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Was honestly a rough week in Salem.
I want to acknowledge a few realities before moving forward with all the fun stuff happening this weekend.
You probably already heard about the two shootings that happened early Wednesday morning, it's been all over the news and honestly just shook me up. First, around 12:30 a.m., they found Nicholas MacFawn, a 30-year-old guy, shot multiple times over by 40th Place and Carson Drive SE after someone called in a crash. Then about an hour later, there was another shooting at Wallace Marine Park where Jacob Collazo, a 60-year-old man who was living at the homeless camp there, was also killed.
The cops had to carry him out of the woods to get him to paramedics, but he didn't make it either. Police say the two incidents aren't connected, but two people dying like that in one night in our town is challenging to process.
I hope you all are keeping your heads up. I know a lot of people are struggling right now, and truthfully we are all fighting battles nobody else will ever know about.
But we also have a lot of positive things happening in our community we can all be grateful for.
Thanks for being here again.
Our entire team is very grateful.
Now, let’s see what’s happenigng in Salem this weekend…
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Kitchen countertops looking rough, but dropping five figures all at once feels impossible? Another year of living with surfaces that embarrass you isn't the answer. We've all made excuses to avoid hosting…
You might have seen CEO Nate Knapp in our Instagram series highlighting Salem's great bar scene—last week we hit up Mykies. Turns out, the guy who knows good surfaces also knows where to grab a solid drink in Salem.
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What makes this doable:
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Bottom line: Great surfaces shouldn't be a "someday" dream when you can make it happen now without destroying your finances.
Upgrade smart. Pay easy. Love your space starting this month.
⚾ Mavericks League Playoffs: Catch the Action This Weekend!
The Mavericks League season is down to its final showdown — one team goes home, one team goes to the playoffs. The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes face off against the Campesinos de Salem-Keizer in a winner-take-all battle this Saturday at 6:00PM at Roto-Rooter Park, home of the Volcanoes.
It’s also $1 Night — enjoy hot dogs, beer, soda, and ice cream for just a buck. Plus, don’t miss special appearances from baseball legends: MLB Hall of Famer Andre Dawson on Friday and pitching icon Jamie Moyer on Saturday.
🎟️ Get your tickets now and be part of the final chapter of the 2025 Mavericks League season!
Salem Considers Hispanic Advisory Commission
Salem may soon establish its first Hispanic Advisory Commission after a city committee voted unanimously to move the idea forward. One in four Salem residents is Hispanic or Latino, yet the community remains largely disengaged and underrepresented in city government, according to local leader Jonathan Castro Monroy. The proposed commission would give Hispanic leaders a direct voice at City Hall, host cultural events like Día de los Muertos, and hold listening sessions to strengthen ties between the city and residents. City staff will now draft a plan for council approval. (Salem Reporter)
Here’s what’s happening this weekend in beautiful Salem, Oregon
📍 Oregon State Fairgrounds
🗓 Thursday, August 28 – Monday, September 1
🎟 FREE concerts with fair admission
Get ready for one last summer hurrah! The Oregon State Fair's closing weekend brings five days of fun with carnival rides, livestock showcases, motorsports, DJs, live music from hit artists, and nightly drone shows from 9:50PM–10:00PM. It’s a full-on sensory experience with something for everyone! From classic fair food to thrilling rides to relaxing lawn concerts.
💃 Don’t miss Día de la Familia on Sunday, August 31, a celebration of culture and community with tortilla art, bilingual presentations, lotería games, and the Familia Plaza.
Whether you come once or all five days, this is your chance to end summer on the highest note possible.
📍 Cubanisimo Vineyards
📅 August 30 – September 1, 2025
🕛 12:00PM – 6:00PM Daily | 🎶 Live Music 1:00PM – 5:00PM
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in style with three unforgettable days at Cubanisimo Vineyards. This high-energy weekend is filled with Latin flair – live music, dancing, delicious food, and of course, bold estate-grown wines.
Whether you're sipping in the sun or showing off your salsa moves, this event is a local favorite for good reason. Come for the rhythm, stay for the vino, and make it a weekend to remember.
Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and bring your dancing shoes. ¡Nos vemos en la fiesta!
Thursday, August 28
⚾ Mavericks League Playoffs: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes vs Campesinos de Salem Keizer & $1 Night: $1 Beers, Hot Dogs, Sodas, and Ice Creams! @ Roto-Rooter Park • 6:00PM
🚗 Motor Mania: Freestyle Addiction @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 6:30PM
🎤 Cheap Trick @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 7:30PM • FREE with Fair admission
Friday, August 29
⚾ Mavericks League Championships Game 1 (Teams TBD) & Legends Night: MLB Hall of Famer Andre Dawson @Roto-Rooter Park • 6:00PM • Free autographs with admission
🎶 The String Cheese Incident @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 7:30PM • FREE with Fair admission
🎬 Movies in the Park: Wicked @ Riverfront Park • 8:00PM–10:45PM • FREE
Saturday, August 30
⚡ Cherry City Cards & Collectibles Show @ Salem Convention Center • 10:00AM–6:00PM
🛒 Infinity Room Garage Sale @ 210 Liberty St SE Ste. #150 • 11:00AM–9:00PM • Take home a piece of Infinity Room
🚗 Motor Mania: Monster Truck Wolf Pack @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 2:00PM
⚾ Mavericks League Championships Game 2 (Teams TBD) & Legends Night: Pitching icon Jamie Moyer @Roto-Rooter Park • 6:00PM • Free autographs with admission
🎸 Oregon Opry: A Showcase of the PNW’s Finest Country and Americana Artists @ Historic Grand Theatre • 7:00PM
🎤 Dylan Scott @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 7:30PM • FREE with Fair admission
🎶 Noche de Baile w/ DJ Cavaliere @ Xicha Brewing North • 8:00PM–11:00PM
Sunday, August 31
🎸 Punx in the Park @ Riverfront Park • 11:00AM–10:00PM • FREE
🛒 Infinity Room Garage Sale @ 210 Liberty St SE Ste. #150 • 11:00AM–9:00PM • Take home a piece of Infinity Room
🚗 Motor Mania: Monster Truck Wolf Pack @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 2:00PM
⚾Mavericks League Championship Game 3 (If needed) @Roto-Rooter Park • 5:05PM
💃 Salsa Sundays @ Fork Forty Food Hall • 7:00PM–10:00PM
💋 Girls Night Out: The Show @ Honky Tonk, 2275 McGilchrist St SE • 8:00PM–10:30PM
🎤 Banda Los Sebastianes @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 7:30PM • FREE with fair admission
Monday, September 1
🚗 Motor Mania: Demolition Derby @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 2:00PM
🧘 Yoga + Wine @ Stomp by Croft Vineyards, 5475 River Rd S • 6:00PM–7:00PM
🎲 BounSkee Game Night @ Crazy Dough Artisan Pizza, 3981 Commercial St SE • 6:00PM–9:00PM
Tuesday, September 2
💃 Queer Salsa in the Park @ Riverfront Park • 7:00PM–9:00PM
Photo of the week!
Summer can be so busy with lots of fun things to do, but sometimes it's the simple, slow, and quiet parts of summer that feel the sweetest.
This photo was submitted by Danielle Fallin. We love seeing how our readers are celebrating summer! Thanks Danielle!
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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