Aug. 29th, 2018 Chester Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release                                                               Jennifer Paterson photo                                                                                                                                                                                      Greetings!   Well, that's a wrap.   Summer is over. It was hot, dang HOT !  But the best is yet to come. The long languid days of autumn. Bring it on ! This Week in Chester  It's pasta night at the Fo'c'sle tonight. Get down there and see what's on the board. Affectionately known as "Chester's living room," the Fo'c'sle is an inviting restaurant and pub. Depending on where you sit, you're in a former grocery store, stable, inn or tavern dating back to 1764. The Farmers and Artisans are back at the Train Station Friday from 9-1pm. Stop by and load up for the long weekend. Local farm and artisan vendors will be selling fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, hot food and more.   The Seaweed Soap Company will be there. Nancy's soaps are made with kelp and Irish moss which are rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. They contain collagen to make the skin feel soft and toned. This is for you ! Who knew? Buy a case. Friday night down at the Rope Loft Shawn Hebb is on stage with your favourite cover tunes from 8-11pm. get there early to assure yourself of a seat. This is the final night of the musician summer series so why not make a night of it. The kitchen is open till 10 pm. This weekend the Chester Yacht Club is hosting the International One Design North Americans. This is a big deal ! Why not plan a picnic to take to the shore front and watch these beauties competing on the bay.                                                                                                                                                                                   Brochure   For those who drink to forget, please pay in advance. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group   Join Our Mailing List!

August 22nd, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Another Chester Race Week has come and gone. It was lovely to see all the boats coming home with spinnakers flying. Top marks to all the organizers - it was a great show ! This week we are saying goodbye and good luck to Gord Gillis. Gord has been one of our favourite bartenders at the Fo'c'sle Pub for many years. He is leaving us for the brights lights of Sydney, Cape Breton. "Down with the Causeway!" This Week in Chester  Chester Playhouse is excited to present 2b theatre's production of "One Discordant Violin" tonight, Wednesday, until Saturday, August 25 at 7:30 pm and a 2 pm matinee this Saturday. Beauty is found in unexpected places. A duet for actor and violinist based on a short story by Yann Martel (Life of Pi), One Discordant Violin explores a transformative encounter with an unlikely composer. Delicate, gentle, and moving, it is a story of what happens when we reach for something beyond our grasp. Happy Hour is happening tonight from 6 pm with the musical stylings of our favourite local musician Kevin Koloff. Drinks are $3.50. What's not to love about that ? Enjoy a lively hour with your friends at the Chester Playhouse and catch 2b's performance after. The Playhouse now allows you to take your drinks inside. Bring your sippy cup. 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. Lots going on Friday night... From 6-8 pm Going Coastal is having a show reception for artists inspired by boats and views of the South Shore. Voctada is hosting an hors d'oeuvres evening from 6-8 pm at the Chester Yacht Club for members and guests. Then over at the Rope Loft Darren Arsenault is on stage from 8-11 pm. Darren covers all genres from Country and Blues to Folk and Rock. The kitchen is open till 10 pm but the drinks are flowing till last man standing. Rock on. Remember there is a matinée on Saturday at the Playhouse at 2pm. This Sunday the Chester Bandstand Summer Concert presents "The Gypsy Minstrels 60's & 70's" at 7 pm. Get your rose coloured John Lennon glasses out and head on over. Concerts may be moved or cancelled in heavy rain at the discretion of the performers. For more info contact Sue LeBlanc @ 902-299-0139. Next Tuesday at the Old Train Station they are showing you how to make icing sugar roses. Got an upcoming wedding in the family?  -  this class is for you. 902-275-2592.                                                                                                                                                                                       Brochure I wish Noah had squashed those two fruit flies. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

