August 28th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release My chestnut tree's leaves are starting to fall.... Each year it's a bit alarming as it's so early, but they are always weeks ahead of any other (I think it's a Chestnut 'lurgi'). I take the positive view that I get to deal with them, and then have a break before the full fall leaf dance. But it is a sign that things are returning to a quieter pace. In my view, September is the best month of summer - warm days, cool nights, longer shadows and time to breathe....... More time to wander around the village, stop and chat, shop and have a lunch out rather than sandy sandwiches on the beach.

This Week in Chester The good old Fo'c'sle never misses a beat with season change and continues to serve food till 10pm with live music starting at 8.30pm. On Friday 30th, 'Shawn Hebb Trio' and Saturday 31st, 'Cut, Split, & Delivered' (Reminder: have you got your wood stacked and drying for the winter yet? If not, do so pronto or there will be no snap and crackle in the hearth when the snow flies) Chester Harbour Yoga & Massage Therapy invites you to fall back on the wagon and renew your health and fitness goals this Fall. A new term of yoga classes begin September 3rd, with five weekly classes, there is bound to be one to fit your schedule. Did you know yoga improves poise and builds fortitude? Or come in for a physical assessment and massage therapy with Leigh Milne RMT, E-RYT. If you're concerned about diet and nutrition, every Friday Naturopathic Doctor Erin Balodis is in. Call 273 9642 for more information. Don't forget to buy the season's bounty at the CHESTER ARTISAN & FARMERS MARKET at the Old Train Station/Visitor Information Centre on Hwy 3, North Street Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. There are only a couple more weeks before the growers pack up their tables and peruse the heritage seed catalogues by the fireside. Now's your chance to make all that chutney/jelly/jam that will taste like summer all winter. While at the market, stop by the Train Station Gallery 'Hidden Talents' exhibit - open until the 31st and visit the Oak Island Display. For more info call the VIC at 275-4616. Autumn is a great time to take note of the bald patches in the garden, to break up the 'bullies', plant a tree, plonk in another perennial. Check out the stock at Oceanview Garden Centre and also the bras hanging in the forecourt in aid of breast cancer awareness. They have already surpassed their target of 1000 (reports say they are close to 1200) but if you whip yours off and add it to the line up, right there and then, perchance another $1 will go to the Breast Cancer Foundation and your bra will end up in Haiti, 'supporting' those in need of support! If your own garden flowers have faded too fast, pop into Flower, Flowers, Flowers and let Robin put a posy together for you that will make everyone convinced you have the greenest fingers in town.

Last weekend's annual Tradewinds Realty Bluenose Championships did not disappoint the crowds ... a T boning, a dismasting and a sinking. Yes, just another pleasant day of yachting in the Bay. The winds were brisk- ok - REALLY brisk, and I think a good time was had by all the competitors who didn't have to swim home.   BTW, the Lido will be closing for the season on September 2nd so if you're willing and able, take a dunk, before then, during the public swim hours: Monday to Friday Noon to 1.30 and 5 to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 9pm. After that it's Freda's Beach, your own private beach or the government wharves.   The Other One  for the Chester Merchants Group

August 21st, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Chester Race Week postmortem : No casualties. Check. Gosling rum sales at CYC off the richter scale. Check. Rope Loft still above water after the parade of the Penguins. Check. Unidentified person passed out on my couch Saturday morning. Check. A full on week of everyone looking more beautiful than even they imagined. In the words of my friend Norman, "Youth is wasted on the young."                                                                       Yes, another successful Race Week.

