‘We’re Pretty Excited’: Uptown Sparkles Returns

Uptown Sparkles returns to Saint John on Friday night after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Nancy Tissington with Uptown Saint John said they are glad to be back for their 13th year.

“We’re pretty excited to be putting on an outside event uptown,” said Tissington, the executive director of the business improvement association.

There will be many events and activities throughout the uptown starting at 5 p.m. Friday and continuing until around 10 p.m.

Tissington said ExploreNB will be taking over King’s Square with a wide variety of activities for everyone.

“They’re going to actually have two wood-burning fire pits there. They’re also going to have some music, some face painting, some balloon-making, lots of music, and they’re going to have some food and treats for everyone,” she said.

Residents will also find a large fire pit at the foot of the Saint John City Market and others throughout the uptown.

The Saint John City Market will be holding a special Night Market from 5 to 9 p.m. Regular market vendors will be open along with more than 25 pop-up vendors and food trucks.

Proof of double vaccination and government-issued ID will be required to enter the City Market.

The annual mayor and council Christmas tree lighting will be taking place in front of City Hall at 6 p.m.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks and observe physical distancing.

Two ice sculptors — Richard Chiasson and Joel Palmer of Swamp Bear Art — will be sharing creations throughout the uptown.

The “Rockwood Jolly Trolley” tractor-pulled wagon ride will be making rounds down uptown streets from 6 to 9 p.m. Face masks will be required.

Holiday swing dancing demonstrations will be taking place in Centerbeam Plaza between 6 and 8 p.m.

Tissington said many uptown businesses will also have special promotions and offerings to check out, but noted they will be doing things a bit differently this year.

“They may not have all their food and drinks that they have, but they’re certainly ready. They’ve got their windows decorated, they’ve got their posters up,” she said.

“Some of them are going to be limiting the amount of people that come into their store at one time but they’re also going to be sure that they have their offerings out.”

You can find the full list of events and participating stores by clicking here.