Saint John, N.B., turning 225

Work crews in Saint John, N.B., were preparing for a gala celebration marking the 225th anniversary of the city that is to take place at Harbour Station on Tuesday.

Tuesday's celebration kicks off eight months of artistic and cultural events in Saint John, which calls itself Canada's "original city" as it was the first to be incorporated.

The city's charter was signed May 18, 1785.

Kate Wilcott, the artistic director of the Harbour Station show, said Monday that event organizers are promoting homegrown talent in the hopes of boosting city pride.

"One of the really nice things about this is that the performers aren't Saint Johners who moved away that we're bringing back," Wilcott said. "These are all people who have stayed in Saint John.

"It's showcasing who we have here in Saint John and the people who have stayed and made Saint John the place where they can have a career in the arts."

Organizers said Saint John 225 aims to celebrate the city's history and culture, encourage and increase participation in the arts, culture and heritage programs and establish a legacy that will present the accomplishments of Saint John residents.

Events will be held across the city on Tuesday, beginning with the unveiling of the refurbished King Street clock at 10 a.m. and culminating with Making History, an original song-and-dance production, starting at 7 p.m. at Harbour Station.