This Week in Chester Tonight, Wednesday, the Chester Playhouse is opening their final stage event of the season with "The Red Row" featuring Frank MacKay @ 8pm. The show runs until Saturday with a matinee performance at 2pm that day. Frank enthralls the audience with his tale of growing up as the son of a hard-working miner in Stellarton back in the 1950s. His gripping narrative brings home the trials of a simpler life in rural Nova Scotia and the brotherhood that existed between the coal miners and their families.   We have a new playmate in our sand box. "Going Coastal"  fine art and furnishings has joined us here in the Hamlet and you can find them @ 41 Queen Street in the heart of the 'hood. Shoreham Village is hosting their annual "Swing for Shoreham" golf tournament Thursday, September 5th at the Chester Golf Club. For information and pre registration dial up Wendy @ 902-299-0909. Friday the farmers in the dell are back at the Train Station with the bounty of the week from 10 am-2 pm. Get over there with your recycled bamboo bag and load up. Friday night has "Late Night Lover" on stage @ 9 pm at the Fo'c'sle Pub  and "Stolen Tunes" will be on stage Saturday evening at the same time. Saturday the Chester Municipal Heritage Society presents their Annual House and Harbour tour which starts at 10 am @ the Chester Train Station. Several houses to snoop through - for info call 275-3842. Sunday evening the Tuesday Night Show Band  is on stage at the Chester Bandstand. Big band jazz from Halifax. Do not miss this. This is one of those ah hah moments in time that you won't forget.

Buddy has 3 bags at the airline check in at London Heathrow. He puts them down and says to the young lady, "I'd like you to send this one to Los Angeles, that one to Hong Kong and the last one to Durban." Her face shows signs of confusion before her training takes over and she says, "I'm afraid we can't do that, sir." "Why not? You did the last time I flew with you." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

August 14th 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release CHESTER RACE WEEK officially starts today, Wednesday 14th, so either embrace the skill and sails, conviviality and congestion, numbskulls and noise..... or batten down your hatches and re-surface Sunday! Months of organisation by hearty volunteers ensure that over the next few days, our wee hamlet shines on the world class stage of sailing events. The harbours are full of vessels of all shapes and sizes ready to compete in the 'largest keelboat regatta in Canada'. Check out the CYC Race Week schedule and join in the action. Remember that this year there are boat tours for those that don't own their own..... contact Chris Banfield 902 527 8544 for more info.

This Week in Chester It's non stop action throughout the village - not just on the water: Wednesday the Rope Loft will have Four Bars: Betty's Jungle Juice Rum Punch Bar & Christine's Keith's Keg Hut. Visit Daniela & Beth's Shooter Bar or run upstairs to Wally & Stephen serving Keith's Draft, gin, rum, vodka & wine. All serving up a storm with the HOPPING PENGUINS starting at 9.30pm. Throughout Race Week, you can grab a breakfast Philly steak & egg Mcmuffin to go (9.30-11am) and their BBQ pit opens daily at 5.30pm. The Kiwi might still have space for their "Winners of the America's Cup" dinner tonight, Wednesday. Join Olympic sailor, sommelier and cook, Oliver Bone for 5 courses, 5 wines, $80 (cash only). Contact oliver@bonesinthekitchen.com to see if they can squeeze you in. Start the day off right with a 'Sailor's Breakfast' at the Fo'c'sle, opening early at 9am on Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun. Music at the tavern for Race Week is as follows: Wed Aug 14 : Peter Grant and Three for Now Thur Aug 15: George Carter Jr Trio Fri Aug 16: SWIG! Sat Aug 17: Electric City Underground However, if you favour something more sedate than prancing around a dance floor, and want to get a sneak peek of tomorrow's award winning actors, Wednesday at 7pm, Chester Playhouse presents "THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE", the culmination of this year's Summer Theatre School. Performed by actors aged 9-14. The show runs until Saturday 17th, 7pm each night, with a matinee at 2pm on Saturday. For more info/tickets call the Playhouse 275-3933. To keep up with the pace, nurture your body and run on over to the CHESTER ARTISAN & FARMERS MARKET which promises bounty from the land and sea, delicious baked goods, coffee and crafts + at the Old Train Station/Visitor Information Centre on Hwy 3, North Street Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Your favourite vendors will be there along with many new ones and great musicians! While at the market, stop by the TRAIN STATION GALLERY and the OAK ISLAND DISPLAY: Beginning August 18 until August 31, Hidden Talents will be presenting handy work for your pleasure at the TSG. Open daily 10-4pm. For more info call the VIC at 275-4616. If it all suddenly seems a bit hectic, take a quiet step back in time and visit  "MAINSTREETS OF THE MUNICIPALITY - THEN & NOW" and  "THE RUTHERFORD COLLECTION" photographic displays at the Lordly House Museum. Vote for your favourite in the People's Choice Competition. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Also, the "Slow Show" Exhibition is still running at the Chester Art Centre until August 17th. Open daily from 10.00-4.00pm. As a round off to a fun-filled week, the CHESTER BRASS BAND will be playing at the Chester Bandstand starting 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 (not this week!) at the discretion of the performer(s). For more info contact Evelyn Ernst at 634-4435. STEVE POLTZ is performing at the Playhouse Sunday 18th at 8pm. I know people who have seen Steve perform 3 nights in a row as every show is brilliant and different - you can almost see the cogs going around in his brain and the wicked glint in his eye as he thinks of something to share with the audience - be it song or story. "He is unforgettable in all the right ways......."   Roll on exceptional weather......for Tuesday's PICNIC IN THE PARK with 'PARSONS BROTHERS & FRIENDS' from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Lordly Park, Chester. Free admission. Bring your family and your picnic and your dancing shoes. Donations for the band gratefully accepted. Sponsored by Chester Pharmasave. Raindate: Tuesday, August 27.  For cancellation notice go to www.chester.ca.

Parking spaces might be at a premium this week, but it's well worth coming along and joining in the craziness. The shops are all open, the restaurants geared up, the petunias perfect, the water warm(ish) and barely a raindrop in sight ie. the village in full swing of summer. The Other One for The Chester Merchants Group

August 8th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release We're all about arts and sailing this weekend.This is the calm before the Chester Race Week storm which kicks off next Wednesday. Get in touch with the right side of your brain for this arts weekend and prepare to park your brain next week. I mean, everyone else does- so why not join the crowd? Batten the hatches, the crescendo is imminent !

This Week in Chester Tonight, Wednesday, there are two large events in the village. The Chester Arts Centre is holding their Great Gatsby themed annual gala tonight.Dinner and many auction items are on the block They are offering some amazing items  this year; a sanctuary in Sarasota or a villa in Anguilla for a week; a helicopter ride over Mahone Bay; Wine, Women and Yoga (a girl's getaway), and so much more! Please dial up Daisy Buchanan at 275-5789 right now and book your spot for this evening's event. Click here to preview Auction items. Also on tonight, the Chester Playhouse is opening the production "Something Small" written by Daniel MacIvor. It starts at 8 pm and runs until Saturday with a matinee performance at 2 pm on Saturday. The play follows the life of Patricia, a cultured and sophisticated woman retiring from the big city to a small town. She becomes involved in the lives of Birdy, her no-nonsense new housekeeper, and Birdy's anarchist daughter, Dell. These three women, with very different views on life, come together to understand that the solutions to the big problems are often found in the smallest of gestures. The Train Station Gallery is exhibiting a new selection of work by South Shore artists with featured artist Diane Robertson. Artisan Crafts will be displaying their creative wares until this Sunday. Stand back ! It's Art's Centre weekend ! Prepare to be bitten by the bug of the brush so that you may release your inner Van Gogh to the world. Failing that just pack your paint by numbers set and join in the fun as there is something for everyone. The Slow Show kicks off on Thursday in a celebration of the things that matter to twenty of the finest artists working in the Hamlet and surrounds. Works by Theresa Bergen, Malcolm Callaway, Kate Church, Simon Copas, Carol Hansen, Rosi Robinson and Jim Smith and others in all kinds of media - ceramics, oil, soft sculpture, fabric, watercolours and acrylics. The exhibition runs until next Saturday from 10 - 4 pm at the Chester Art Centre, 60 Queen St. On Friday the Art Festival continues with Kids Create art workshop for short ones. A bit of cloth and colour, a dash of beads, bracelets buttons and badges, and some imagination will see your sprouts heading home with wearable art they'll never take off- ever. Face painting and cupcakes too. This runs from 10 - 1 pm. You must pre register at the Arts Centre @ 275-5789. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Saturday is the annual Art Fair from 9 - 3 pm. Scores of artists and artisans will be showing and selling their wares.  