Last month, the Saint John Community Coalition hosted the Community Free Fair at Queen Square, offering the residents free goods, services, food, music, and art.
Volunteers unloaded trucks full of clothes, household items, and food to give away. Service providers also offered their help at no cost. The event was built on the success of earlier “Free Store” events and organized by about 25 volunteers. Queen Square turned into a lively gathering place where hundreds of people came together to share meals and enjoy community spirit.
The four-hour Community Free Fair brought together people of all ages to enjoy food, music, art, and helpful services. Hundreds of meals were served, while local musicians, including Wen Gao, Zara Bokay, Data Bainanta, Andri Cahyadi, and Try It Again Pierce, performed. Experts also led talks on important issues like food security, housing, and unions. Residents and volunteers found the event rewarding, enjoying the chance to meet and connect with the community.
At the fair, residents helped create a community art project that began with a blank canvas, asking, “What does community mean to you?” Some people reflected on the question while others painted for fun, and kids added lots of color and creativity. Organizers loved seeing people’s joy, especially when they realized the whole event was free and made by the community for the community.
Local groups, including StreetTeamSJ, PULSE Saint John, Fresh Start, and others, partnered to support the fair. Volunteers and organizers said the day showed how important it is to have spaces where people can come together with no expectations—just to connect and enjoy. Anyone interested in participating in future events is invited to reach out to the team at info@sjcommunity.ca.
