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What’s Up Salem!
It’s been a week for sure….
I’m hoping as a community we will continue to find opportunities to get together and build community.
Anyway, a lot of great things going on in our area this week. And here’s a quick update of our latest city council meeting…
Downtown Business Owners Sound Off on Safety While Council Tackles Airport Funding
Safety Crisis Downtown business owners delivered harsh testimony Monday about escalating crime. Jerry Jones called Salem "a cartel city" after recent fentanyl busts, reporting his employee was threatened at knifepoint. Patrick Carney said six break-ins at Macy's cost nearly $50,000. Business owners are hiring private security and some threaten to withhold property taxes.
Mayor Julie Hoy admitted the city's safety plan isn't "moving fast enough." A work session is scheduled September 17th.
Airport Funding Council voted to explore funding options for airline service, but ruled out general fund money. Councilor Shane Matthews noted the airport currently serves only wealthy private plane owners, while budget airlines could help more residents. Councilor Paul Tigan suggested raising $10 million instead of scraping together smaller amounts.
Other Business The council issued proclamations for National Service Dog Month, Salem Free Clinic's 20th anniversary, and local cancer advocacy. Veterans promoted the traveling Vietnam Memorial replica visiting Independence next week.
Do you feel safe in downtown Salem?
Was this email forwarded to you by a friend?
Still paying for a gym membership you never use—while Salem's best-kept secret sits right on Lone Oak Road? Another January resolution to "get in shape this time" isn't the strategy.
Enter Salem Tennis & Swim Club, where fitness actually feels like fun instead of punishment. Tennis, swimming, group classes, and a community that'll keep you coming back because you want to, not because you have to.
50% off initiation fee for September—because the hardest part of joining should be picking your first class
Full access to courts, pools, fitness facilities, and that "Shot of the Week" series that's been getting rave reviews
A place where your workout comes with actual human interaction instead of staring at screens
Play harder. Swim stronger. Join a community that gets it.
Want to play Pickleball with me sometime?
🏘️ Salem to Gain Nearly 400 Affordable Homes as Part of Statewide Build-Out
Oregon Housing and Community Services is investing $291 million to build nearly 1,200 affordable homes across seven cities — and Salem is set to see some of the biggest gains. Three projects in the capital city will add almost 400 new units: 120 at Compass Points (Catholic Community Services), 15 at Cottages United (United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley), and 183 at Joseph Street Apartments (Neighborly Communities & Community Resource Trust). Another 60-unit development, Gussie Belle II, is also on the way, backed by Green Light Development, Seed of Faith Ministries, and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action.
The rest of the state will see projects in Dallas, Grants Pass, The Dalles, Tigard, Beaverton, and Portland, with many units reserved for low-income families, veterans, farmworkers, and people exiting homelessness. OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell said the streamlined funding process shows “responsive government in action,” ensuring homes are built quickly where they’re needed most. (Oregon Capital Chronicle)
Here’s what’s happening this weekend in beautiful Salem, Oregon
The Rodeo of Champions is back in Salem, September 19-21 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, featuring the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association Finals. This annual championship showcases the top 12 cowboys and cowgirls who've competed through nearly 40 rodeos and over 1,000 contestants throughout the year. Don't miss Salem's premier family-friendly rodeo event - tickets are available HERE.
📍 Bush's Pasture Park
📅 Friday, September 13 – Sunday, September 15
Celebrate 75 years of creativity and community at one of the Pacific Northwest’s most cherished art festivals! With 200+ juried fine artists, captivating performances, tasty food, beer, wine, and a beautiful park setting. This three-day celebration is a Salem staple.
Highlights include:
🎶 The Sugar Beets (Friday) and Cherry Poppin' Daddies (Saturday) headlining the Main Stage
🎨 Cultural performances, immersive installations, and free kids' activities
🍷 Local food, beer, and wine vendors
Special Events:
🎉 Opening Night Party — Thursday, September 11 • 6:30PM–8:30PM
Enjoy Mediterranean eats from La Jitana, beer and wine from Conversion Brewery, and a jazz-pop performance by Molly Tentarelli.
🌱 Plant Sale — All Weekend • 10:00AM-7:00PM
Fall is the best time of year to plant perennials. Get yours here at this sale! There will also be Fuchsias, Succulents, Herbs, Grasses, Permaculture and more! All carefully curated for your successful fall planting! Find your fall plants next to Bush House Museum.
👒 Children’s Parade — Saturday, September 14 • Lineup at 9:30AM, Parade at 10:00AM
Dress up, follow clowns and live music, and get FREE admission for kids and accompanying adults!
📍 Mt. Angel, Oregon
📅 Thursday, September 11 – Sunday, September 14
Four days of Bavarian bliss return to Mt. Angel! The Biergarten is your home base for tasty brews, local wines, ciders, and all the classic Oktoberfest eats.
What to Expect:
🍻 30+ beers, 20+ Northwest wines, local ciders, fruit drinks, and sodas
🍗 Delicious German food booths
💃 Live music, cultural performances, and dancing
🎟 All ages welcome; soft drinks and non-alcoholic options available
Em wrote a full guide for this event with all the info you need to know. Check out our FULL FREE GUIDE here.
📅 Sunday, September 14 • 9:00AM–9:00PM
🆓 FREE and open to all ages!
A full-day community scavenger hunt meets art adventure! Over 100 handcrafted glass marbles will be hidden throughout downtown; each one a one-of-a-kind creation by talented local glassblowers.
Explore “Marble Zones” spanning:
Riverfront Park
Wallace Marine
Capitol grounds
Police Station & surrounding blocks
Whether you're a collector, explorer, or just want to feel like a kid again, this is not a hunt to miss.
📅 Friday, September 12, 2025
💃 2nd Friday Céilí @ VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE • Time not listed
🎭 Shakespeare On The Rocks: An Intoxicating Retelling @ Salem's Historic Grand Theatre • 7:30PM
🪩 Darkwave Disco @ Southside Speakeasy • 6:00PM–9:00PM
📅 Saturday, September 13, 2025
🌻 Bauman’s Cider Maze & Sunflower Saturday @ Bauman Farms • 9:00AM–5:00PM
🎭 LIGHTS UP!: A Drag Brunch @ Salem's Historic Grand Theatre • 12:00PM
📖 Read to a Pet for Young Readers @ Salem Public Library • 1:00PM–2:30PM
🍻 XichaFest @ Xicha Brewing, 2195 Hyacinth St NE • 1:00PM–8:00PM
🎲 Adult Drop-In Board Game Day @ Salem Public Library • 2:00PM–4:00PM • FREE
🎤 The Dope Show Stand-Up Comedy @ The BAD Space, Santiam Brewing • 7:00PM–9:00PM
🎤 Mac Sabbath with The Schizophonics & Decartes A Kant @ Salem's Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM
💃 Latin Social Dance @ Tiki Lounge, 165 Lancaster Dr SE • 9:00PM–1:30AM
📅 Sunday, September 14, 2025
🏃 Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K & 5K @ Riverfront Park • 8:00AM
🧘 Yoga + Wine @ West Hills Vineyards, 4785 Salem Dallas Hwy NW • 11:00AM–12:00PM
♟️ Casual Chess Sundays @ The Yard Food Park • 2:30PM–4:30PM
📅 Monday, September 15, 2025
🎭 Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents: Giselle @ Historic Grand Theatre • Doors at 6:00PM
🎬 Mystery Movie Monday @ Salem Cinema, 1127 Broadway St NE • 7:00PM • $5 • Catch an early screening of a new movie at this exciting event!
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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