There'll be demonstrations, too - watch a jeweler/ rug hooker/ wood carver do their thing. Music from the group Collage and delicious food and drinks from Julien's Café. Phew ! OK, back to Friday the weekly Farmer's and Artisan's market is at the Train Station from 10- 2 pm. I got some beautiful high bush blueberries there last week and they were all gone by the time I got home. Friday evening Amicus Gallery  is opening "Off the Wall," a show of sculpture by several local artists. You know the drill- get there early or you'll miss out. After you have secured you new doorstop pop around the corner to the Fo'c'sle Pub for a bite and catch the sounds of the Klunkers. I think they sound better than the name implies. Saturday night has Ian Campbell on the stage. The kitchen will be marching out food until 10 pm both nights. This weekend is the annual Chester Classics Yacht Regatta, a three day event of delightful classic yachts racing in the bay starting Friday at the 1330 gun. Come down to the waterfront and watch these elegant girls vie for the cup. The Rope Loft has their lobster poutine racing out the door these days so why not park yourself there on the dock with a vat of vino and your new crustacean friend. Stop by Cameron's Antiques at the corner of Valley and North streets on Saturday and check out what Wayne has in the shop. He is very knowledgeable on all things old, so drop in and have a chat. Sunday evening String Fever will be at the Chester Bandstand @ 7 pm.  Children are welcome to dance on the grass and they better do it this week because after Chester Race week won't be any left. Also Sunday night the Playhouse presents musicians John Campbelljohn and Stan Carew of Weekend Mornings fame at 8:00 p.m. We love Stan ! John is an exceptional blues musician with great instincts, tastefully concise solos and a no-nonsense approach to giving his fans the good times they have come to expect and love. You won't want to miss what it is sure to be a phenomenal evening performance. This is new: There are boat tours being offered in the bay next week in conjunction with Race Week. Pack your cooler of goodies and call to book yourself a spot. Sit back, relax and watch the yachts and the world drift by. Nothing finer than a cocktail in your hand while someone else is driving. 902-527-8544

Next Wednesday the Kiwi Café is hosting olympic sailor Oliver Bone cooking up some International treats with wine pairings as a nod to the America's Cup Challenge in San Francisco. Dial them up to book your seat @ 275-1492. "I think it is just terrible how everyone has treated Lance Armstrong, especially after what he achieved, winning seven Tour de France races while on drugs. When I was on drugs, I couldn't even find my bike."   Willie Nelson Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

July 31st, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Where did July go.....?! It's almost August already..... But before the curtain closes on the seventh month, the Chester Trust invite you to join them, this afternoon, July 31st, at the LIGHTFOOT TOWER GARDEN PARTY & FUNDRAISER at 63 Regent Street, Chester from 5 - 7pm. Sip on iced tea and Pimm's, and nibble on delicious sandwiches with the crusts cut off. The dress code is white for the event..... and plan to play some lawn games. They will be launching their time capsule project; selling capsules to all and sundry to bury at the foot of the tower in 2014 on completion of it's restoration. Priced at $50 (6") and $100 (12"), it all depends on what you'd like to be remembered for in the future.....The possibilities are endless, so come get your capsule and join in the fun.

