In 24 months: a documentary, a published book, two award shows, dozens of events, 1,235 social media posts, 10,000 newsletter subscribers, and 42,000 followers on Instagram.

And it still feels like we're just getting started.

The best way I know how to celebrate? By doing what we do, putting a spotlight on the people who make Salem worth covering.

That's why on May 1, we're hosting our 3rd Community Booster Award Show at the Grand Theater Ballroom. And we want you there.

Here's what the night looks like: DJ Hit N Runn spinning live all night. A performance by Finn Joseph. A full dinner included with your ticket. Ali Virtue and I hosting couch-style conversations with this year's honorees.

No podiums, no teleprompters, just their real stories.

This year we're celebrating four people who've shaped how Salem actually feels to live in:

Brent Hayes — the mind behind Bonzai, The Beer Vault, Clink!, and Archive. He doesn't just open restaurants. He builds the rooms where Salem happens.

Danielle Ferris & Jenna Davis — the duo behind Salem Community Markets. They've built the place where local makers actually get discovered and neighbors actually meet each other.

Jennifer Leduc — founder of Salem Soup Squad. She saw neighbors who needed a warm meal, and instead of waiting on anyone else, she started showing up and built away for the community to get involved.

Tickets are $25 and include dinner. Space in the ballroom is limited. This one will sell out.

If you've ever read a newsletter, watched one of our videos, or shown up to something we put together. This night is a thank you to you too.

We can’t wait to see you there.

Last month I cut out of work early, drove to Newport, and remembered something most of us forget: the Oregon Coast's best date night isn't Cannon Beach. It's the one nobody's talking about.

Nye Beach is walkable. Hotel Sylvia has rooms themed after authors and zero TVs. Local Ocean will pull a whole Dungeness for your table even if it's not on the menu. Zurita pours a Carajillo while rain hits the tin roof. The Chowder Bowl is the chowder you've been comparing every other chowder to without realizing it.

It's 90 minutes from Salem. The food's fresh because the boats are right there. And the prices won't make you wince.

→ Plan your Newport escape at DiscoverNewport.com

If you spot colorful upcycled hats and visors around the Salem Saturday Market, chances are you have found JAX Hats Handmade in Oregon. This woman-owned, family-founded business transforms pre-loved clothing into wearable art, creating everything from reversible visors and bucket hats to beanies, fingerless gloves, legwarmers, and running hats.

Their motto says it all: “Saving the World Using Ugly Sweaters.” Since 2007, JAX has been rescuing clothing from the landfill and turning it into durable, one-of-a-kind accessories full of personality and color. Every piece feels a little different thanks to the family’s shared creativity and eye for unique fabrics and patterns.

The business began when founder Jackie “JAX” Priess made herself a hat from an old sweater she could not bear to throw away. Friends and family quickly wanted their own, and after selling out of 10 hats at their very first market in 2008, the family realized they were onto something special.

Today, the business is run by Adrienne Noel Priess, who was gifted the company by her mother after moving from Missoula, Montana to Portland in 2012. Since then, the business has continued to evolve through plenty of twists, turns, and creative changes, growing into a full-time operation with a small team producing pieces for markets, shops, and wholesale accounts across the country.

This is JAX Hats’ second season at the Salem Saturday Market after previously spending a decade at the Salem Holiday Market. They are especially known for their visors and sun hats, with fresh designs arriving weekly and bucket hats available in both children and adult sizes.

Ernie

Fast conversations and real connections at one of Salem's coolest neighborhood hangouts. What's Happening Salem and Found by HG are teaming up for an evening built to turn neighbors into actual friends — through rotating small group chats, 1:1 moments, and a round of Best of Salem to crowdsource the hidden gems everyone should know about.

Whether you're new in town or grew up here, come ready to talk, laugh, and swap recommendations. Salem's best days are built by the people who show up.

Fast paced basketball and another chance to back Salem’s hometown team. The Salem Capitals return to the Armory to take on the Yakima Heat in what should be another energetic night of hoops.

