🌮 Fireworks?

What’s Up Capital Connectors!

A few updates about Salem Happenings This Week…

• CLINK! is almost ready to open. July 10 is their soft opening and July 19 they’ll start serving dinner for those who can get a reservation. I got a tour recently and can confirm they did an amazing job bringing something special to Salem. Now I just can’t wait to try their food! 🙂 

• Paradiso at the Grand reopened last week. Chauncey, formerly with Nekia has moved over as the head chef. And I low key hope he bring back the brussels…

• Hoopla founder Jason Unruh is hard at work trying to bring Hoopla National to life. This multi-court, outdoor facility would be a permanent home for Hoopla and be available for event, camps, and tournaments to help promote youth sports in our area. Click here to learn how to support.

• The Salem Fire Department already handled most medical calls, over 70 % of its workload, providing advanced life support and rapid EMS response. On July 1, 2025, it replaced Falck Ambulance Northwest as Salem’s sole ambulance provider, a transition overseen since May 2024 by a dedicated committee. The Chief breaks it down for us on this week’s podcast.

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✂️📚 Salem’s Newest Hidden Gem: A Salon-Bookstore-Café That’s as Unique as Its Owner

After more than two decades of cutting hair, Andrea Randall knew she needed a quieter, gentler path — one that still let her connect with people and share joy. That path led her to open B3: Beauty, Beverages, and Books, a whimsical hybrid salon and used bookstore on Northeast Broadway. Inspired by her own love of literature and a desire to create a welcoming space, Randall has filled the shop with carefully curated secondhand books, cozy seating, and an “Alice in Wonderland meets slightly macabre” aesthetic. She’s already hosted pop-ups, book clubs, and events for the Deaf community, and has big plans for classes and a rentable “book immersion” room. “There’s only how many letters in the alphabet,” she said, “and you’re surrounded by thousands of different stories and different ways to write it… It’s beautiful.”

B3: Beauty, Beverages, and Books is located at 1070 Broadway St. N.E. in Salem. It’s open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday from around 9AM to after 6PM (and sometimes later). Follow along on Instagram at @b3inoregon or on Facebook for updates and upcoming events. (Salem Reporter)

Governor Signs Executive Order Banning Cell Phones During School Day in Oregon Public Schools

Gov. Tina Kotek has signed Executive Order 25-09, requiring Oregon’s public K-12 schools to ban student cell phone use during instructional hours by Jan. 1, 2026. Districts must adopt their own policies by Oct. 31, 2025, with flexibility on how phones are stored and enforced. The goal, according to Kotek, is to improve academic outcomes and mental well-being by reducing distractions, harassment, and screen-related stress in schools. Exceptions will be allowed for medical or disability-related needs.

The move follows a failed attempt to pass a similar bill in the legislature earlier this year, though it gained bipartisan support and was praised by educators, mental health advocates, and students who’ve seen benefits of phone-free school days. The executive order offers local control without additional state funding and makes Oregon the 27th state to enact school phone-use restrictions. (NBC 16)

🎆 Salem 4th of July Spectacular with Lil Jon & the Ying Yang Twins • Oregon State Fairgrounds • 5PM

Get ready for Salem’s biggest Independence Day party! The Oregon State Fairgrounds will be rocking with food vendors, carnival rides, and live performances by Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins. Enjoy a high-energy show and stay for a massive fireworks finale.

🎧 Want to keep the party going? Stick around for two after-parties:

Silent Disco After-Party • Outside the Venue • 9:30PM

Throw on some headphones and dance under the stars at this silent disco celebration happening right outside the venue.

DJ ERA: Lil Jon's Official DJ – Concert After Party • The Side Hustle Bar, 145 Liberty St NE, Salem • 10PM • 21+

The official DJ of Lil Jon, DJ ERA, will be spinning live at The Side Hustle for an after-hours club set. If you’re not done dancing after the fireworks, this is the place to be.

We wrote a FREE FULL GUIDE to EVERYTHING happening in and around Salem for Independence Day. Read it here.

🎆 Friday, July 4

👻 Spooky Tooth Presents: Epitaphs & Alleyways ~ Historic, Haunted & Dark Tour • Downtown Salem • 6PM
Uncover Salem’s chilling past on this 2.25-mile guided ghost walk through alleyways and historic streets. Expect true-crime stories, paranormal investigations led by experienced investigators, and tales guaranteed to send a shiver down your spine!

🧘 Yoga Nidra & Kirtan for Relaxation and Inner Peace • 360 Liberty St SE, Salem • 6 PM–9 PM
Guided music meditation, chair yoga stretches, and soulful kirtan to calm the mind and body.

Saturday, July 5

👣 Euro Trash Hash Trail • Meet at The Best Goose inside Fork Forty Food Hall, 440 State St, Salem • 2:30PM
A cheeky, fun-filled hashed trail run with drink checks, warm beer, crisps, and mocking accents.

🛍️ Underground Market at Blast Off Vintage • Blast Off Vintage, Salem • 3PM–7PM
A hidden pop-up with local vendors offering vintage goods, tarot readings, massages—and it’s FREE to vend or attend!

🪐 Marion Berries Star Wars Night • Chemeketa Baseball Field, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem • 6:35PM
The galaxy comes to Salem for an unforgettable night of intergalactic fun. Watch the Berries take on the Portland Pickles with special character appearances and force-filled energy. Costumes welcome!

Sunday, July 6

🧘 Yoga + Beer at Minto Island Growers • 3394 Brown Island Rd S, Salem • 10AM–11AM
Enjoy a relaxing morning flow class on the farm, open to all levels, followed by beer and light bites in the scenic fields. Suggested donation: $5–$10. All are welcome!

🐶 Marion Berries Bark at the Park • Chemeketa Baseball Field, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem • 5:05PM
Bring your pup for a “paw-some” night of baseball! With a $5 pooch pass, your furry friend can join the fun while supporting local animal shelters. Pre-game includes a costumed softball game with Sloppy Joe’s Softball.

💃 Salsa Night at the Dance Hall • 630 Hood St NE, Salem • Lesson at 6:30PM, Dance 7PM–10PM • $5 cover • 18+
Salsa and bachata with a beginner-friendly class followed by dancing.

Monday, July 7

🏓 BounSkee Night • Crazy Dough Artisan Pizza, Salem • 6 PM–9 PM
Play BounSkee, a ping pong ball toss game with fun twists. Perfect for meeting new people and breaking the ice. $5 per person or $10 per group.

🐕PET OF THE WEEK: El Hefe

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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