This Week in Chester Later Wednesday evening, Chester Playhouse presents "Fishing" starting at 8:00 pm. Paul Fisher is just a man. A 40-something, single, newspaper cartoonist. He's also a bit of a jerk! He has a failed marriage behind him and a history of 'going-nowhere' relationships...... Starring Jeremy Webb and Stacy Smith, "Fishing" runs until August 3rd. For more info/tickets call the Playhouse 275-3933. Come rain or shine, on Friday morning, the Chester Farmer's Market will be up at the Train Station from 10-2pm. Fill your baskets with local bounty and take a peek at the Oak Island exhibit and Train Station Gallery while on the hill. A new collection of wonderful works by local artists and artisans is now on display for the month of August at the Train Station Gallery. Browse the three rooms for your favorite piece. The two display cases contain all kinds of delightful surprises. Located at 20 Smith Rd. off Hwy.#3 and open daily 10-4. Bands playing at the Fo'c'sle this weekend are Jason Macdonald on Friday night and Memphis Knights on Saturday. Music starts at 9pm and with the village 'filling up', be sure to get there early to stake your space on the dance floor. The kitchen is open until 10pm. Jim Smith's pottery studio, in the front harbour, is bathed by celestial stars, but the main 'star' attraction is his award winning work. Drop by and be amazed at his creations. Invest in his fine art and treasure it forever. Pieces fly off the shelves, sometimes before they are even finished..... While on the 'star' theme, MON-STARS! OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is on Friday - movie starts at dusk (approx 8.30pm) All Ages welcome (16 yrs & under must be accompanied by an adult).  No pre-registration required. Muhahahahahahaha! Dracula here.... inviting you to come to Graves Island and join the Chester Recreation team for our annual outdoor movie. This year the movie will be "Hotel Transylvania" starring Dracula and his 118 year old daughter, Mavis!!  What's a movie without popcorn? We've got you covered! Be sure to bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Popcorn costs $0.50 per bag. Free but donations to Municipality of Chester PRO Kids are welcome.   Saturday, is 1st Saturdays on the South Shore and Light My Fire Studio is holding a class in making "Wax and Water Candles" - Build a fantastic undersea scene in your candle. $15.00 per candle. It will be on a drop in basis between 11-5pm, though the store will be open 9-6pm. Remember they are open until 8pm on Thursday and Friday evenings throughout the summer. As part of 1st Saturdays, thanks to Bob at the Fo'c'sle, Peter Kielburger (+ friend) will be playing music on their Pleasant Street verandah from 1-4pm. Shopping, sunshine and music - a spectacular combination.......     Sunday evening, starting at 7pm, local blues guru, MORGAN DAVIS will be playing at the Chester Bandstand. 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 info contact Evelyn Ernst at 634-4435. Then at the Playhouse, starting at 8pm, Los Primos will perform with Jeff Goodspeed and Silvio Pupo. Music students who have learned Cuban music from Cuban musicians working with the Los Primos project, this cultural exchange, 15-piece band is not to be missed. Okay, third time lucky...... weather permitting..... on Tuesday 6th, Darren Arsenault & friends will perform at PICNIC IN THE PARK from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in Lordly Park. Free admission. Bring your family and your picnic and your dancing shoes. Donations for the band gratefully accepted. Sponsored by GN Plastics. Raindate: Tuesday, August 27. For cancellation notice go to www.chester.ca.

Phew! There's a lot going on in this bustling hamlet this week..... So, pop those vitamin B12s and hit the streets running. You only live once. The Other One for the Chester Merchants Group Two guys walk into a bar. One says to the other, "I didn't see it, either."

July 24th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release The Lulu Lemons are back in the Hamlet. Designer orange and pinks are humping it up the hills of Chester. I stopped in on a friend yesterday who was on her way to a cocktail party. She was sporting a breezy black number. It was a million degrees. I suggested a white linen blouse. As I drove away I noticed my own attire. Bleach stained  shorts and a ripped T shirt covered in 3 contrasting paint samples and thought to myself "Who the hell am I to give fashion advice?"

