July 25th, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Only 5 months till Christmas. Shop like you mean it. Drop in at Lordly Park Monday evenings to catch the croquet teams battling it out. If you're nice they might invite you to join them. We here in the hamlet are deeply entrenched in Lulu Lemon season. Chester is officially the land of lycra - even the designer dogs are sporting some spandex.                                                                                    There's a lot going on this week... listen up. This Week in Chester   Tonight, Wednesday, the Chester Playhouse opens their Hank Williams Tribute show. Ryan Cook began performing as Hank Williams in 2009 with "The Show He Never Gave" in Sackville, New Brunswick. Along with band mates the Drifting Cowboys, this two-act feature performance includes 22 songs from the great country music singer and songwriter.  The show runs tonight until Saturday night starting @ 7:30pm with a Saturday matinée @ 2pm. For more info call the playhouse 902-275-3933 Kevin Koloff will be performing before the show in the Ondaatje Room from 6:15- 7:15 pm. They have reduced drink prices to limber you up for the performance. Tomorrow, Thursday, the Chester Garden Club is hosting their annual  Flower Show and Tea at the Chester Legion from 1:30 - 5 pm.  This years theme is "Lest We Forget: A floral tribute." Stop in and tell them how you would have done it. Thursday night all those in the know will be heading down to Amicus Gallery at 6 pm sharp for the eagerly anticipated opening of Malcolm Callaway's annual art show. This evening's opening runs until 8pm and the show runs for 2 weeks. Around the corner at Luna on Duke, they are hosting a Caviar VIP the same night from 6-9pm. No, not THAT kind of caviar. Alterna Caviar hair expert @nichimc and crew will be on site to assess your hair care needs and recommend products best suited to your tresses. Pop in and enjoy snacks, beverages, free samples and have a chat with the expert of Alterna Caviar with a chance to win some great products. "BOGO" - buy one get one half price-pre booking special: for every hair service booked with Michelle, receive a free back bar treatment and scalp massage $20 value.https://www.facebook.com/Luna-salon-spa-and-boutique-155472424524274/ Friday the farmers and artisans are at the Chester Train Station from 9 - 1pm (rain or shine) Fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, folk art, flowers, sweet treats and hot food. Friday night at the Chester Yacht Club there will be an auction of a 2017 36" x 36" original painting by José Antonio Valverde-Alcalde entitled "Flowers in the Window at Parkland." This is an acrylic on canvas. Retail value is $6,000 The Valverde Studio Gallery has provided this painting as in-kind sponsorship support of Helly Hansen Chester Race Week 2018.Organizers will donate 50% of proceeds to CYC Junior Sailing. For anyone wishing to put a reserve bid on the painting please contact cycmanager@chesteryachtclub.ca                                                                             José Antonio Valverde-Alcalde                                                                                     The Jazzettes will be on stage Friday night at the Rope Loft from 8-11pm. If you're on a boat, sail by and hang out for a few tunes. Land lubbers can just walk on down! Evening meals will be served until 9:30 pm. Stop by Light My Fire Studio, 59 Duke Street on Saturday and let your creative juices flow in their 'Dip and Carve' workshop. Each person will dip a 4" ball candle and then carve designs in the candle which will be highlighted when you burn the candle. The workshop runs from 11am - 3 pm and will be conducted on a first come - first served basis. Cost is $20/person + HST. The workshop is open to all but participants under 12 may need assistance from a parent or guardian. For more info or to book a group for the workshop please call 902-275-5800. Sunday evening the Chester Bandstand Summer Concert presents the  "Dartmouth Concert Band" starting at 7pm.  Children are welcome to dance on the grass. Adults may want to bring a lawn chair. Concerts may be moved or cancelled in heavy rain at the discretion of the performers. For more information, contact Sue LeBlanc 902-299-0139.                                                                                    The Chester Tennis Club on Pig Loop Road is running evening lessons for intermediate players Mondays, from July 30th and running for 5 weeks from 6 to 7:30 p.m. They also have a class for beginners on Tuesdays, from July 31st and running for 5 weeks from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $20/session.  