FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saint John Pride Announces 2025 Festival Dates and Exciting New Partnerships

Saint John, NB – February 26, 2025 – Saint John Pride is thrilled to announce August 8th to August 17th as the dates for its highly anticipated 2025 festival.  The 22nd annual Saint John Pride Parade is the main highlight of the festival and will take place on Saturday, August 16.

This year, Saint John Pride is proud to welcome its first-ever Presenting Sponsor, JBT Ventures Ltd. This sponsorship, a combination of financial and in-kind support, reflects the commitment of John Theriault, SHRM-SCP, owner of JBT Ventures Ltd, to fostering diversity, inclusion, and vibrant community engagement. JBT Ventures Ltd. was born out of a passion for people, and is committed to empowering individuals and businesses alike, offering HR solutions, professional development coaching, and event services—all designed to support growth and unlock potential. With this focus, this partnership has become a natural fit.

Building on the incredible success of Saint John Pride 2024, this year’s festival will bring back some of the most popular events while introducing exciting new programming. Among the much-anticipated returning events is Prismatique at the Waterfront Container Village, featuring superstar drag headliners:

The Virgo Queen, winner of Canada’s Drag Race Season 5

Kreme Inakuchi, Toronto’s legendary drag king

For the first time, Saint John Pride will introduce a "Tea Dance" to kick off the week at the picturesque Saint John Public Gardens, in collaboration with the Saint John Horticultural Association. Originating from queer culture in the mid-20th century, a Tea Dance was traditionally an afternoon dance event, providing a social and celebratory space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals when other venues were not available to them. In recent years, Tea Dances have seen a resurgence as joyous, community-driven gatherings filled with music, dancing, and connection.

Saint John Pride is also excited to announce a new partnership with Bangor Pride, demonstrating solidarity with queer Americans. As part of this collaboration, Saint John Pride is extending an open invitation to all 2SLGBTQIA+ Americans seeking a safe and welcoming place to celebrate Pride. We believe in the power of community and are committed to providing a space where everyone can feel accepted and celebrated.

Additionally, Saint John Pride is committed to hosting events throughout the Greater Saint John Region and King's County, ensuring that Pride celebrations are accessible to as many people as possible. By expanding our reach, we aim to create inclusive spaces in diverse communities and engage a broader audience in the spirit of Pride.

Saint John Pride invites the entire community to join in the celebrations and make Pride 2025 the most vibrant and inclusive festival yet! For the latest updates, event details, and ways to get involved, visit www.sjpride.ca and follow us on social media.

Media Contact:

Saint John Pride: Alex Saunders (they/them), alex@sjpride.ca

JBT Ventures Ltd: John Theriault (he/him) john.theriault@jbtventures.ca

About Saint John Pride:

Saint John Pride is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in Saint John, NB. Through its annual festival and year-round initiatives, Saint John Pride continues to create safe and welcoming spaces for all.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JBT Ventures Ltd. presents LA Shores to Saint John Tides - Benefit Show with DJ JMaple in Support of Oncology Patients at Saint John Regional Hospital.

Saint John, NB – JBT Ventures Ltd is proud to present a special benefit show featuring DJ JMaple on March 22, 2025, at Haven Music Hall, 201 Union Street, Saint John, NB. This event will feature two electrifying sets at 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM, offering an unforgettable night of music and community support.

Admission is free, with donations encouraged. 100% of proceeds will go toward patient-facing benefits at the Oncology Department at Saint John Regional Hospital in collaboration with Bette’s Battalion. This initiative aims to provide direct support and resources to individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

“I truly believe in the power of music to bring people together for a cause that truly matters,” said John Theriault who is both CEO/President of JBT Ventures Ltd. and DJ JMaple. “By utilizing my various ventures, JBT Ventures Ltd, DJ JMaple and Bette’s Battalion, my family hopes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing cancer.”

Bette’s Battalion movement and merchandise were created by John & Christianne to support their mom in her battle with neuroendocrine cancer, symbolizing strength and care. For the merchandise, partnering with Key Industries in Saint John, NB—a group empowering individuals with disabilities—ensures the impact goes even further.

100% of profits from merchandise will be donated to the Saint John Regional Hospital's Oncology Department, in the form of patient facing benefits, providing direct support to patients, helping them find comfort, care, and connection during their journey. 

For more information on Bette’s Battalion visit www.bettesbattalion.com.

For event details and updates, visit www.djjmaple.com.

For media contact or further inquiries: John Theriault john.theriault@jbtventures.ca or 506.498.5098