Good Day from the Bay: Celebrating the World's Oldest Basketball Court and Pyra, the Polish Potato in St. Stephen, NB

On the latest episode of "Good Day from the Bay" on CHCO-TV, hosts Vicki Hogarth and Jonathan Brittain take viewers on a journey through Southwest New Brunswick, featuring unique local interests, community events, and personal milestones. This sophomore episode is packed with exciting segments, from learning to line dance to exploring the world's oldest basketball court and savouring European delights at Pira, the Polish Potato.

“This is our sophomore episode, so we thought we’d raise the stakes and be a little more daring,” Hogarth announces at the start of the show. Co-host, Jonathan Brittain, adds, “If by daring, you mean shamelessly learning to line dance on television, then you would be right, Vicki.”

One of the highlights of the episode is the visit to Pira, the Polish Potato, a charming restaurant in St. Stephen. Owners Kinga and Doug McDonald, along with Kinga's mother Elizabeth, have created a haven for lovers of Central European cuisine. Kinga McDonald shares, “We opened at the end of November 2023, and the response has been crazy. The response in Charlotte County has been incredible. I couldn't ask for anything better.”

The segment showcases the restaurant's delicious offerings, including homemade pierogies, cabbage rolls, and chicken schnitzel. The hosts are particularly impressed with the charcuterie board, which features an array of smoked meats from Sikorski. “Pira, the Polish Potato, is more than just a restaurant. It's a celebration of family heritage,” Jonathan notes, highlighting the establishment's warm atmosphere and European groceries.

Another feature of the episode is the interview with Tom Liston, a board member of the World's Oldest Basketball Court in St. Stephen. Liston shares the incredible story of how the court was discovered and the plans to transform it into a sports centre and museum. “What they discovered as they were cleaning up [after a fire]... reminded them that there was a YMCA there many, many years ago,” Liston explains. He continues, “Since then, they spent a lot of time with the St. Croix Courier... to find out that not only was it one of the early basketball courts, but it predated Paris by six weeks.”

The plans for the transformation are ambitious, involving collaboration with Cambridge Seven, an esteemed design and architecture firm. “We are very fortunate to have them. They really know what resonates with people, whether you’re eight years old or 80 years old,” Liston says. The project will also feature a node of the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame, making it a significant landmark in the history of Canadian sports.

The episode also includes a fun and interactive segment where Vicki and Jonathan learn to line dance with Shauna Fournier from the Bayside Community Hall. Fournier’s classes have become a local sensation, attracting people of all ages. “I’m truly amazed by how many people are signing up for these classes,” she says. The hosts enthusiastically participate in a beginner-level dance routine, showcasing their newfound skills to the viewers.

In addition to these engaging segments, the episode also celebrates local milestones. The show honours World War II veteran Herb McGee, who celebrated his 99th birthday on May 28, 2024. “Happy 99th birthday, Herb. It is a privilege to call you my friend and my neighbour,” Vicki shares, emphasizing the community’s admiration for McGee.

Another milestone celebrated is Dale Chambers' graduation from the University of New Brunswick. After 15 years of part-time study, while working full-time, Chambers graduated with distinction with a double major in politics and philosophy. “What an accomplishment, and what an inspiration,” Jonathan remarks, highlighting the community’s pride in her achievement.

"Good Day from the Bay" continues to shine a light on the vibrant community of Southwest New Brunswick, celebrating its unique culture, history, and people. As Hogarth aptly puts it, “This show really is about our community, and that means you.”