Good morning Salem!

Sorry we are a day late here. I’m in Detroit with my kids and a group of their friends. Weather has been incredible and the smores were great.

We’ve made a few changes to the newsletter recently that I think you will like.

Shout out our Newsletter Guru, Ernie, for adding TWO new sections recently:

Have a vendor you think we should highlight?

Send him an email: [email protected]

Have a great weekend everyone!

Public questions, candidate debates, and a chance to hear directly from those running for Governor. The Oregon Voice GOP Debate brings Republican candidates to the Grand for a live event shaped in part by community-submitted questions.

Seating will be limited, with ticket details expected soon. A free livestream will also be available.

Books, burlesque, and bold storytelling collide. Opening night of the International Booklover’s Burlesque Festival blends live readings with burlesque, boylesque, and draglesque performances from artists around the world. A creative and unconventional night at the Grand.

Dark florals, candlelight, and a fully immersive night market. Conjure returns with a moody, mystical experience featuring art, vendors, and creative expression throughout the space. Free to attend and easy to wander, this is one to explore at your own pace.

A big night for local music and a fresh album on stage. Jon Fro celebrates his album release with a full set of original songs, joined by His Name Shall Breathe, Daylight Bedtime, and Dan Miles. A great pick if you want to support local artists and catch a stacked lineup.

Classic country sounds and storytelling take over the Grand. The Oregon Opry brings a lineup of regional artists including Woody Davidson & The Wandering Outlaws, The Shinkle Band, and Elijah Rowan. A solid choice if you are craving traditional country done right.

Blues, rockabilly, and soul with serious stage presence. Rick Estrin and the Nightcats headline this benefit concert supporting NW Hub Bike Shop, joined by Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys. Come for the music, stay to support a great local cause.

Big energy, local love, and a night celebrating the people who make Salem special. The WHS Community Boosters Award Show is coming May 1.

More details are on the way, but for now, mark your calendar and get ready for a night that shines a spotlight on the community.

Cookies stacked high, sweet treats that sell out fast, and a story worth knowing. Julissa has been bringing her desserts to the Salem Saturday Market for the past two years, running her booth solo and building connections one customer at a time.

A Deaf, women-owned business, Julissa does everything herself, pouring creativity and care into every bake. Her menu is packed with crowd favorites like the “Love Me B’oores” s’mores cookie and her oversized monster cookies loaded with Oreo and Chips Ahoy pieces, both known to disappear quickly. She is also working to expand into more vegan and dairy-free options, continuing her goal of making her desserts more inclusive for everyone.

Baking runs in the family. After her grandfather, a longtime baker, suffered a stroke, his mixer was passed down to Julissa, becoming a meaningful part of her journey and the foundation of what she is building today.

When you stop by, grab a treat, say hello, and show some love. And if you find a favorite, spreading the word is one of the best ways to support her.

Ernie

Sharp jokes, huge online buzz, and a fast-rising comic on the big stage. René Vaca brings his standup tour to the Elsinore after breaking out at Netflix’s 2024 Introducing showcase and building a massive following online. If you are looking for a fun Friday night, grab your tickets and catch the show live. Don’t wait! The 7:30PM show is SOLD OUT, but there are still tickets available for the 10PM show. 

Loud guitars, local bands, and a night that should get rowdy fast. Never Sunny, Bazooka Sharkz, and friends take over the Grand Ballroom for an all-ages evening of live rock. Grab your crew and get ready for a wild night.

White outfits, hilarious shirt confessions, and a packed Spring Break dance floor. The White Lies Party takes over Mexiyaki with live music from Destino Afirmado and sounds by DJ Inferno and DJ Belix. Tickets are selling fast, so lock yours in and get your outfit ready.

Not sure what a White Lies Party is? Learn all about it here!

K-Pop remixes, costumes, and a kid-friendly rave on the dance floor. GOLDEN turns the Historic Grand Theater into a high-energy party for kids and families who love music and movement. If your kids love to dance, bring them out for a fun Sunday afternoon.

More than 1,000 fans showed up for the home opener, and the Salem Capitals are ready to keep that energy rolling. The Capitals take on the Vancouver Bears at the Armory as the rivalry heats up. Pack the stands, get loud, and stick around for the official after party at Mykie’s with players and dancers.

Good food, great drinks, and your turn on the mic. Karaoke Night takes over Fork Forty as part of the Make Music Salem Countdown.

Grab a bite, sip something from The Best Goose, and sing along with a crowd that is there for a good time.

Shopping, egg hunts, and a full weekend of spring activities. The Easter Spring Fling fills the Salem Center Mall with local vendors, scavenger hunts, and family-friendly fun.

Kids can join an egg hunt for the first 200 participants, while shoppers can browse small businesses, snap photos, and explore throughout the weekend.

Egg hunts, local shops, and a walk through downtown. The Downtown Easter Egg Walk starts at Riverfront Park, where families can grab a map and head out to collect eggs and visit participating businesses.

It is a fun way to get outside, explore downtown, and celebrate Easter weekend with the family.

Egg hunts, games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. This community Easter Festival kicks off with a short gathering before families head outside for an age-divided egg hunt.

Stick around after for prizes, activities, and a relaxed afternoon with the community.

Make your own “forever flowers” in this relaxed, hands-on crafting workshop. Participants will design an everlasting bouquet while learning simple techniques in a social, creative environment.

Registration is required, so be sure to sign up early for a spot.

Egg hunts, Easter Bunny photos, and a full afternoon of family fun downtown. Easter at Salem Center Mall kicks off at noon with a main egg hunt in the former Macy’s building, followed by a second hunt at 12:30PM just for kids under 5.

Families can also grab free photos with the Easter Bunny and explore a vendor market filled with handmade goods, desserts, and more throughout the mall.

Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Simply reply to this email and we can help you get started.

Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie