September 25th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Greetings! There's been a 'napping in the 'hood. Rum fueled Race Week thieves have absconded with Haven's mascot. The area has been taped off and there is a chalk outline of the crime scene in front of "Haven" production offices on Duke Street. The perps did leave a fin behind. Maybe too dicey to balance it on the getaway skateboard. Audrey Parker couldn't crack the case so the Havens have asked us to get the word out.

This Week in Chester Tonight @ 1830 the Rope Loft presents sommelier Wally Fraser pairing some international wines with matching presentations from the chef. Dial up the Rope Loft to book your seat now. 275-3430. Tomorrow night, Thursday, the Chester Playhouse is offering up the first installment of  their Maggie Smith film series with " A Room with a View." Maggie Smith is a British icon and a woman with attitude - her performances are world class. If you haven't seen this classic, or even if you have, it's a great flick to re visit! Friday is Market Day at the Chester Train Station from 10-2 pm. This may be the spinach swan song for the season so hop in your chariot and pick up the last goodies of the harvest before the meat and pie boys board a plane for Cuba. Nancy has some lovely bars of soap that look like fudge. Pick up some to dry out over the winter. The Fo'c'sle has SWIG on stage Friday night @ 9 pm. SWIG has become a Fo'c'sle favourite over the years - stop by and you will understand why. A big thank you to Bob and Audrey for bringing in the First Saturdays musicians on the street. It was a pleasure to hear the players and it certainly generated a happy buzz in our Pleasant Street neighbourhood. On Saturday Chester Pro Kids are having a Yard Sale at the Stretch Diner on Route 3 East from 10 - 3pm.  Clean out your closets for a good cause!  To donate an item, book table space or volunteer help, call George @ 279-1955.  Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 29.  All proceeds will go to PRO Kids.  A good way to de-clutter your house and help a great cause at the same time. This is almost as exciting as big garbage day ! After you've acquired your "new to you" duds, wander down to the Chester Bandstand @ 3 pm. The Valley Community Concert Band will be belting out some new and old tunes from Standards through to jazz.

Biology students were taking their final exam. "Name 7 advantages of mothers' milk." The question was worth 70 points or none at all. One student was hard put to think of all the advantages but he soldiered on... It is perfect formula for a child It provides immunity against diseases It is always room temperature It is free It bonds child to mother and vice versa It is always available And then the student was stuck. Finally in desperation, just before the bell he wrote... It comes in two attractive containers and is high enough off the ground where the cat can't get it. He got an A. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

September 18th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release Did you find your wellington boots in time for Tropical Storm Gabrielle last weekend? Hope so. She came swooping down, bringing torrential rain that at least filled the wells and soaked the parched flower beds....... September storms, though, always make the late summer days seem even more glorious.......So get out and enjoy them to the fullest! Then put on a sweater and check out what's happening in the village for those cooler nights.... LOTS of music this week:

This Week in Chester The Fo'c'sle has PETER GRANT & 3 FOR NOW performing on Friday and THE KLUNKERS on Saturday. Cosy up, eat a warming meal and then sweat it out on the dance floor to warm up after the surprise suntan from the September sun. 9pm showtime for the bands. LANA GRANT is performing at the Playhouse on Saturday 21st September at 7.30pm. Lana is a singer/songwriter from rural Nova Scotia who recently had a cookbook published with Granite Records, entitled, "Musicians, Memories & Morsels ~ An East Coast Story Cook Book". The cookbook is a collaborative effort between over 40 well known Atlantic Canadian musicians sharing their favourite food memories and recipes. Through the book, they hope to raise awareness about mental illness. Also appearing at the Playhouse during the evening are Norma MacDonald, Kev Corbett, and Asif Illyas. If you're seeking a different venue and genre, there's a GOSPEL CONCERT at the Chester United Baptist Church, 84 King Street on Sunday 22nd, with BRENT REID of Cornerstone. Everyone's welcome to come and sing along from 6:30 pm onwards after which, Brent will take the stage at 7pm. Fellowship (tea and coffee etc) will follow the concert.    If you haven't had a chance to visit José Valverde's gallery yet this summer, you have two more weeks to do so as they will be closing on September 29th. Doreen and José will still be selling artwork over the internet and one can make an appointment to view artwork on the premises, but they will no longer be having a gallery for impromptu viewing with established gallery hours. Now that most of the family and guests have gone back to school, or wherever they came visiting from, if you haven't already, why not treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at NICKI'S INN?  You've barbequed enough all summer and eaten copious amounts of green salad. Her risotto is to die for and with the change of season there are different treats on the menu. Check out that blackboard. Sunday's Carvery is still as extravagant and delicious as ever - just skip breakfast and lunch to find room to fit it it all in. The true champions are those that can still find room for dessert. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm-8.30pm. A sure sign of fall, there are only two more Fridays to get to the ARTISAN AND FARMERS MARKET in 2013. Held at the Old Train Station/VIC on Hwy 3 in Chester, it's open from 10am-2pm promising bushels of autumnal bounty, baked goods, coffee and crafts. Look at the size of Dan's marrow! How's yours looking?!