Grab your crew, pack the stands, and help bring the noise as the Capitals continue their season at home.

Space rock, indie energy, and a lineup full of big sound. Giantess, Wild Ire, and Star Chamber team up for a night of live music at the Historic Grand.

Expect experimental sounds, cinematic rock, and a special performance by The Kid Espi!

Animals, hands-on activities, and one of Salem’s favorite family traditions. Oregon Ag Fest returns for a full weekend celebrating agriculture with exhibits, pony rides, planting activities, and more.

With free admission for kids 15 and under plus free parking, it is an easy spring weekend outing for families.

Drag performances, workshops, vendors, and a little bit of magic. The Enchanted Night Market transforms the Grand Ballroom into a whimsical community gathering centered around creativity and self-expression.

Costumes are encouraged, so lean into the theme and enjoy the atmosphere.

Blue shells, trash talk, and a shot at $100. The Beer Drinkers of America Mario Kart Tournament takes over Ratchet Brewery with bracket-style competition and four-player heats.

With cumulative scoring, random tracks, and mixed consoles, racers will need more than just luck to survive. Whether you are playing to win or just here for the chaos, expect a fun and competitive afternoon.

Stretch, sip, and ease into your Sunday with vineyard views and yoga. Led by Vanessa Rios, this all-levels class pairs a relaxing morning flow with a post-class glass of wine and community connection in the tasting room.

Suggested donations are $5–10, and guests are encouraged to support the vineyard through a purchase after class.

Chess, backgammon, food, and drinks in a laid-back brewery setting. Chess Night at Santiam Brewing is an easygoing weekly meetup where you can jump into a game and hang out for the evening.

No sign-up needed, just show up and play.

Science, drinks, and a surprisingly fun deep dive into how our cells stay organized. Science Pub: Molecular Moshpits brings Willamette University Professor David Altman, PhD, to Venti’s for an engaging and accessible talk.

Come early because these events can fill up fast, then stick around for Q&A, conversation, and a relaxed evening of science and community.

Movement, performance, and an interactive night of energy and expression. Noche De La Musa brings a pole dance showcase to The BAD Space featuring crowd engagement, powerful performances, and a strong community atmosphere.

Proceeds from the evening support local immigrant families.

Night at the Garden Gala brings together music, dancing, drinks, and elegant garden party energy for a fundraiser designed as an adults-only prom night experience. Guests can expect candlelight, florals, and a playful atmosphere built around dressing up, celebrating, and supporting a good cause.

It is the kind of summer fundraiser that blends community support with a memorable night out.

The John Mistkawi Memorial Golf Tournament has long supported YMCA Camp Silver Creek and its mission of providing outdoor experiences, friendship, and personal growth opportunities for young people. Held annually at Creekside Golf Club, the tournament brings golfers and community supporters together for a summer day centered around giving back.

Funds raised help continue the tradition of YMCA camping at Silver Falls State Park for future generations of campers.

Every summer, Downtown Salem transforms into one giant basketball court during Oregon Hoopla, one of the city’s biggest and most energetic community weekends. Hundreds of teams, thousands of spectators, food vendors, music, and nonstop 3-on-3 action take over the streets in a way that feels uniquely Salem.

Beyond the games, Hoopla also raises major support for local youth programs and community initiatives, making it one of the city’s biggest feel-good events of the summer.

World Beat Festival has long been one of Salem’s most vibrant summer traditions, transforming Riverfront Park into a celebration of cultures from around the globe. The weekend fills the waterfront with international food, live music, dance performances, artisan vendors, and interactive experiences.

Hosted by the Salem Multicultural Institute, the festival also supports multicultural education and community programming throughout the region, making it one of the city’s most meaningful and colorful annual events.

The Salem Art Fair & Festival is not just one of the city’s biggest arts weekends, it is also a major fundraiser supporting arts education and community art programs through the Salem Art Association. Each year, the festival brings together artists, performers, food vendors, and thousands of attendees for a weekend that helps sustain local arts opportunities across the region.

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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