chestertennisclub@gmail.com Stop in at the handicraft shop at the Old Chester Train Station. The shop includes merchandise from local hand crafters and antique furniture pieces. Open daily 10-4, Sunday 12-4, closed on Wednesdays. There is a crocheting craft demonstration there next Tuesday from 1-3 pm. 902-275-2592. Next Tuesday's Picnic in the Park has  Kevin's Gypsy Minstrels on the gazebo stage. GN Thermoforming Equipment is the sponsor. Meals for musicians are generously provided by the Stretch Diner. Free admission...donations for the band gratefully accepted...if it's raining Tuesday, then we dance on Wednesday, if it's raining Wednesday, we dance on Thursday!  Check www.chester.ca for event cancellation.                                                                                                           We are fortunate to have two excellent "masters of the sewing machine" here in the village. Jill Mattinson "Slipcovers by Jill" is located at 24 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor West and she is a whiz with slipcovers and alterations. 902- 204-2004. Mohammad Al Ali "Starfish Tailors" is located upstairs at 5 Pleasant Street who will take care of all your tailoring, dress making and repairs. 902-266-2316. Next Tuesday, July 31st                                                              Brochure "At my age, getting a mani- pedi is like mowing the lawn when your house is on fire."   Lorie Gibbs Suzi Fraser  for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

July 18th, 2018 Chester Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings!     Summer in Chester is well underway...you can see the flocks of baby sailboats nipping back and forth across the harbor. Love those Junior Sailors!!  There is lots to be doing and seeing this week in the burg so get out your calendars and sharpen your pencils.

This Week in Chester  The Chester Playhouse summer season is in full swing, and this week you can embark with them on an odyssey as they present The Other Women Theatre Collective production of 'Tidal Women Braving... the Storm'. Three strong narratives intertwine and explore the lives of women who express their fears, frustrations and joys through writing. Audiences will enjoy an evening of music, poetry and memoirs of women from different eras, with a decidedly salty atmosphere.  The show runs from July 18 - July 21 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on July 21. Tickets are $31 for adults, and $15 for youth and are available at chesterplayhouse.ca   or by calling 902 275 3933. For more information on all of their presentations, visit their Facebook page, or website chesterplayhouse.ca or email them at boxoffice@chesterplayhouse.ca. The White Gate Restaurant is increasing their opening hours by adding Wednesdays, so their current hours are: Wednesday & Thursdays open for dinner from 5:50 - 8:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays open for dinner from 5:50 - 9:00 pm and Sundays from 5:00 to 8:00pm. You can book your table on 902.275.4400 or check out their Facebook page on: whitegatens   The Chester Farmers' & Artisan Market is in full summer swing, every Friday at the Chester Train Station, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (rain or shine).  If you are looking for something easy to entertain your house guests, this is always fun!! They have a variety of local farm vendors and artisans selling fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, hot food and more.   For more info email:  chestermarket@hotmail.com or visit www.chesterfarmersmarket.wordpress.com/ or like them on Facebook:  Chester Farmers' & Artisan Market.  The Craft Demonstrations continue on a weekly basis at the Train Station, Craft Shop & Displays,July 24th features a demonstration of Beaded Ornaments.....who doesn't love bijoux??  Find them at the Chester Train Station, open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sundays 12:00 to 4:00 pm and closed on Wednesdays.   Most demonstrations are free!! For more info call, Lordly House 902-275-3842 or the Train Station 902-275-2592 or visit:  www.chester-municipal-heritage-society.ca    If you haven't paid a visit to Going Coastal on Queen Street, it's time to check out this gem of a shop. They are a local family owned and operated custom furniture store & art gallery. They feature a curated collection of fine art, furnishings, home décor, crafts, jewelry, and apparel, and search for unique pieces that are often limited edition or one of a kind. Located at 41 Queen Street across from the tavern, you can reach them on 902.273.3343 or at www.goingcoastalns.com Kevin Koloff, a Chester favorite, is back at The Rope Loft on Friday July 20th playing hits from the 60's and 70's. The live music starts at 8:00pm and the kitchen will stay open until 9:30 on music nights, so pop in to the Rope Loft on Water Street for some lively tunes!! For more information call on: 902.275.3430 Saturday July 21st you can take tea with Mrs Lordly from 2:00 - 4:00pm. Get those pinky fingers crooked!! The Lordly House Museum at 133 Central Street is the venue and the cost is $8.00 For more information call them on 902.275.3842 Chester Bandstand Summer Concert presents "Tuesday Night Show Band" Big Band Swing on Sunday July 22nd starting at 7:00 pm.  Children are welcome to dance on the grass. Adults may want to bring a lawn chair. Concerts may be moved or cancelled in heavy rain at the discretion of the performer(s). For more information, please contact Sue LeBlanc 902-299-0139. Picnic (and dancing) in the Park on Tuesday July 24th features FOG (Four Old Guys) - sponsored by...Fo'c'sle Village Pub. Your family and house pests are all invited, bring your picnic basket and dancing shoes and enjoy the live music from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Lordly Park in Chester.                                                                                                                                                                     ************************* Brochure

Enjoy the week!! Nicola Boyd (the Suzi Fraser wanna be) for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

July 11th, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! The arrival of warmer weather brings with it all the soothing sounds of summer : the dulcet tones of the whipper snipper; the languid lull of the lawn mower and the symphonic hum of the hammer.    Ahhh...summer. This Week in Chester  Tonight, Wednesday, is "Ladies night" at the Chester Yacht Club. An estrogen fueled evening of spirituality, healing, beauty and health - and let's cut to the chase - shopping. There will be belly dancing, palm reading and all sorts of Zen stuff, but most importantly, there will be wine. Get in on the action by calling 902-275-3747 NOW. The Chester Art Centre has upcoming summer workshops for the short ones. Check out their exciting line up and farm your children out now. Tonight is gourmet pasta night at the Fo'c'sle. A festival of gluten for all. Yes please. Check their Facebook page for daily specials. Tropical storm Chris may be coming our way. Why not celebrate the "first up" (here) of the season with an umbrella drink at the Rope Loft tomorrow afternoon? Install yourself on the deck and hold on tight. Thursday evening from 6-8 pm Amicus Gallery is hosting their second summer season show with new works by Joanne Hunt and Susan Paterson. Don't miss seeing these exquisite oils up close and personal. Friday is the Farmers' and Artisans' market at the Train Station from 9am -1 pm. Stop by Seaweed Soaps and see what Nancy has on the block. It's not fudge. You'll be "Seeing Double" at The Rope Loft Friday night as John Cole Porter and Darren Wadden bring the tunes that keep toes tapping. The boys are on stage from 8-11 pm - evening meals are until 9pm. "Light My Fire Studio" at 59 Duke Street is holding a "fantasy taper" candle making workshop from 11am- 3pm this Saturday. This is open to all ages, but parental assistance is required for young participants. $20 per person + tax This Saturday is the Annual Auction and Flea Market at the Chester Train Station. The fleas get hopping at 9 am and the auction starts at 9:30.  Bring a chair and park yourself for this event as there are some real finds to be had from the Haughn and Haase estates. The rain date is Sunday, July 15 beginning at 1 pm. Saturday also has the Mackerel Snappers Picnic at Graves Island Provincial Park, East Chester from 12 noon to 6 pm. Rain date is Sunday, July 15.  Mackerel dinner is $12 which includes new potatoes, old fashion cukes and cream, tea, coffee or juice and pie. There will be musical entertainment, games of chance, merchandise wheel, lobster/scallop wheel and fish pond. On site will be a fry shack, hot dogs, pop and chips.  For more info call 902-275-2174 / 3107. Saturday night is the Chester Playhouse's annual Galapalooza from 6-9pm at the home of Tim and Bernardine Moore. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres by Scanway Catering and wine from Bishop's Cellar, whilst enjoying the music of Lennie Gallant and members of the Buchanan House of Music. There will be lively co-hosting by Rob McInnis and Canadian journalist and fashion entrepreneur Jeanne Beker. This year the Gala will feature an incredible "Raffle of Experiences". Bid on four experience packages for Toronto, Halifax, Chester or St. Andrews by the Sea. Tickets for the Galapalooza are $150 per person and include a tax receipt for a portion of the cost. 902-275-3933 Operators are standing by. Sunday evening at 7 pm the Chester Bandstand Summer Concert  Series presents the "Chester Brass Band." This is always a fantastic performance from the very dedicated members of the band. You won't be disappointed - get there early and claim your turf.                                                                                                                                                                                              Next Monday from 1-3 pm there is a craft circle at the train station. This weeks topic is "Chester Stories." The session is open to all comers and it's free. Next Tuesday's Picnic in the Park is pleased to present the "Darren Arsenault Trio" sponsored by Eric Harding of Tradewinds Realty. The tunes kick off at 6 pm at Lordly Park. Meals for musicians are generously provided by the Stretch Diner. Brochure Pessimists see the glass half empty. Optimists are already opening the next bottle. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

July 4th, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! We've only just blown out the wick on our fireworks and now it's the 4th of July ! My money is on someone lighting up the sky tonight. Look up, look way up. The little man who lives inside the radio repeated all Canada Day weekend of the "extreme heat wave, epic weather, keep an eye on granny lest she expire in the tropical heat bomb...."  Nothing ! No heatwave. Thick fog, windy and cold. And now ... "Canicular" - definition > of or relating to the period between early July and early September when hot weather occurs in the northern hemisphere.  Bring . It . On. This Week in Chester  The Chester Playhouse is kicking off their summer theatre festival tonight with "Urinetown, the Musical." This saucy politically incorrect musical took Broadway by storm when it opened in 2001. The show features a huge cast of performers of all ages from 10 to 70, predominantly from our own little Hamlet.The production runs from tonight, Wednesday, until Saturday at 7:30 pm with a Saturday matinée at 2 pm.  The cast and crew have worked tirelessly for the past 3 months to present this show for your enjoyment. Get your thumb out and go see it. Plein air artist Poppy Balser still has a few canvasses left for sale at Amicus Gallery. Stop in before it is just a water colour sea of red dots. The Chester Heritage Society would like to remind you of their Handicraft Shop at the Old Train Station. The shop has local hand crafts, and pieces of antique furniture.They have also very kindly offered to represent the businesses in the village by displaying our brochures. The station is open daily from 10-4pm and Sunday from 12-4pm. They are closed on Wednesdays. New exhibits include a boat building display and wrought iron works from Nova Scotia's first female ferrier. Every Monday from 1-3pm there is a craft circle. Next Saturday, July 14th, is the Annual Auction and Flea Market at the Station starting at 9am. Put that on your calendar now as there are always some true gems to be found. The new exhibits at Lordly House museum on Central Street include the Tuesday Painters and their antique lace display. Lordly House is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-4pm. You are welcome to join in with help, stories, discussion and lots of laughs. Blue Shutters Antiques and Art Gallery is located at the entrance to Graves Island Park in East Chester and they are now open daily from 10-4pm. The farmers are in their dell at the market at the Train Station this Friday from 9 -1 pm (rain or shine.) Why not stop by the Sweet Spot Oceanside Farm booth? Melanie has gorgeous fresh cut flowers, greens, herbs, tomatoes, garlic and a variety of other goodies all grown with natural methods. Everything else is available there as well: meat, fish, breads, fresh vegetables, soaps, folk art, hooked rugs, flowers, sweet treats, take away food and more. Friday night has Kevin Koloff on stage at the Rope Loft from 8-11 pm. John Lennon is not dead - he's at the Rope Loft. Kevin brings us back to the 60's and 70's with all the songs you know by heart. Don't miss out! The Bandstand Summer Concert Series is pleased to present "Morgan Davis," our own award winning blues artist on stage at 7 pm. The bright lights of Chester await you here. Concerts may be moved or cancelled due to weather at the discretion of the performer. For info contact Sue LeBlanc @ 902-299-0139.                                                                                                                                                                                              Jennie McGuire, Nancy Dunaway and Beverley McInnes are holding an event next Monday at  Tirnanog Studio, 3419 Highway 3 in East Chester from 4-7pm. They are exhibiting 'all things rust' in addition to some items for sale and of course nibbles and bubbly - I mean it IS Chester. Next Tuesday the Chester Art Centre presents Jane Whitten who will teach you how to convert unwanted items into something new and useful. No husband jokes please. Next Tuesday, July 10th, the Klunkers take the stage at 'Picnic in the Park.' This performance is sponsored by Chester Area Pharmasave. You are invited to bring a picnic and your dancing shoes to enjoy the live music from 6 -8 pm at Lordly Park. Brochure If you drink a fifth on the fourth, you may not go forth on the fifth. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!