Pints, paddles & prototypes

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Gooood morning everybody! 

You know what makes a rainy long weekend slightly better? A beer on a patio—ideally covered, and definitely shared with someone who won’t judge your third pint. Let’s stay optimistic, but rain or shine, we’ve got your weekend picks right here.

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Top Clicks of the Week

🍽️ The Kafana adds flavour to downtown Belleville
🥾 Kristin walks to support BGH
🎸 Arkells + David Wilcox headline Empire Rockfest
🚗 Roadside parking coming to Sandbanks
🧠 Study debunks New Brunswick’s mystery illness

News Notes

🎸 Empire Rockfest tickets on sale TODAY Belleville’s biggest summer bash is back — Empire Rockfest 25 lights up Empire Square on July 25 & 26. Catch David Wilcox, Trooper, and Luscious Band Friday night, then Arkells, LIGHTS, and Jake Clemons Band on Saturday. Tickets go live today at 11 a.m. — don’t miss out. More info here

🛶 241st Annual Mohawk Landing this weekend The Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka first landed here by canoe in 1784—and they’ll do it again on Sunday, as part of a living reenactment marking 241 years since their arrival. If you're up early, head to the Mohawk Landing Site at 10am for one of the region’s most powerful mornings on water.

🥅 G-Hawks flying straight to the semis Trenton just skipped quarter-final stress by cruising through round robin play undefeated—now they’ve got a Centennial Cup semi-final spot all locked up. The only question left: who gets to try knocking them off Saturday while Trenton fans fill the arena (and probably their lungs) with hometown noise.

Local Biz

😢 Fogorig taps out after three unforgettable years
Beloved brewery Fogorig is closing soon, citing a rough combo of small biz headwinds and personal health hurdles—but not before one last toast at this Saturday’s spring market. Locals are already mourning the hilltop sunsets and soundtrack of clinking pints.

Here are our other top local spots to grab a drink this weekend:

• Slake Brewery - Open every day until sunset with tacos from The Rebel Taco, four new beers, and that golden-hour-at-the-brewery magic that’s hard to beat.

• Lakeside Motel - Their patio is opening this weekend, with unbeatable views and cocktails at every table.

• Tropical Blends - Skipping the alcohol? Treat yourself to a coffee or a fresh smoothie. The tropical vibes will have you forgetting it’s even raining.

Local business reader recommendations are welcome, go here.

City

🏙️ Belleville long weekend closures: read this before making plans City Hall’s buttoned up on May 19, transit’s taking the day off, and even the sports centre’s calling timeout—though Glanmore is letting you snoop around free on the 18th. Garbage collection’s staying loyal though, so your bins won’t protest.

🍂 Rake it in: Belleville’s yard waste pickup starts next week Zone maps and dates are live for leaf and yard waste collection, and if you don’t want your neighbours side-eyeing your unbagged brush pile, double-check your pickup day now. Depot is also open Monday through Saturday for those who like to DIY their drop-offs.

Stop Ignoring Your Hearing

Sponsored By Local Care Hearing Centre

Struggling to hear clearly? Constant ringing in your ears? It’s time to stop guessing and start taking care of your ear health.

Local Care Hearing offers comprehensive ear exams with clear, easy-to-understand results—no referral needed. Whether you're experiencing hearing issues or just want peace of mind, their experts are here to help. Don’t wait until it gets worse. Call 613-961-1180 or visit localcarehearing.ca.

Events

On Holiday: A Billie Holiday Songbook | May 17 | 7:30pm | Base31, Picton
John Alcorn brings his top-tier vocals and deep jazz chops to Base31 for a heartfelt tribute to Billie Holiday’s timeless music, from hits like “God Bless the Child” to soulful rarities.

Summer Kickoff | May 18 | 5pm | Parson’s Brewing Company, PEC | $10
The season opener brings live music from Secret Beach, a stacked drink list (think 38 kinds of booze and plenty of non-alcoholic sips), festival eats, and family-friendly vibes—all under cover, rain or shine.

Announced

26th Annual ALCE Foundation Golf Tournament | Thursday, August 14, 2025 | Trillium Wood Golf Club, Corbyville
Register by June 1 (earlier to guarantee your shirt size), with great sponsorship perks and raffle prizes for community-minded golfers.

_{Note: Events may be cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to see our event calendar and reach out to the venue before going.}

Hosting an event? Submit it here.

Looking to feature an event? Go here.

The National Stage

📫 Canada Post hits pause—again—over union talks With less than ten days to strike deadline, Canada Post has hit pause on negotiations, blaming stalled talks and promising “comprehensive proposals”... eventually.

🌊 Loblaw braces for a flood of price hikes Over 6,000 products might soon cost more as Loblaw’s CEO warns of tariff-fueled sticker shock—he’s betting on a quick trade-war truce, but maybe don’t hold your grocery list hostage.

By The Numbers

🧠 52 hours. That’s how long some modern folks are working each week—triple the hours of our hunter-gatherer ancestors—and it might be bulking up brain grey matter in all the wrong, stress-laced ways, according to a new study.

📉 9.8% — That’s how much Canadian home sales slumped in April compared to last year, as the market continues its quiet streak amid tariff jitters and buyer hesitation, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Hot Links

• Kingston’s now zapping cancer without chemo—thanks to immune cells trained like tiny assassins.

• Universal just spilled the name for the next Mario movie…and yikes, it was deleted fast.

• Why hair loss in women isn’t just your grandpa’s problem — hormones, genetics, and even stress can sneak your strands away.

• This federal tax tweak could quietly boost your paycheque by July 2025.

• Japan’s Ayami Sato just made baseball history by becoming the first woman in a Canadian men’s pro league.

• These hidden Netflix settings include a way to stop it from spying on you for ad targeting.

• 🛒 Small businesses, we see you. Promote your biz for just $50. Our a la carte storefront makes it easy to get seen by thousands—no contracts, no fluff. Start here.*

From Bee-Curious to Beekeeper in One Season

PRESENTED BY NOD APIARY PRODUCTS

They buzz, they build, they make honey—and they’re ready to teach you a thing or two.
This beginner program runs every other Sunday in Quinte West and covers it all:

🐝 Work with live colonies under expert guidance
🐝 Learn the craft in small-group sessions
🐝 Follow the full beekeeping season—from May to September

15% off for first responders + military.
Spots are limited. Register by May 14 →

Supported by Trenval Business Development Corporation to Trenval Community Futures

Weather

Friday
High 22°C 🌡️ Low 13°C | ☁️/⛈️ |

Saturday
High 20°C 🌡️ Low 12°C | ☁️/🌦️ |

Sunday
High 16°C 🌡️ Low 5°C | ☁️/🌧️ |

Would it be May long without a little (lotta) rain…?

🌡️ View current weather here.

🚗 See live traffic here.

⛽ Check out local gas prices here.

Signing Off

Happy long weekend to all. Unplug, recharge, and we’ll see you back here Monday!

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