This Week in Chester Tonight, Wednesday, Forever Plaid is back on stage at the Chester Playhouse. On the way to their first big gig in 1964, a vocal harmony group, meet their untimely demise. The quartet of nerdy but sweet angels, return to earth to play their first and final concert. Featuring many hits, such as "Moments to Remember" and "Love is a Many Splendored Thing," the show will have you humming the tunes and falling in love with the Plaids as they fulfill their destiny. Dig your plaids out of the recesses of the closet and parade your colours ! Remember the Playhouse offers dinner theatre packages with the Rope Loft and the Galley. Dial up the box office to book @ 275-3933. The show runs until Saturday night with a 2 pm matinée on Saturday as well. Blue Shutters Antiques, located at the entrance to Graves Island Park, is open from 10 am- 5 pm Thursday through Sunday each week. I got a lovely Hackmatack Hotel plate there the other day. More gems await from an era when people did more than look at computer screens. Kate Church is back at the Chester Arts Centre on Queen Street. This Thursday and Friday learn how to build characters on a simple wire armature. $130 includes most materials. Bring your lunch pail. Light My Fire is celebrating the dog days of summer by staying open until 8 pm Thursday and Friday evenings. The Chester Garden Club is holding its Annual Flower Show & Tea, titled "Hats Off" Thursday at the Chester Legion from 1:30 - 5 pm.  This is your opportunity to purchase gorgeous exhibits by award winning floral designers.  Novices and children can also win cash prizes, ribbons and trophies in numerous exhibit categories. Take your newly acquired flower arrangement down to the Rope Loft, plop it on your table and order up some half price appetizers from 5-8pm. Sit back, admire the new petals and watch the world drift by. Lovely. Friday the meat and pie boys are back in town at the Chester Train Station from 10- 2 pm for the weekly market. Your favourite vendors will be on deck along with many new ones and some great musicians! While at the market, stop in the Train Station Gallery and the Oak Island display. Friday evening our own artist in residence, Malcolm Callaway, is opening his new show Raven Mad at Amicus Gallery.You may look but you may not touch - they're still wet. Victoria asked if there were any storks in the show. Malcolm raised his eyebrows and Vic finished her thought with "Stork Raven Mad !" Celebrate your red dot acquisition with an evening at the Fo'c'sle Pub. Peter Grant is on stage @ 9pm for your enjoyment. Dinner is on the grill until 10 pm so get your order in. Saturday is your final day for the "Plaids" so plan to hit the afternoon performance or this evening's finale. Ian Campbell will be playing on the deck at the Rope Loft from 5-8pm Saturday evening. Park yourself on the dock, order up something with an umbrella from a blender and settle in. Continue your musical tour of Chester at the Fo'c'sle Pub where you will find Mosey Burns on stage @ 9 pm. On Sunday walk back in time from 4-6 pm at the Lordly House Museum at 133 Central Street. It is the official opening of "Municipal Main Streets - Then and Now." Go see what your old house used to look like. Sunday evening the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Band from the UK are at the Chester Bandstand @7 pm. 35  band members have flown across the pond to entertain you so you better show up! They are one of the only four remaining service bands in the UK. Brass...with an English accent - divine. Remember to congratulate them on their new heir to the throne. Also on Sunday evening at 8pm the Chester Playhouse is screening the documentary "Shakespeare - The Hidden Truth." This film is fascinating in it's ties to Oak Island. I've seen it twice and I am going again on Sunday.

Beginning Monday and running for 10 days there is the Artisans & Crafts Sale at the Chester Train Station from 10 am - 4 pm. There will be folk art, bath products, sewing, beeswax candles, sea glass, shell art and polished gemstone jewelry. For info call 275-4906 / 275-2225. Looking ahead to next week the Chester Trust is hosting a garden party at the Zoe Valle Library grounds at 63 Regent Street from 5-7pm, Wednesday, July 31st. This is a fundraiser for the Lightfoot Tower and they will be selling time capsules. Snippets of your life, your home and your family mug shots all preserved in a time capsule to be opened in 50 years. Think of the possibilities. Sandwiches with the crusts cut off, tea and other libations will be served. There will be boules, a jigsaw puzzle challenge and a treasure hunt. Wear white as it's an English tea. "Make your history part of Chester's history." Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

July 17th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Recently I came across a couple of young cousins, fishing up a storm for squid on a glorious evening. The excitement, freedom and camaraderie reminded me of the simple pleasures one can have - right in your own backyard or off the government wharf. Summer is when that freedom is extended and your antics become the stories you recount in winter and for years to come.......shortening the 'distance' between family and friends.