August 15th, 2018 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! Well, here we are, Chester Race Week Summer 2018! Pump out your dinghies, fluff up your PFD's and get those dancing shoes out of the back of the closet. Come on down to the sea for days of fun and frolic, the harbors are full of pretty boats and everyone is tuning up and filling their coolers. There is lots on the go this week, so pace yourselves!! Here we go...... This Week in Chester  The Chester Playhouse Summer Theater School is gearing up to present Mary Poppins JR. this week. Over the past month these amazing young actors have been working hard to bring the story of Mary Poppins to the Chester Playhouse stage. In the last couple of weeks they have worked with Alumni Student Choreographer Abby Blanchard, rehearsed musical arrangements with David Findlay and developed acting skills with program director Cynthia Myers. Ticket prices for the show are $17 for adults, $15 for youth and seniors, and $8 for children under 8 years old. Tickets for this production and all Summer Festival offerings are available online at chesterplayhouse.ca The Playhouse also continues Happy Hour every Wednesday at 6 pm featuring the musical stylings of local musician Kevin Koloff and $3.50 drinks. The Chester Heritage Society along with internationally renowned artist Raymond Chow, invite you to the Lordly Park Paint-Off and Afternoon Tea with Raymond Chow on August 17. The Lordly Park "Paint-Off" runs from 12 - 2 PM at the Lordly Park gazebo. The paint-Off features renowned painters who reside in Nova Scotia. Raymond Chow, of Pleasantville competes against historical painter Wesley Lowe, of Bridgewater. Chester Race Week yacht race painter Beverly Hubley, of Halifax, faces off against Chester's own still life painter Pat Christensen. Painters will be allotted the same amount of time to paint a selected object(s). There will be a slight intermission for painters to speak with on-lookers. After the intermission painters will complete their works, which will be auctioned off at the end of the event. Following the Paint-Off, "Afternoon Tea with Raymond Chow" runs between 2 - 4 PM up the hill at the Lordly House Museum, located at 133 Central Street. The afternoon tea hosted by the Chester Heritage Society is $8.00 per person. Raymond Chow will graciously present for your viewing pleasure, pieces from the "White Gown" series, the "Lisa" series, and a pen-and-ink series of the "Chester area and buildings." Pleasantville resident and society member Raymond Chow will also tell stories and answer questions regarding his works, and life's experiences. This intimate event is a must do while visiting Chester Village this summer. Christmas continues to happen at Station 20 Craft Shop at the old Train Station until August 18th from Monday - Saturday. Get your Christmas fix now. Ho Ho...Ho. Friday the Farmers and Artisans are at the Old Train Station  from 9 - 1 pm (rain or shine.) Fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, hot food and more. For more info visit Chester Farmers Market. Friday night Jamie Junger is the live entertainment at the Rope Loft  from 8-11 pm playing original songs! Boats will be rafted up in the harbor so the place will be stomping!! Get there early or you'll miss out. The kitchen is open until 10pm. If you haven't heard of Chester's Online Fish Guys, those enterprising young men who will deliver beautiful fish to your doorstep, you are really missing out. They have fresh fish directly off the boat along with various frozen seafood products ready to deliver twice a week. Check out their website at www.onlinefishguys.com The Chester Bandstand Summer Concert series presents Chester Brass for the Race Week Sunday evening at 7 pm. Concerts may be moved or cancelled in heavy rain at the discretion of the performers. For more information, contact Sue LeBlanc 902-299-0139.                                                                              And speaking of Race Week.....for your detailed guide for the week's events, both on and off the water check out the official Helly Hansen Chester Race Week Event Guide! The Chester Art Center still have some spaces for their August Art Camp..... And if after all that you still have the energy to picnic in the park, check out Amanda Riley at Lordly Park on Tuesday!!                                                                                                        Brochure Nicola Boyd for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!

Aug.7th, 2018 Chester Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings!     We're in the thick of it. Boats everywhere. Even Bluenose II is in town ! The schooners are at the Rope Loft dock all week when they're not racing. Stop by and see these beautiful ladies - they're gorgeous.   There is more eye candy in the wings - it's Classics Regatta this weekend ! Come down to the waterfront and watch these grand dames strut their stuff.   We are all about sailing, music and the Arts this week. Read on. This Week in Chester  Tonight, Wednesday, Chase Padgett brings a pitch perfect blend of music, comedy and characters to the Chester Playhouse in 6 Guitars. The show runs every evening until Saturday at 7:30 pm and a 2 pm matinée on Saturday as well. In 6 Guitars a single performer portrays six different guitar playing characters each sharing their own style of music, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Classical, Folk and Country. As the show unfolds, audiences are treated to great songs from each genre that showcase breathtaking musicianship. This sonic feat is done not merely with just one performer, but just one guitar as well. There are plenty of laughs too! Each character, from the young rock prodigy to the weary blues picker, shares hilarious anecdotes that only a life playing music can give. These balance out the moving stories each deliver about how music has touched their lives and made them a better person along the way. The Playhouse is excited to announce Happy Hour every Wednesday at 6 pm featuring the musical stylings of local musician Kevin Koloff and $3.50 drinks. C'mon get happy with your friends at the Chester Playhouse and maybe even catch tonight's show ! Originally from Lower Prospect, Joe Norris' vibrant depictions of wildlife, marine and fishing scenes, and landscapes are some of the most beloved representations of Nova Scotia. His bold colours, clean lines and elaborately painted frames are immediately recognizable, and it is no wonder that he is one of Canada's most celebrated folk artists. Drop by the Chester Art Centre at 60 Queen St. and enjoy the Joe Norris - Land & Sea Exhibition. Halifax ceramic artist Alexandra McCurdy joins UK-based batik artist Rosi Robinson and New York oil/acrylic painter Robert Seyffert for a pop-up exhibition at 54 Queen Street behind the old Fiasco shop tonight, Wednesday, from 6-8pm. The trio is teaming up to present their most recent works that depict the province of Nova Scotia. The show runs until Saturday, August 11th from 1:30 - 5pm daily. Tomorrow evening, Thursday, head on over to Amicus Gallery for their final show of the summer season from 6-8 pm. William Downey of Liverpool will have a mix of west coast, east coast and still life images - points west meet points east in these beautifully rendered oils. Christmas is happening at Station 20 Craft Shop at the old Train Station until August 18th from Monday - Saturday. Get your Christmas fix now. Ho Ho...Ho. Friday the Farmers and Artisans are at the Old Train Station  from 9 - 1 pm (rain or shine.) Fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, hot food and more.  Friday night Tom and Cynthia Myers are on stage at the Rope Loft  from 8-11 pm with fellow musician Mike Watson. There might be a few other musicians in the house too!  All the schooners are on the dock so the place will be hopping. Get there early or you'll miss out. The kitchen is open until 10pm. I'll see you there. The Chester Bandstand Summer Concert series presents the "Clas Larsson Quartet" Sunday evening at 7 pm. Concerts may be moved or cancelled in heavy rain at the discretion of the performers. For more information, contact Sue LeBlanc 902-299-0139.                                                                                                                                                                                            Brochure   A termite walks into a bar and asks, "Is the bar tender here?" Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group   PS - For any cat people out there, this is for you.  Join Our Mailing List!