What occurs once in autumn, twice in summer and never in spring or winter?      "M"   The Other One for the Chester Merchants Group

September 11th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release It's September 11th again. A day of remembrance. And Otto's birthday ! I went to the blood donor clinic at the Legion on Monday. I am ashamed to say I have never ventured down that red road before. I was quite excited with my shiny new badge and bandaged pricked finger. It all went south when I was told I wasn't eligible after answering a question about living outside the country. All that aside, I would highly recommend this experience. I got to catch up with friends who were there donating and was offered cookies despite the fact I didn't produce the goods. 1-888-2 DONATE

This Week in Chester Why not stop by Jim Smith's Fine Pottery Studio on Water Street. A finer selection of cooked clay you will not find.The studio's home is the old "Corner Grocery" and Jim still has the exquisite piece that showcased the best penny candy in the world. On Thursday evening the Friends of Nature AGM  will be held at the St. Stephen's Hall, 54 Regent Street, @ 7 pm.  Guest speaker Hillary Dionne will give an illustrated talk about life and birding on Tancook Island. Have you met Carolyn of Carolyn's Café fame on Tancook? Now that's a rare bird. All are welcome to attend.                                      Friday night the man with long fingers and big feet is back in town. Michael Kaeshammer, one of Canada's best known jazz pianists, returns to the Chester Playhouse for his third show. Michael invites you in with his music, not simply playing at you, but immersing you in the musical experience.  Don't miss this. Wander over to the Fo'c'sle Pub after the show and hoist a few bevvies to the cover tunes of Jason MacDonald. The Chester Playhouse is kicking off their After School Program with registration on Saturday from 4-6pm for an interactive night of theatre. Bring your child prodigy and sign them up. You can check out the makeup for stage workshop, see what back stage and the mysterious Green Room look like and learn lighting tech with Bob Elliott. You can watch two actors rehearsing a scene from Shakespeare and play some improv games. This is a free event for short ones. On Saturday night there are two music venues for your auricle canals: Kathryn Green, Jamie Junger, and the Hupman Brothers are playing at the Magical Musical Shed at 35 Union Street @ 8 pm. Admission is 15 clams. Bring your flask and a chair. The Fo'c'sle has Good Rockin' Dan on stage at 9 pm. A guest dropped her bags at the house last night before racing out the door in hot pursuit of the Cobb Salad at the Fo'c'sle so you might want to try that out before dancing with Dan. The Chester Garden Club is meeting at St. Stephen's Hall @ 6:30 pm Monday evening. Guest Speaker Joanne Jellett will do a practical demonstration on saving seeds...one may wonder what kind. Refreshments to follow. New members welcome. Next Wednesday evening from 7-9pm the Chester Arts Centre presents Annika Junger instructing on the finer points of knitting. The class is a 3 night event, the latter two being September 25th and October 2nd. Annika will show you the basics of knitting, knitting in the round on four needles, or flat on two. If you know something about knitting you will understand what that actually means. annika.junger@gmail.com. Winter is coming. Your toes might be quite happy about this class.

Life's little mysteries: Why does pizza come in a square box? Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then pay to see what's on the ground? Why, when you blow in a dog's face he is annoyed, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window? Why do we press harder on the remote when we know the batteries are going dead? Why do banks charge for "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money in the account? Why do people feel the need to check when you say the paint is wet? Why is there never a day that mattresses are not on sale? Why do we return to the fridge in hopes that something new has materialized? Why do we keep running over a thread with the vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance? Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the correct end at first try? And Why is it when you try to catch something falling off a table you always knock something else over? Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

September 4th, 2013 Press Release!

Chester Merchants Press Release There was a mass exodus last week of many of our summer friends so now it truly feels like fall. Yup, pitch black at 8 pm. Oh la la. Winter is coming. You can smell it in the air. The tiny yacht "Athos" pictured above, rolled into Deep Cove on Monday. Nice to see we're keeping up with the Jones'. Apparently there was a traffic jam on the Blandford Peninsula with everyone stopping to have a gawk.

This Week in Chester This Saturday is a "First Saturday" and the merchant's are offering special experiences to celebrate it. Light My Fire on Duke Street is offering a "Wax and Water Candle" workshop. Build an under sea scene in your candle for $15/ candle.The workshop is on a drop in basis from 9-6pm for this first Saturday. The Rope Loft is celebrating First Saturday by introducing their newest girl  in town and on tap "Garrison Hop Yard." So hop down into a deck chair and try out the new suds. The Senior College Association of Nova Scotia is hosting an open house at Saint Stephen's Community Centre, 54 Regent Street, Chester from 2:30pm onwards.  Meet professors Roland Lewis and Alan Griffiths, who will preview their Fall courses in "Selected Topics in Microbiology" ie: Super Bugs and Antibiotics (October 2 to November 6) and "Currents and Ideas in 20th Century Photography" (October 1 to November 5), a witty presentation of an interesting subject. For more info or to register visit  SCANS. The Chester Arts Centre @ 60 Queen Street  is presenting a workshop with Jennie Carton on September 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 9:30 - 12:30pm. Using varied drawing materials you will work to finish drawings in each class, concentrating on compositions, colour and enhancing mood using varied contrast. Also at the Arts Centre this week is a Lettering Workshop, a one day class September 7th from 10am- 3pm with Micheline Courtemanche. It opens with a discussion on the anatomy of letters exploring different ways to manipulate their style and change their character. Bring out the pencils, pens, paints, scissors and explore different tools and techniques. By the end of the day, you will have created a unique snail mail letter to send before Canada Post goes under. Hurry! The Rope Loft is offering half price appetizers Thursday evening from 5- 8 pm with double martinis for 4 clams. You'll be seeing double in no time flat. Friday night they have prime rib on the plate until the last slab goes down. Friday has the Artisans and Farmer's Market back at the Train Station. It's harvest season so there will be lots of fresh goodies to stock up on and the meat and pie boys will be flogging da wife's pickles too. Friday evening the Fo'c'sle Pub has John Cole Porter and the Handsome Devils on stage @ 9pm. With a handle like that how could you pass this up? Saturday night the George Carter Jr. Trio is on deck at the same time. Reclaim your seat from the previous night.

The above article was in a British newspaper last week. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You need a parachute to skydive twice. Suzi Fraser for the Chester Merchants Group

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