry and see what's on the shelf.   "Our last Hurrah !!!  Light My Fire Studio will be closing the doors for good December 16th. We would like to thank all our patrons who have supported us over the years. We will miss your visits to the studio as much as you will miss us. Those that were hoping to get a gift will be happy to know that we still have a selection of pottery, glass and jewellery as well as our candles available. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."   Judy Parsons and Bill Drane Trivia at the Fo'c'sle is BACK with Erin Gore !  Next Tuesday at the Fo'c'sle it is Christmas themed trivia with a few Chanukah questions thrown in. Get your team together and brush up. 6:30 - 8pm. Next Wednesday is the annual Sing Choirs ! at the St. Stephen's Anglican Church. The evening features Chester United Baptist choir, St. Stephen's Anglican choir, Studio Singers community choir, musicians from St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Musical Friends youth choir, and audience participation. Admission is free with a pay-what-you-will collection at the door; the donations will go to PRO Kids and Musical Friends.                                                                                                                                     @henrythecoloradodog     Brochure   If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends? Suzi Fraser    for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

December 4th, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! We decided to roll out the Press Release a day early as there is so much going on in the village this week. Kudos to all the organizers, volunteers and participants of the Chester Village Christmas celebrations over the weekend. It was raging success and plans are already underway for 2019.                                                                          Tree lighting       Nancy Murray photo                                                                                                                                        This Week in Chester  Tomorrow night, Wednesday, the Chester Drama Society opens The Christmas Fund-raiser at the Chester Playhouse at 7:30 pm. This show runs until Saturday night and has something for the whole family. Lightly pack an eclectic and dysfunctional group of townsfolk into a small, sweltering space in the school basement for an emergency Christmas Fund-raising meeting. Add equal and generous measures of anxiety, impatience and competitiveness. Fold in a variety of self-serving and less than savoury agendas. Stir in a pinch of paranoia, a sprinkle of entitlement and equal dashes of emotional outburst and bragging. Toss in a bag of fruit flavoured gummy bears. Let sit until ingredients react. Mix thoroughly and watch the ideas bubble while tempers simmer and craziness come to a full boil. It's the recipe for a tasty comedy that takes the term "Christmas High" to a whole new meaning. Opening Night tickets are $10 and only available at the door. Proceeds from opening night go to the Lighthouse Food Bank. From Thursday to Saturday tickets are $18 Adult, $15 Youth/Senior. Tickets are going fast ... 902-275-3933.                                                                                    The Playhouse is offering up some beautiful Lunenburg County fresh balsam fir wreaths for $35 with complimentary delivery within the village. Get 'em while they're hot.                                                                                                        The Zoé Vallé Library invites everyone for choir, carols, cider and cookies at the Lightfoot Tower 63 Regent Street this Friday from 5-6pm. Carols will be led by Vintage Voices and friends. There will be a donation box for the food bank. In case of rain, the event is cancelled. This Saturday is the Annual Cookie contest at the Chester Playhouse. You must register your entry before Thursday evening. See poster below for details. Gentlemen, start your ovens. Brochure Things like going to bed early, not leaving my house, not going to a party - these were my childhood punishments that have now become my adult goals. Suzi Fraser  for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

Nov. 27th, 2018 Press Release!!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings!     It's here!! This weekend is the first annual Chester Village Christmas event...there is so much going on in the village over this coming weekend, it's time to embrace your inner elf!!! Ready?? Here we go.........