Aug.1st, 2018 Chester Press Release

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings!    August? Really? Chester has been fondly coined as a "drinking town with a sailing problem" and here's why....    Chester Yacht Club's Opti Jam kicks off today.   Look out in the harbour and you'll see about 100 little white handkerchief sized sails darting about the Bay in all directions. Following on from this event is the World Bluenose Championships this weekend.   Next week is Schooner Race week hosted by the CYC and the Rope Loft, followed by our Annual Classics Regatta next weekend. All this activity culminates with Chester Race Week the following week.   Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. This Week in Chester  Tonight, Wednesday, the Chester Playhouse presents the award-winning play "Jake's Gift." The show runs every night until Saturday, August 4th at 7:30 pm and a matinée performance at 2 pm this Saturday. This one-women play by Julia Mackey is a moving tribute to our veterans that has captured the hearts of Canadians across the country.  Jake's Gift is a surprisingly funny, multi-award-winning drama that tells the story of a Canadian WW2 veteran's reluctant return to Normandy, France for the 60th Anniversary of D-day. While roaming the shores of Juno Beach, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious ten-year-old from the local village whose inquisitive charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long ignored ghosts. 902-275-3933/ 1-800-363-7529. The Chester Golf Club is having a summer promotion for non members. Every Tuesday and Thursday after 1 pm, two people can play 18 holes for the price of one. Dial up the pro shop and book your tee time. 902-275-4543   Watch your step- the geese are baaack ! The Old Train Station Shop at 20 Smith Road is now open from 10 - 5pm Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sunday.  Friday is Market Day at the Train Station grounds. March your piggies over there and pick up some fresh fish, meat, breads, veggies, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, folk art, flowers, sweet treats, hot food and more. Bring a wheelbarrow. Friday evening there is a new show at Going Coastal on Queen from 6-8pm. This is a group show inspired by the Call of the Ocean. Helloooo? Once you've placed your red dot, head on over to the Rope Loft where Kevin Koloff  is on stage from 8-11pm with the sounds you love from the 60's and 70's. There will be lots of salty sailors and the restaurant will be serving evening meals until 10 pm. Rock on. Have you ever wanted to make your own beeswax candle? Light My Fire Studio is giving you your chance this Saturday, August 4, from 11 am - 3 pm. They are having their Beeswax candle workshop. Stop into the studio and with a little time and effort, leave with a pair of 'Belltop' candles. This workshop is on a first come first served basis and is $20 per person (HST extra). For more information or to arrange a time for a group of 4 or more please call 902-275-5800 or toll free 1-866-739-5800 This Saturday there will be a High Tea with Mrs. Lordly at 133 Central Street from 2- 4 pm.  Lyne Bjornson from the Zoé Vallé Library will  delight you with tales of "The Library and the Lordlys."  Admission is $8. This Sunday is Bonny Lea Farm's Annual Lobster Lover's Feast. They will be serving Clearwater's 1 ¼ lb. lobster or a 10 oz. sirloin steak with all the trimmings. Dine in from  4-6:30 pm or take out from 3- 6 pm. Tickets are $30 and on sale now. 902-275-5622 to purchase tickets.  Sunday evening the Chester Bandstand Summer Concert Series presents the "Mahone Bay Legion Swing Band" at 7pm. These guys are fantastic- don't miss this. Concerts may be moved or cancelled in heavy rain at the discretion of the performers.  For more information, please contact Sue LeBlanc 902-299-0139.                                                                                                                                                                                                Next Tuesday's Picnic in the Park entertainers are "Short Notice" sponsored by Hawboldt Industries. Meals for the musicians are generously provided by the Stretch Diner.  Free admission - donations for the band gratefully accepted. If it's raining Tuesday, they dance on Wednesday.   Looking ahead to next Wednesday, Alex McCurdy (ceramics), Rosi Robinson (batiks and prints), and Robbie Seyffert (paintings) are having a second pop up show with an opening reception next Wednesday, August 8th from 6 - 8 pm at the old Fiasco building at 54 Queen Street, next to the Chester Art Centre. All are welcome!  Brochure   What do you call a Frenchman wearing sandals? Philippe Philoppe. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group Join Our Mailing List!