Pipers Pub Sparks Wave of Student and Town Solidarity

Early in the morning of September 22, Pipers Pub, a staple in the Antigonish and StFX community, caught fire. Thick black smoke was seen and smelt throughout campus, as fire crews rushed to contain the damage. It has been said to the fire reportedly started in the kitchen, but no further information has been released to the public. But after the initial shock of the event passed, what was more surprising was the absolute support from both students and the community alike.  

Everyone from students to staff to local community members stepped up to show their support. A surge of kind words flooded the Pipers Facebook and Instagram accounts, and the talk around campus focused on one thing - when would Pipers be open again? With Homecoming coming up, one of the biggest events of the semester, it suddenly put into perspective how important Pipers is to StFX and Antigonish as a whole. It also reflects the priorities of the student population. 

It seems like everyone has memories at Pipers, and every weekend a line stretches out the door. It’s natural that the community would want to support the Pub, as shown with the Pipers Pub fundraiser hosed by The Golden X Inn last Saturday. But what makes Pipers Pub such an integral part of StFX? Is it the lack of other options? StFX’s drinking culture? Or is it simply the legacy it holds?  

Who better to answer that question than the students? I asked Jenna, who along with her friends goes to Pipers semi-regularly, “Pipers will be deeply missed. Without the pub open, wing night and other events, especially on Saturday will not be the same”.  After asking some more students around campus, from Piper’s regulars to only special eventgoers, it can easily be said that Pipers provides a unique university experience that no other space in Antigonish does. Live music, frequent theme nights, a night-life atmosphere and a dancefloor to live out the fantasy. Pipers brings an escape from the outside world. And while the other options provide versions of this idea, Pipers executes it.  

But Pipers Pub has the tide on their side. They may have a monopoly within the town, but what truly keeps them afloat is one thing: StFX drinking culture. It is no shocker to any that StFX is known as a party school, and Pipers is the go-to bar in a party town. It’s no wonder the students are flocking there. But is that all?  Is it simply that students need a place to drink together and Pipers provides it? Or is legacy a factor? 

Pipers Pub has been around for decades, and even longer when it used to be the Triangle. Is it the legacy of returning students, or Post grads who pass down memories of Pipers, that turns what would be a simple bar in town into this special place? It is possible. Because Pipers brings in the StFX students, but it also brings in the town. When the fire happened, many, if not majority of voices on social media were from full-time residents of Antigonish and past graduates. It seems StFX and Pipers Pub are linked in their wants. 

Whether it be from Pipers providing the StFX population a place to let loose, or from the allure of memories, Pipers Pub is a staple in Antigonish and StFX’s hearts. Without its doors open, this Homecoming will not be the same. But without the pub, where do students turn? While the priorities of the students and the town are clear, Pipers provides and escape, a place to drink have fun, and contribute to one of the most cannon events at StFX. I reached out to Pipers Pub for their perspective, but I was unable to get a quote from them on the fire and its impact.  Who knew it would take a fire to make a town realize how much a pub means to them!