This Week in Chester   Family oriented events and activities will span the entire weekend for the Chester Village Christmas. The merchants and restaurants will extend their hours and tailor their offerings to embrace the Chester Village Christmas theme. Here are some highlights: Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Bandstand to light the village tree amid dancers and music. The Chester Treat Truck will be on site and Santa will be handing out goodies. The Kiwi Café will be open Friday evening for festive pizza, and the Fo'c'sle Tavern will be serving festive fare till 9:00pm. The annual Gingerbread Competition entrants and winners including the Chef's Invitational Challenge entries, will all be on display at White Gate at 28 Pleasant Street. Two of the busiest solo musicians in the country, Dave Gunning & JP Cormier are presenting a holiday show at the Chester Playhouse on Friday, November 30th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $32                                                                                                   Santa stays in the village and will be at the pancake breakfast at the Chester Legion on Saturday, December 1st in the morning from 7:30 -10:30am. Christmas Trees will be on sale all weekend at Going Coastal on Queen Street, with all proceeds going to the local food bank. The Chester Art Center will be holding a free Family Open Studio day on Saturday as well, with lots of fun activities, and right next door to them will be the Mystery Tree Decorating Competitionsite....come check it out and tap your creative flair!! OceanView Garden Center will be having Fusion Painting demonstrations, on both Friday & Saturday at 10:00am & 2:00pm, definitely worth a visit! At White Gate Restaurant, on Pleasant Street, you can see the Gingerbread houses all weekend, and on Saturday there will be Cookie decorating from 3:00 - 5:00pm. Also in front of White Gate Tanner & Co. Brewing will have a vendor stall both Saturday & Sunday from 2:00-6:00pm.  And if you are feeling competitive, check out the Christmas Wreath Toss also at White Gate. As you wander round the village, participate in the Elf Selfie Scavenger Hunt....have photos taken of you behind the various pairs of Elf Boots you will find scattered round the central part of Chester Village. There are prizes for the best Elf Selfies!! If you pop into Light My Fire Studio on Duke Street, you can frost a Peppermint Snowball Candle,from 11:00 - 4:00pm, cost is $20!! There will be live music on Queen Street both days...Saturday features Taelor Bent at 2:00pm, Peter Parsons at 3:30pm and at 5:00pm the Chester Studio Singers will be caroling!! Fa la la la laaaaaaa The lovely folk from Avondale Sky Winery will have a vendor stall on the deck next to the Kiwi on Queen Street, so you can taste and buy some of their Nova Scotia wines. Again on Saturday the Chester Merchants will be staying open late, they will be featuring their own promos and giveaways, so this is a great time to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Also on Saturday the Kiwi Cafe will stay open late, and be BBQing sausages on their deck. Sunday you will find the Christmas Farmers & Artisan Market at the Chester Legion from 9:00am-2:00pm...plenty of great things to pick up as presents or stocking stuffers!   The various competitions and activities will continue to run on Sunday so there is no lack of activities, and cookie decorating will be held at the Kiwi Cafe on Queen Street, free with a donation to the Food Bank.              The live music on Queen Street will  feature the Market Boys playing festive tunes - usually found at the Hubbards Market - who will do 2 sets - 1:30 & 3:00pm.      And to get you in the mood for holiday romance, the Chester Playhouse will be screening 'Love Actually' at 4:00pm. Tickets are $7.00 at the door, and they have popcorn!!         For a complete listing of all the weekend activities, visit the Chester Village Christmas page on Facebook. Ok....if you read this far let me share with you my thoughts about the current weather...... Brochure

See you in the village this weekend!! Nicola Boyd (the Suzi Fraser wanna be) for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 21st, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                                                                        Lordly House                                                                                                                                                                 Greetings! We are promoting anti Black Friday here in the Hamlet. No crowds, no queues, no trampling. Shop downtown Chester this weekend and know that the Fo'c'sle Pub is just around the corner when you need a cleansing pale ale between purchases. Ahhh, isn't that the way shopping should be?                                                                                             Kiwi Café Shop                                                                                                                                  This Week in Chester   Light My Fire still have some items on the shelf after their mulled wine event last weekend. Stop by their Duke Street studio and pick up a few candles against the first power outage of the holiday season. Remember Christmas and Boxing Day last year? Buy a case. Tomorrow, Thursday, is the kick off of Chester Heritage Society's Annual Victorian Christmas craft show and sale at the Lordly House at 133 Central Street. The show runs from 10am-5pm daily until Sunday. Entrance fee is a loonie for the door prize draw. For more details, contact Hilary @ 902-273-2176 Friday night is pizza night at the Kiwi Café from 5:30- 9pm. Their gift shop is heaving with goodies, so why not check it out while waiting for Riccardo to cook your pie. 902-275-1492. This Saturday is the Chester United Baptist Church's Fall Fair from 9 - 2 pm. Lots of items for Christmas and year-round. Knitted goods, handmade soap, sewn garments, baked goods, hand painted glassware, stocking stuffers, face and body oils - you get the picture. Canteen available. St. Stephen's Church up the street is hosting their Christmas Bazaar from 10:30-1:30 pm with Christmassy stuff, books, bake table, wreaths, crafts and much more. Lunch service from 11 am  - a variety of soups, rolls, bread, pies, tea, coffee and drink.  adults $8 / children under 10/ $5.                                                                                              The Chester Playhouse is excited to present the award-winning Blues artists Garrett Mason and Earle & Coffin for a double bill performance this Saturday at 8 pm. Nova Scotia-born Garrett Mason is a true bluesman at heart. This performance features Garrett's talent for strong original songs, a voice that is reminiscent of a veteran performer and his extraordinary aptitude for playing electric guitar. Newfoundland and Labrador's acoustic Blues/Roots duo Earle & Coffin are soulful vocalists, brilliant guitar players and blessed with engaging personalities, experienced beyond their years. These 18-year-old bluesmen have been getting around touring festivals and showcases throughout Canada and the USA.  902-275-3933. Saturday night dance to the beat of "Sunset Drive" at the Chester Legion starting at 9 pm for members and guests. For more info dial up the comrades @ 902-275-3315. For a bit of levity to all this shopping madness, here is a clip that has absolutely nothing to do with consumerism. Brochure A good conversation is like a mini skirt - short enough to retain interest, but long enough to cover the subject. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

November 14th, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! It's a little breezy out there today. It's hump day with the added bonus that you have already HAD one day off already,so it's practically the weekend ! This Week in Chester  Light My Fire Candle Studio at 59 Duke Street is tapering off over the next month. Bill and Judy invite you to join them for their "Family and Friends" extravaganza starting tomorrow, Thursday, running through until this Sunday. They are open until 8pm Friday evening and I hear refreshments are being served from 12-3pm on Saturday. This is your opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping at rock bottom prices before they put their feet up. 902-275-5800 Friday at 1 pm Forest Heights Community School presents a lecture by Gwynn Dyer on "The Trump Era: Surviving the Populist Wave" at 1 pm. Nationalism is back, and it's very angry. Get your pink ears on and head over there. For more info call the school @ 902-275-2700. Stop by the Chester Art Centre this Friday from 6-8pm for an opening reception with wine and cheese. "Vignettes" is an exhibition of ceramic works by Claire Olwen Stewart, Artist in Residence at the Centre. The work is informed by a portrait-making tradition of vignettes and cameos in the western world during the 19th century. The works in this series take a modern approach to these outdated traditions, applying the female gaze upon the female form. We don't get many wine and cheese opportunities at this time of year - don't miss out. On Saturday hit the early, and I mean early, Kohl Kannon Supper at the Baptist Church at 84 King Street, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm.  Kohl Kannon, ham, beans and pie.  Adults $12, Short ones (7-12) $6.  Really short ones are free.                                                                                              Looking ahead to next weekend, the Chester Playhouse is excited to present award-winning Blues artists Garrett Mason and Earle & Coffin for a double bill performance on Saturday, November 24 at 8:00 pm. Nova Scotia-born Garrett Mason is a true bluesman at heart. This performance features Garrett's talent for strong original songs, a voice that is reminiscent of a veteran performer and his extraordinary aptitude for playing electric guitar. Newfoundland and Labrador's acoustic Blues/Roots duo Earle & Coffin are soulful vocalists, brilliant guitar players and blessed with engaging personalities, experienced beyond their years. These 18-year-old bluesmen have been getting around touring festivals and showcases throughout Canada and the US and have racked up a slew of awards. If you happen to be rummaging through the attic and find Christmas tree decorations you no longer use, please bring them to Amicus Gallery on Pleasant Street and we will use them for our tree decorating contest at our Chester Village Christmas weekend November 30th- December 2nd. Stay tuned to this channel because it is an action packed event filled weekend with something for everyone. Did someone say beer tastings? Brochure                                      when you brush the family feline, clip it to the clothesline In other Parish news... -At the evening service tonight,  the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice. -Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 pm. Please ... use the back door. -Weight Watchers will meet at 7 pm at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance. -The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday:  "I Upped My Pledge - Up yours" Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!