Between you, me, and the Mushroom Army… last week, the last community fridge in St. Catharines met a fiery end. Most people would’ve called it game over. The Mushroom Army called it Tuesday - and they were already back at it before the smoke cleared.

Meanwhile, two Freddies and three Elvises are fighting for your weekend plans, a hidden pizza spot is going viral, and your Costco cart still steers like it’s holding a grudge.

Peak Niagara energy: slightly chaotic, fiercely loyal, and louder than a Thursday night tribute concert.

The volunteer-powered community fridge at 85 Church Street - a lifeline that’s served over 40,000 free meals in 18 months - was destroyed by fire last week. Cause? Still undetermined. But it’s the last of St. Catharines’ three community fridges to go, after the others were shut down by vandalism and safety concerns.

It could have felt like the end of a grassroots mission. Instead, it just fanned the flames higher.

Within days, the Mushroom Army (yes, that’s really their name) was back - coolers packed, freezies flying, and ice cream sandwiches disappearing faster than the shade.

No cameras. No sponsors. Just locals who give a damn. 🫡🍄❤️

Want to get in on the mission?

You can follow the one leading the charge on Instagram (@freshniagaramushrooms) or join the official Facebook group to lend a hand.

🫡 Get in on the mission →

A California man made a “wrong turn” into Canada at Rainbow Bridge, and handed officers a Colombian passport… plus a full ID forgery lab hidden in a DoorDash bag. Inside: a laptop, license printer, blank access cards, and one fake ID for “Sean Patrick Allen.”

His real name? Miguel Guevara-Murillo. His plan? Still a mystery.

Spoiler: “I got lost” doesn’t work as a legal defence.

👉 More on this story →

Beetlejuice is now free to a good home - and so is Roxy (our Pet of the Week below).

When local sponsors pick up the bill, dogs get a second chance faster… and you get a furry roommate without the adoption fee.

Say his name three times… then click below.
👉 #001 had the first Beetlejuice cameo →

If your butcher knew your name, your dog’s name, and exactly how you like your Sunday roast, it’d probably look a lot like King Street Pantry.

Tucked into downtown St. Catharines, this whole-animal butcher and grocer works directly with small farms that raise animals the old-fashioned way - open pastures, clean diets, no shortcuts, and none of those “natural” labels that mean absolutely nothing.

Need something special? They’ll happily prep custom cuts, roasts, chicken cushions, terrines, or even a made-to-order beef wellington (pro tip: pre-order, because they will sell out).

And if you’re hungry now, grab their chicken schnitzel: crisp fried chicken layered with dill-pickled zucchini, heirloom tomato, fresh greens, and sauce Choron (that’s hollandaise with a tomato glow-up) on a Glasgow roll.

📍 21A King Street, St. Catharines
🕒 Wed–Fri: 9–6, Sat: 8–4, Sun: 10–2
🧂 Follow them on Instagram →

🥩 ALL MEAT. NO BULL. →

🎤 Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic
Okay yes - this newsletter just landed in your inbox today. This show is tonight. If you’re free at 7:30 PM, you know what to do.
Celebrating 50 years of Bohemian Rhapsody, this tribute show is loud, lit, and freakishly good.

📍 FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines | 7:30 PM
Grab your seat before the lights go down →

🍅 Port Colborne Farmers Market
Friday morning = first dibs. Piles of peaches, jars of jam, baked goods - and blissfully free of huge Saturday crowds.
🕖 7 AM–12 PM | 📍 Market Square, Port Colborne
Beat the crowd →

🇩🇴 Restoration Day of the Dominican Republic
Flag-raising Friday, falls lit Saturday - a proud salute to Dominican heritage.
📍 Niagara Falls City Hall
Join the celebration →

🌸 Floral Showhouse Summer Show
Tropical blooms, calming water features, and a break from the August heat. A low-key local gem.
🕙 10 AM–5 PM | 📍 Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse
Tickets Available Here →

🎇 Niagara Falls Fireworks
A classic for a reason. Find your spot, bring your crew, and let the sky do its thing.
🕙 Around 10 PM | 📍 Fallsview/Queen Victoria Park

🍓 The Market Hustle
Fuel up, tote up, and beat the tomato crowd - whether you’re in Niagara Falls, Welland, or St. Kitts, just get there before the heirlooms vanish.
📍 Niagara Falls | 7 AM–1 PM | Market Details →
📍 Welland | 7 AM–12 PM | Market Details →
📍 St. Catharines | 7 AM–2 PM | Market Details →

🎺 Fife & Drum Muster
Marching music, musket demos, and uniforms straight out of a history book. Loud, nerdy, delightful.
🕙 10 AM–5 PM | 📍 Fort George, NOTL
March over to the action →

♟ Live Chess by the Falls
People are the pieces. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and the people-watching is chef’s kiss.
🕔 5–8 PM | 📍 Queen Victoria Park
See the board come to life →

🎙 The Three Kings Show
Three eras of Elvis. One stage. All hips.
📍 Niagara Falls Convention Centre
🕗 8 PM | 🎟️ Tickets →

🎤 One Vision of Queen - Marc Martel
Yes, the voice from Bohemian Rhapsody the movie.
📍 Avalon Theatre, Fallsview
🕗 8 PM | 🎟️ Tickets →

🎺 Fife & Drum Day Two
Same marching energy, just with Sunday sleep-in vibes.
🕙 10 AM–5 PM | 📍 Fort George, NOTL
Catch the encore march →

🌻 JP Niagara Sunflower Festival – Final Day
Three million sunflowers. One last chance. Bring your camera, bring your hat.
📍 JP Niagara Tulip Experience, Fenwick | 🕘 All day
🎟️ Tickets →

🎶 AWA Niagara Festival
Global music, African dance, artisan eats - it’s a full-on vibe.
🕛 12–10 PM | 📍 City Hall grounds, Niagara Falls
🎟️ Tickets →

🥳 St. George Family Day
Games, food, fireworks, and community joy, all in one park.
🕐 1–9 PM | 📍 St. George Park, Welland
ℹ️ More Info →

From the street, it looks like an appliance repair shop. From the doorway, it smells like heaven.

Inside, chef Robby Berry is quietly turning out some of Niagara’s best pizza - each crust folded by hand and fermented for three days like it’s training for the Olympics.

There’s no gimmick, no neon sign, no “we were on TV” bragging rights. Just an ex–Bleu Turtle chef with 33 years of experience, a loyal local following, and a deep commitment to homemade everything.

The dough is limited. The seats are few. The secret is basically out.

🍕 Pre-order, make a reservation, or prepare to be disappointed.
📍 145 Russell Ave., St. Catharines

🛣️ QEW at Burlington Skyway (Niagara-bound)
Two lanes closed Aug 15–18. Add time (and snacks).

🛠️ Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls
Bridge work continues; lane closures mean weekend slowdowns.

🚧 South Service Road, Grimsby
Fully closed for watermain upgrades.

🚷 Queen Street, Niagara Falls (Downtown)
Closed all summer for a glow-up - find another scenic route.

Or, you know, stay home and eat pizza.

Roxy’s shy at first, but once she trusts you, it’s full-body cuddles and goofy grins.

She arrived scared of everything - even her shadow. Now she’s playful, loyal, and ready for a calm, pet-free, adult-only home.

✨ Her adoption fee is fully sponsored ✨

📸 Photo by @happypawspetstudio

🦴 Meet Roxy →

P.S. Remember Beetlejuice from last edition?
✨ His adoption fee is now covered too! That zoomy husky is still waiting for the right person to say his name three times…

Why is it that the first cart I grab at Costco - every single time - has one busted wheel, a loud squeak, and the steering control of a canoe in a wind tunnel?

I’m out here dodging toddlers and navigating bulk boxes like I’m in a bumper car arena disguised as a warehouse.

Is there a secret to picking a good one, or is this just the tax we pay for $1.50 hot dogs and lifetime supplies of trail mix?

We asked if you’ve ever had to sprint for a public washroom in Niagara. You answered:

We’re not naming names… but someone out there deserves a redemption arc.

If you made it this far, you’ve survived fridge fires, fake IDs, and a Costco cart demolition derby - you’re officially Grapevine material.

Next week? We’re chasing down a croissant mystery so good you’ll swear us to secrecy. Bring coffee - and maybe a decoy pastry.

📤 Forward this to someone who needs to know about the Mushroom Army.

💌 Got thoughts? Hit reply - we read every word.

Until next Thursday,
🍇 The Grapevine Team

If you forwarded this to three Elvises and two Freddies, we wouldn’t stop you.

But really - share it with a Niagara pal who loves good food, good news, or both.

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