🌮 World Beat Festival is THIS WEEKEND!

What’s Up Capital Connectors!

A few updates about Salem Happenings This Week…

• 620 Collective opened a new event venue off Portland Road. It’s something different than Salem has ever seen in. Excited to see events start rolling in.

• We are doing our FIRST EVER live podcast on Monday at the IKE Box. We’ll be talking to Tiffany Bulgin about the mission of IKE Quest and being a downtown business owner. Would love to see you there!

• Former Willamette University basketball star, Cedric Coward, was drafter by the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Draft yesterday.

• The USPS announced that they will be terminating their contract with Mail Depot. In a Change.org petition, Mail Depot said they may be forced to close because of this change.

You may have noticed to Gold Man is not visible above the capitol building. He is covered to be recoated in a process called regilding. He’ll be back though, and I’m definitely doing a video with Eminem’s “Guess Whose Back” song in the background when he is returns.

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

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🎄 Salem-Area Projects Get Funding Boost in Christmas Tree Bill

The Oregon Legislature’s end-of-session “Christmas tree bill” is poised to deliver millions in funding to Salem-area projects, supporting everything from park planning and historic preservation to food security and emergency preparedness. The package includes over $6 million for Marion Polk Food Share to purchase a larger warehouse, as well as grants for the Elsinore Theatre, Bush House, Willamette Heritage Center, and the Salem Art Association.

Also included are funds for a new Fairview Park master plan, upgrades at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, and a new hangar at the Salem airport for restoration of the WWII-era Lacey Lady bomber. Several neighboring communities will also benefit, including Woodburn, Keizer, and Monmouth.

While a long-sought proposal to secure ongoing state compensation for Salem’s public safety costs related to state-owned land wasn’t included in this year’s package, local lawmakers say they plan to bring the effort back in future sessions. The Christmas tree bill passed a key committee Tuesday and is expected to clear both chambers by the end of the legislative session. (Salem Reporter)

⚽ Geer Park Soccer Fields Close for Rebuild Through October

Work is officially underway to rebuild the soccer fields at Geer Park, with construction running through October 1. As of, June 23, the park’s parking lot is closed to allow for the work — but Geer Park will stay open and accessible by foot. The upgrades are part of the voter-approved 2022 Safety and Livability Bond and include more than just new turf: a fenced dog park with areas for both high-energy and timid pups, artificial turf for baseball/softball fields, and a $4.54 million skate park already in progress. (City of Salem)

🌍🎉 WORLD BEAT FESTIVAL – A GLOBAL CELEBRATION IN SALEM!

Riverfront Park • Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29
Oregon’s largest multicultural celebration is back—and we couldn't be more excited! With 125 performances representing 70 cultures, this three-day festival features global music and dance, ethnic food, vibrant crafts, family activities, parades, and even dragon boat races on the river.

Kick off the weekend at Friday Night at the Beat (June 27, 5PM–10PM) with live music, fire dancing, and more at the Amphitheater. Don’t miss the Children’s Parade Saturday morning at 9:45AM!

Festival Hours:
• Friday: 5PM–10PM
• Saturday: 10AM–11PM
• Sunday: 11AM–6PM

Beer Garden:
• Friday: 5PM–9:30PM
• Saturday: 12PM–10PM
• Sunday: 12PM–5PM

Explore the world without leaving Salem—25,000+ visitors, 2 days, 1 world.

Friday, June 27

⚾️ Volcanoes Baseball Legends Night • 6700 Field Of Dreams Way • Game Starts at 6pm

LEGEND NIGHT Honoring Dr. Sherman Cottingham – Star from the Negro Leagues

⚾ Marion Berries T-Shirt Giveaway Night • Chemeketa Baseball Field, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE • First Pitch: 6:35PM
The first 500 fans through the gates get a free Marion Berries t-shirt featuring mascot Barry. A perfect night to show your hometown spirit.
🎟 Tickets start at $9

Saturday, June 28

⚾️ Volcanoes Baseball Legends Night • 6700 Field Of Dreams Way • Game Starts at 6pm

Bark in the Park (Bring Your Dogs!) and kids under 12 get in free

🧘 Yoga+Wine at Bryn Mawr Vineyards • 5935 Bethel Heights Road NW • 9:45AM–10:45AM
Stretch and sip in this peaceful, beginner-friendly yoga session set among the vines.

🎸 Metrognome Salem Sneak Peek Tour • 676 Church St NE • 12PM–6PM
Get an exclusive first look at Salem’s future rehearsal space offering 24/7 secured access and private studios.

🛼 Cherry City Roller Derby: Uncensored Season Finale (18+) • MadHouse, 1335 Madison St NE • 6PM-9PM
A wild, adult-only mash-up bout with themed chaos and serious hits.

🔧 Adult Dodgeball Party (18+) • Salem Kroc Center, 1865 Bill Frey Dr NE • 5PM–8PM
“If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a dodgeball!”
Drop in for a fun, stress-free night of dodgeball. No teams, just laughs. $6 for members, $10 for non-members.

⚾ Throwback Thursday: Mavericks Game Night • Volcanoes Stadium, 6700 Field of Dreams Way NE • 6PM
Half-price draft beer and fountain sodas through the 3rd inning. A great night out at the ballpark!

⚾ Marion Berries High School Grad Night • Chemeketa Baseball Field, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE • First Pitch: 6:35PM
Class of 2025 grads receive free admission with promo code SalemGrad2025! Celebrate with festival tie-ins and community pride all night long.
🎟 Tickets from $9

Sunday, June 29

♟ Chess at The Yard Food Park • The Yard Food Park • 2:30PM–4:30PM
Grab a seat and a snack. Chess boards are out and friendly competition is in session.

🎻 Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 • Elsinore Theatre • 6PM
Salem Orchestra takes the stage with one of classical music’s most iconic pieces.

🕯 Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy • The BAD Space, 2572 19th St SE • Various Times
Immerse yourself in the eerie tales of Edgar Allan Poe featuring themed cocktails and live reimagined works from the Poe Historians.

⚾ Doubleheader Baseball Night • Volcanoes Stadium • First pitch at 5:05PM
Two games, one ticket. Game 1: Campesinos vs Volcanoes. Game 2: Senators vs Mavericks. Settle in for a full night of ball.

🐕PET OF THE WEEK: Val

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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