Page 22 - River Guide 2019

Historic Chatham Business District

Historic Water Street is at the heart of the Chatham
Business District, lined with unique shops and eateries
and anchored by the Rodd Miramichi River Hotel and
the Chatham Shopping Centre on either end. A mixture
of historic properties and newer buildings complement
each other in this downtown area.
Music can be heard up and down the street all
summer long and is often linked to performances at the
adjacent Waterford Green which plays host to a
number of festivals and events throughout the summer
and fall, including Canada’s Irish Festival, Pumpkin
Fling, Fisherman’s Powwow and Food Truck Feastival.
Interpretive panels along the walkway at Waterford
Green depict some of this area’s most notable history,
and picnic tables and a playground offer a place to relax.
Each year Canada Day celebrations fill Water
Street and Waterford Green with music, dance, sidewalk
sales, bbq, a children's parade, and a variety of activities.
During Canada’s Irish Festival the street is closed
to traffic and the walking parade passes through with
pipe bands, floats, and families proudly carrying their
family crests.
In the winter the street is alive with the Annual
Parade of Lights, a welcome start to the holiday
season. The event is well attended by the community Waterford Green Park is a hub of activity in the Historic Water Street
and features entertainment, shopping specials by local Business District with a built-in stage and view of the river. Photo
by Sharon Stewart.
merchants, hot chocolate and of course, Santa Claus.
Historic Chatham Business District is rich in You’ll also find two antique stores, and the Hospice
culture and features an Irish Pub, German bakery, and Shoppe - a high end thrift store with proceeds going to
Saltwater Sounds - a music store specializing in East charity. Other shops and amenities include a hobby &
Coast Music. A visit would not be complete without games store, costume rentals, souvenirs, gifts, a bike
stopping at the famous Ben’s Lunch Room, an icon in shop, florist, pharmasave, banking, and a selection of
Miramichi for over 70 years! restaurants and coffee shops.

22 Mighty Miramichi River Guide 2019/2020 | www.riverguide.ca