Quick note before the fun stuff. We've been staying away from politics in this newsletter, and that's not changing. But I know some of you want to know how Tuesday's local races are shaking out, so here's the scoreboard with no commentary. All electioned out? Skip right past it.

None of this is final. These are unofficial counts from Marion County and Polk County as of Friday morning. More results are due Nov. 10 in Polk and Nov. 11 in Marion, and both counties have until Nov. 30 to certify.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai denied a request from Marion County, Salem and other local governments to block the Army Corps of Engineers from lowering Detroit Lake, the source of Salem's drinking water. He wrote that they showed harm to the water supply was possible, but not likely. The lawsuits continue, and Marion County says it will ask the 9th Circuit for an emergency order.

For now, the Corps plans to start in late November, taking the lake down to 1,425 feet over about two weeks and holding it there for two more to help young salmon and steelhead get past the dam. The Corps says the lake hit that level in 2015 and 2019 with no drinking water problems. Salem worries sediment could force its Geren Island treatment plant to shut down, and it has spent nearly $8 million on backup water sources it expects to cover demand this fall. The Corps will hold virtual info sessions Nov. 18.

Okay, back to the fun stuff: a theater with a splatter zone, a soup fight in West Salem and a 5K that calls itself the fanciest ever. Friday is First Friday, so start downtown. The Art Walk runs 5 to 8 p.m., and at 6 p.m. models hit a runway at Elsinore Gallery wearing outfits built from used clothing. One of the themes is dinner with Liberace.

Saturday, head to McKay High School for a free Día de Muertos celebration from Casa de la Cultura Tlanese, with dance, music and food from noon to 7 p.m. If you only make it out to one thing this weekend, I'd make it this one.

Next Wednesday is Veterans Day. The feature below has the ways to show up, starting with the statewide ceremony at Oregon State Capitol State Park at 11 a.m. It's free and open to everyone.

One ask this week: tell me the best bowl of soup in Salem. Soup Wars got me thinking about it, so hit reply with the spot and the soup.

Jacob

Also, don't miss these opportunities to get connected in Salem:

The WHS Community — our $20/quarter membership for people who want to go deeper: connect with fellow Salemites, swap recommendations, and get the inside scoop on the city.

The December Dinner Club — take a quick quiz, get matched with five Salem folks, and meet for dinner at a spot revealed the morning of. No awkwardness, just good company.

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The Arbor's annual Holiday Open House is almost here. The downtown gift, garden and home decor shop is opening its doors for the season from noon to 7 p.m. next Wednesday, so it's an easy way to get a jump on holiday shopping without leaving Salem.

It's also Veterans Day, so you can head over after the 11 a.m. ceremony at the Capitol. Or swing by after work, since it runs until 7.

Veterans Day lands on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Here's where to go between now and then, including a concert this weekend. The ceremony and the parade happen at nearly the same time, so pick one.

Remarks from veterans, service members and state leaders, plus bagpipes, the presentation of the colors and the national anthem. Seating is provided, but dress for the weather. Can't make it? The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs will livestream it on Facebook.

The Willamette Master Chorus and a full orchestra perform Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem alongside music celebrating America's 250th anniversary, with the WMC High School Honor Choir joining in.

Billed as the largest Veterans Day parade west of the Mississippi, with bands, floats and military vehicles, plus food carts. It's a short drive down I-5. Get there early to claim a spot along the route.

Military colors and a small display of uniforms from the VFW Uniform Museum, one from each branch of service. An easy stop if you're downtown on your lunch break.

Downtown shops and galleries open their doors for a night of local art. Wander, chat with artists and let it lead you to dinner.

Each runway outfit is built from at least four pieces of used clothing, themed to a job interview, dinner with Liberace, a trip to Iceland or a festival in Africa. The knitting, weaving, quilting and felting stay on the walls through Nov. 28.

Comics and manga get the gallery treatment at Bush Barn, on view through Dec. 23. Worth a stop for any kid or grown-up who draws in the margins.

The Emmy-winning Beatles tribute plays the soundtrack to the band's first film, plus hits like "Yesterday" and "Hey Jude."

A horror-comedy musical from Wandering Players Theatrics, with a splatter zone in the first few rows where you will get bloody. Wear old clothes, or sit farther back if you'd like to stay clean.

Family-friendly open skate for all ages, and costumes are welcome. These sessions often sell out, so buy ahead.

Dinosaurs, an Ancient Oceans section, fossil digs, raptor training and soft play for the littles. Rides come with the upgraded kids' tickets, and there's a sensory and mobility friendly session with early entry from 8 to 9 a.m.

A quilt show with vendors, a raffle and a re-stash boutique, benefiting Helping Hands Resources. While you're there, the Salem Fiberarts Guild's free annual sale is in the Dye House, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

A guided morning walk with Ranger Mike and the Salem Audubon Society to spot local birds. You'll need to sign up and read the waiver ahead of time.

A West Salem fundraiser for Safety Compass, with a pre-race party, a photo booth and a course through Wallace Marine and Riverfront parks. Snacks and prizes wait at the finish.

Wear jingle bells and get a free ride when you buy one. Holiday merch is 20% off, and kids get a free coloring page.

Casa de la Cultura Tlanese's annual celebration in Northeast Salem honors loved ones who have passed, with dance performances, activities, food and music. It's family-friendly and open to neighbors of all backgrounds.

Sample a wide variety of soups and vote for your favorite. It's lunch, it's a competition and you're the judge.

A laid-back class on decorating your home for the holidays, with professional tips you can use the rest of the year too.

The Musketeers reunite to save the throne from a royal twin plot, with Rick Parks playing along live on the Mighty Wurlitzer. A cheap way to see the Elsinore in full swing.

This monthly downtown series takes on big ideas in plain language, with a discussion after the talk. No philosophy background required.

Drummer and singer-songwriter Dave Tull brings his trio to play with the Willamette Singers and Willamette Jazz Collective. Expect music and some humor too.

Bring your own supplies and sketch the produce section or the bread aisle with other local artists. Easily the most unusual art night of the week.

Same time, every week. Pick one and make it your thing.

Thu | TriviaNaught Trivia | 6:30 p.m. | Venture Hall, 501 Marion St NE

Fri | Planetarium Show: Cosmic Mashups | 7:30 p.m. | Chemeketa Planetarium, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE | $5, kids $4, cash or check only

Sat | Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | 7882 Jordan St SE | Free | Through March 13

Sat | Silverton Winter Farmers Market | 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St, Silverton | Free

Wed & Fri | Library storytimes | Preschool 10:15 a.m., Infant/Toddler 11 a.m. | Salem Public Library | Free | Check Wed, Nov. 11 for a holiday closure

Wed | Bricked Up Comedy | 8 p.m. | Venture Hall, 501 Marion St NE

Any week | Volunteer at Marion-Polk Food Share | Book a repack shift ahead

Through Nov. 8 | Smaller by Design art quilt show | Grand Hotel lobby, 201 Liberty St SE | Free | Vote for your favorite

Through Nov. 20 | What Remains: Death Traditions Around the World | World Beat Gallery, 390 Liberty St SE | Free

Through Nov. 27 | Before the Water Rose: Celilo Falls, 1956 | Stefani Art Gallery, 305 Court St NE | Free

Through Dec. 31 | Textilezzz: The Fabric of Sleep | Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE

Sat, Nov. 14 | World Beat Holiday Market | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Willamette Heritage Center | $5, under 15 and veterans free

Sat, Nov. 14–Sun, Nov. 15 | Holiday Market at Deepwood | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 1116 Mission St SE | Free

Sat, Nov. 14 | Salem Toy Expo | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Salem Scottish Rite Center, 4090 Commercial St SE | Free

Sun, Nov. 15 | World Ballet Company: Swan Lake | Elsinore Theatre

Sat, Nov. 21 | Empty Bowls | Willamette Art Center, 3995 Fairview Industrial Dr SE | Benefits Marion-Polk Food Share

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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,

Jacob