What’s Up Capital Connectors!

A few updates about Salem Happenings This Week…

• CLINK! opened today. People were unsure about their menu since it wasn’t previously posted, but the reviews I’ve seen online so far have all been positive.

• Beep Beep Salem! Paid parking started in Salem today. We have a full breakdown with everything you need to know below.

• Best Bite Food Park is opening this Saturday from 12-4. This will include music and over 8 food cart options to choose from. Phase 1 of Best Bite Salem will include the outdoor food cart options. Phase 2 will include an indoor space with a cafeteria, coffee shop, arcade and more. Find them at 3282 Silverton Rd NE, Salem, Oregon 97301.

• Northern Lights Theater Pub has a $2 noon movie special going all summer. You an see Matilda for only $2 from July 15-17. See the full list here.

What did I miss? Let me know by replying to this email.

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Brush Fire Burns 30 Acres Near Turner, Sparks Evacuations

A brush fire ignited Wednesday afternoon, July 9, near Southeast Gath and Turner Roads after a semi-truck hit low-hanging power lines, sparking flames that spread across about 30 acres of former prison farmland. The blaze destroyed several unused structures and drew nearly 100 firefighters, 38 emergency vehicles, and two water-dropping aircraft from The Dalles.

Firefighters had the fire mostly contained by late afternoon, though crews remained on scene into the night to monitor for flare-ups. One firefighter was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Evacuation orders were issued for parts of Turner Road, and residents offered help to move pets and livestock.

The Red Cross opened a shelter at Cascade High School for evacuees. (Salem Reporter)

Check out our Wildfire Season Guide later in this issue for tips on staying safe and prepared.

🎡 Your Guide to the 2025 Marion County Fair 

The Marion County Fair is in full swing at the Oregon State Fairgrounds! If you're reading this Thursday evening, you're in luck: Admission is completely FREE all day long as part of Honor Day celebrating veterans, first responders, and everyday heroes.

📍 Location
Oregon State Fairgrounds
2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301

🗓️ Dates & Hours
July 10–13, 2025
• Thursday: Noon – 10 PM
• Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM

🎟️ Gate Prices
• Adults: $9
• Seniors & Youth (ages 6–11): $5
• Kids 5 & under: FREE

Special Admission Days
• Thursday – FREE admission for everyone all day
• Sunday – FREE admission for all kids 12 & under

🎶 Main Stage Entertainment (Free with Fair Admission!)
• Friday: Lit, best known for the hit “My Own Worst Enemy”
• Saturday: Country music stars Drake Milligan and Ned LeDoux
All main stage performances are included with your entry. No extra tickets needed!

🎉 Made in Marion: Celebrate the Community
This year’s fair is a celebration of everything Marion County stands for: youth, service, music, rides, food, and fun. Explore the 4H-FFA barns, check out the creative displays, catch a magic show or the family talent competition, and make sure not to miss the jaw-dropping Birdman Show, featuring free-flight demonstrations with exotic birds and raptors.

🎡 Carnival Rides by Funtastic Shows
Thrill-seekers and tiny tots alike will find rides to love in the vibrant carnival zone. Ride tickets are sold on-site only, no presales or wristbands.

🎟️ Ride & Game Ticket Prices
• Single Ticket: $0.60
• 34 Tickets: $20
• 68 Tickets: $40
• 120 Tickets: $60
• 250 Tickets: $115
👉 Kiddy rides: 12 tickets
👉 Major rides: 13 tickets
👉 Games: 9–18 tickets

🎨 Contests, Competitions & Exhibits
Open to all ages — youth and adults alike can show off their skills in creative arts, crafts, photography, poetry, textiles, garden produce, home-cooked goods, Legos, and more. Bonus: every entrant gets one FREE fair admission!
Find full contest details and entry info here.

🍔 Food & Drinks
Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or trying something new, there’s no shortage of fair food to fuel your fun. Treat yourself to some funnel cake this weekend. You deserve it.

🌲The Woods (21+ only)
Open Friday & Saturday • 4–11 PM
Included with admission, this adults-only area features a full bar, music, and lawn games. Kick back, relax, and enjoy a kid-free moment under the trees.

🧑‍🌾 Honor Day – Happening Now!
Explore the Real Hero Displays including Vietnam-era vehicles, and a unique opportunity to meet and learn from first responders and the “Real Heroes” of our community.

Salem Parking Update: New Pay-by-Plate System Now Live

My good friends of Salem, our downtown on-street parking system has officially transitioned to paid parking.

Will this ruin downtown? I don’t think so.

Will it help keep our downtown cleaner? I hope so.

Here is what you need to know…

What's Changed

Pay-by-Plate Citywide: All paid parking areas in Salem now use the same pay-by-plate system, whether you're downtown, near the Capitol, or at other city locations. Your license plate is your parking pass.

New Payment Options: The updated pay stations accept credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and coins, plus you can now use the new Beep Beep Salem mobile app. Note that credit card payments require a one-hour minimum purchase, while coin payments have no minimum.

What This Means for You

Use Your Time Anywhere: Pay for 5 hours near the Capitol but finish early? You can use your remaining paid time anywhere else in the city with paid parking. The system knows your license plate.

No Extra Fees at Pay Stations: When you use the physical pay stations, the city covers credit card processing costs, you pay what's posted.

Same Rules Everywhere: Parking violations follow your license plate across all areas. A violation is a violation, regardless of location.

The Fine Print

When Parking is Free:

• Downtown: After 8 PM (they're watching 8 AM - 8 PM)

• Other areas: After 6 PM

• Check the signs, the signs will tell you the rules

About That App: The Beep Beep Salem app costs an extra $0.35 per use (that's not the city’s fee). You'll see the total before you pay. Example: $1.50 parking + $0.35 app fee = $1.85. Or just walk to the pay station and pay $1.50.

Library Parking: Still free for 3 hours. This doesn't affect that.

Buying More Time: When you pay for extra time, it doesn't add to what you have left - it starts over. Keep that in mind.

Why They're Doing This

The idea is to keep parking spots turning over for downtown businesses, cut down on cars driving around looking for spots, and bring in some money for city services. It's also supposed to help with climate goals.

Getting the App: Available on Google Play and Apple App Store. Works at all Salem pay stations, downtown, Capitol area, Willamette University, and the airport.

One More Thing: Those downtown parking structures? Still free.

Got questions? Check the signs where you park or look it up on salem.gov.

🐕PET OF THE WEEK: Tenzin

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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,

Ernie