This Week in Chester Talking of memories, take a 'trip down Memory Lane in Plaid style'. "FOREVER PLAID" is opening on Wednesday 17th at the Chester Playhouse at 8pm. Featuring many '60s hits such as Moments to Remember and Love is a Many Splendored Thing....... Why not dress the part too? It runs through Saturday 8pm each evening with a matinee at 2pm on Saturday, and the same the week after. Friday marks the 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHESTER CONNECTION TRAIL. Come meet the friendly staff from the Municipality of Chester Recreation Department at the Chester Visitor Information Centre at 10:00 am and enjoy a leisurely walk along a small section of the trail. Gord Tate will be available to give an intro to Geocaching and you will have a chance to win some prizes. All ages welcome.  (If you're in to geocaching, and the idea of hidden treasures tickles your fancy, you may want to mark you calendar for the Chester Trust's upcoming Time Capsule project that will be launched on July 31st at their Garden Party........... Stay tuned. Info next week.) To complement this blistering heat, on Friday night, "Lucky Dog Blues" are playing at the Fo'c'sle and Saturday night "Memphis Knights". Bands start at 9pm. Dance till you drop...... Saturday 20th heralds the return of the CHESTER GARDEN TOUR (RAIN OR SHINE) from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Hosted by the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce, this is a one day multi-destination, self guided tour of beautiful private gardens in and around Chester. Enjoy Niki Jabbour for a question and answer period, music, and a house tour. Advance tickets $30/person ($35 day of event) and includes a picnic lunch. For more info email Admin@ChesterAreaNS.ca - LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE. On Sunday, 21st, The 351 Llewellyn Sea Cadets are fundraising for their trip to Chester, England in August 2013. So consider getting over to the Chester Legion for their Chinese Auction, Cold Plate Lunch and Bake table and give them your support. 10 - 3pm. Sunday at 7pm, THE CHESTER BRASS BAND will be playing at the Chester Bandstand. For more info contact Evelyn Ernst at 634-4435. Also on Sunday, make sure to get front row seats at the 8pm screening of 'Seducing Dr. Lewis' at the Playhouse in aid of Our Health Centre. Brought back by popular demand, it's a great film with lots of laughs as residents of a tiny fishing village scheme to secure a resident doctor. Sound familiar?! Dan Cox will host the evening as half his family is in the film, having been shot in his home town in Quebec.   With the promise of more cooperative weather, the second PICNIC (and dancing) IN THE PARK is on Tuesday with "Makeshift" from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Lordly Park. Free admission. Bring your family, your picnic, and your dancing shoes. Donations for the band gratefully accepted. Sponsored by Premiere Self Storage. Raindate: Tuesday, August 27.  For cancellation notice go to www.chester.ca.    Lots is going on at the Chester Art Centre: check out their website for more information on 'Intro to Playwriting Workshop' (July 19-24) with Griffin McInnes and 'Polymer Clay Figurative Workshop' (July 22-23) with Kate Church. She won't do it herself, so I'm going to plug The Mecklenburgh Inn - home away from home, right in the heart of the Village. Wonderfully casual and cosy - if you've got troublesome guests that tend to overstay their welcome, let Suzi sort them out! Her breakfasts are so good that next time they consider a visit, you might find them booking in there first....!

When was the last time you went to the Chester Golf Club for a meal? Treat yourself to the dining room with the best view in Chester, just a short stroll from the hustle and bustle of 'downtown'. There's always a glorious breeze.....so soak up the stunning sunset with cocktail in hand, eat to your heart's content and voila!, no dishes to do...... Have fun in this exceptional summer heat...... we'll be complaining of the cold again in no time! The Other One for the Chester Merchants Group