What’s Happening Salem is presented by

What’s Up Capital Connectors!

I hope you all are having a great week. Been building a team and am excited to introduce them to all of you in our Sunday edition.

It’s just been Ernie and I for awhile, but thanks to our incredible sponsors the team is now growing. 🙂

We also have a brand new title sponsor as of August 1! Any guesses?

So grateful for how supportive Advantage Heating has been this last year. This entire mission is possible because of them.

A few updates from around the city this week…

🍽️ Restaurant News: We're saying goodbye to two beloved spots this week. Epilogue is closing but will keep their popular weekly family dinners going, while Paradiso at the Grand has permanently closed following their head chef's unexpected departure.

📸 New Feature Alert: We're excited to launch our PHOTO of the WEEK to showcase all your amazing faces around Salem! Keep reading to learn how you can be featured.

💼 Business Update: Local employers are gearing up for a new payroll tax starting January 2026 (about $480 per employee annually) that will help expand Cherriots transit services throughout Salem and Keizer.

💧 Water System Investment: City Council just approved an $8 million emergency plan to safeguard our drinking water during the Detroit Dam drawdown planned for late 2026. This means new wells and upgraded connections to keep your taps flowing.

🏛️ Council Returns to Community Engagement: Great news for community engagement! City councilors can now attend your neighborhood association meetings again after weeks of confusion over state ethics rules. Your local representatives are ready to hear from you.What did we miss? Let us know by replying to this email.

Did we miss anything? Let us know!

Was this email forwarded to you by a friend?

Tired of driving past those picture-perfect fall porches wondering "How do they DO that?"

Here's the secret: They don't spend hours at nurseries, they don't stress about design, and they definitely don't DIY their way to disappointment.

While you're busy living your life, Front Porch creates Instagram-worthy pumpkin displays that make your neighbors stop and stare. No trips to the pumpkin patch. No design skills required. No back-breaking setup or figuring out what to do with it all after.

Here's How It Works:

🎃 They design your perfect fall porch display
🚚 They deliver everything to your door
They set it up beautifully
😌 You enjoy the compliments all season

"I can't afford a professional designer..." You're not hiring a designer – you're buying back your weekends and getting guaranteed curb appeal for less than you'd spend doing it yourself.

Limited spots available for fall season. Salem's coziest porches book up fast.

Ready for Porch Envy? We partnered with them to help save you all some money.

Because life's too short for basic porches.

Homeownership to become reality for dozens of Salem families as housing authority sells old properties

The Salem Housing Authority is launching a first-of-its-kind initiative to turn 79 of its aging, scattered public housing properties into affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income families. Approved July 14, the plan will sell 33 of the most costly homes to Habitat for Humanity for renovation or redevelopment, while 46 others will be offered to tenants or qualifying buyers at below-market rates, with financing support through nonprofits and local lenders. No current resident will be displaced without secure housing in place, and any proceeds will go toward developing future affordable housing. The plan now awaits federal approval. (Salem Reporter)

Here’s what’s happening this weekend in beautiful Salem, Oregon

Day N’ Night Vintage Clothing Market • Saturday, August 2, 5:00–10:00PM

Next Saturday, the lot behind The Reed lights up for the Day N’ Night Market, Salem’s favorite sunset shopping and hangout sesh, presented by Dark Wash Vintage. With 30+ vendors slinging the best in vintage & Y2K fashion, jewelry, tattoos, and handmade goods, this one-night market is a full vibe.

Fuel your shopping spree with smash burgers from Valiant the Sandwich, tacos from El Patron Taco Shop, plus drinks from La Familia Cider, Cream & Sugar Coffee, and Prolific Roots Juice Bar. DJs @nightshow_official and @stickyohm will keep the beats flowing all night long. Don’t miss it!

📍 120 Commercial St., in the lot next to Masonry Grill

Thursday, July 31

Salem-Keizer Volcanoes vs. Portland Mavericks @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 6:00PM

Trick or Treat Night: Marion Berries vs. Cowlitz Black Bears @ Chemeketa Baseball Field • 6:35PM
Why wait until October? Dress up and bring the whole family for a spooky summer evening of Halloween fun at the ballpark! Costumes, candy, and creepy good baseball await. Enjoy $1 off all beer, cider, and seltzers for Thirsty Thursday.

Friday, August 1

🎉 Ribbon Cutting @ Noodle Zone, 3316 Lancaster Dr NE • 11:00AM–11:30AM

Campesinos de Salem Keizer vs. Salem Senators @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 6:00PM
Post-game drone show!

Strike Out Cancer Night: Marion Berries vs. Portland Pickles @ Chemeketa Baseball Field • 6:35PM

Saturday, August 2

🚂The Great Oregon Steam-Up @ Powerland Heritage Park • 7:00AM–6:00PM
One of Oregon’s largest historical festivals featuring vintage machinery, family activities, food, exhibits, and plenty of steam-powered fun.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Riverfront Family Fest @ Riverfront Park • 10:00AM–2:00PM

🚙 Salem Jeep Fest @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 10:00AM–5:00PM

Campesinos de Salem Keizer vs. Salem Senators @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 1:00PM

🚙 ES Jeep Fest Indoor Car Show @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • 2:00PM–7:00 pm

Salem-Keizer Volcanoes vs. Portland Mavericks @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 6:00PM
Post-game drone show!

Made in Marion Night: Marion Berries vs. Portland Pickles @ Chemeketa Baseball Field • 6:35PM
Celebrate local pride and the spirit of Marion County with a ballgame and a local crafts market featuring vendors from the community.

Sunday, August 3

🚂The Great Oregon Steam-Up @ Powerland Heritage Park • 7:00AM–6:00PM
One of Oregon’s largest historical festivals featuring vintage machinery, family activities, food, exhibits, and plenty of steam-powered fun.

🧘Yoga + Coffee @ Prismatic Coffee Company, 3996 Cousteau Dr SE • 12:00PM–1:00PM

Salem-Keizer Volcanoes vs. Portland Mavericks @ Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch: 5:05PM
Post-game drone show

🎤Howie Mandel @ Elsinore Theatre • 7:30PM

Introducing: Photo of the week!

🌴 Photo of the Week: Summer Vacay Edition 📸
All August long, we’re celebrating summer through your lens.
Each week through August, we’ll feature two dreamy snapshots:

One landscape or scenery pic (think sunsets, beaches, trails…)
One with people living their best summer lives (pool days, picnics, road trips, you name it!)

☀️ Send your favorite vacation vibes to [email protected]
Include your name, a short caption, and where it was taken.

Let’s show off how Salem does summer. 😎

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

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