Rushed parking job turns into annual Christmas tradition in Saint John, N.B.
For many Saint John, N.B. residents, the sight of a Volkswagen Beetle in front of an old-school barbershop on the city’s west side has become a sure sign that the holidays have arrived.
It started 10 years ago, when Bob Keays parked his 1970s era classic car at the Lancaster Barbershop on Main Street West as he went to go and referee a hockey game.
“We had a game going on, and one of the referees cancelled out,” says Keays. “So, I was supposed to be in the west side Christmas parade and I said to Blaine, ‘Blaine, I’m so sorry but let me tell you what, I’d love to park my car outside your shop.’”
Little did he know that decision was the beginning of what would become a time-honoured holiday tradition in Saint John.
“It’s not until I came back from the Santa Claus parade that I saw people sitting on the bumper... and taking pictures from across the street,” says Blaine Harris, owner of the Lancaster Barbershop.
Ever since, the picturesque scene of a Christmas tree tied to the top of the Beetle and the old-school barbershop in the background, has become a beloved and iconic sign of the holiday season.
“It’s almost like when we park the Beetle here, it’s the start of Christmas in Saint John,” says Keays.
The scene has inspired not only photographers but also painters from the region, and for many, stirs up a sense of nostalgia.
“It’s reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell picture,” says Harris. “And that’s sort of what draws people to it. It’s the look of both the properties as well as the car and they’re both from that era.”
The car itself, which is named Jude after the famous Beatles’ song, has also become something of a celebrity in Saint John – making appearances at many different events over the years.
“When I’m driving you have people that are beeping their horns and it makes them feel really good,” says Keays.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.