🌮 Your Guide to HOOPLA

Salem, let's ball.

Ernie Samora & Jacob Espinoza
July 17, 2025

What’s Happening Salem is presented by

Allergy season is brutal this year! Take the quiz to see if Advantage Heating has the solution to your Allergy Problem

What’s Up Capital Connectors!

Ernie here. This next week is JAM PACKED with so much fun stuff to do. Go out and make those precious summer memories. There's something for everyone.

Did we miss anything? Let us know. While you're at it, let us know your favorite summer memory.

Jacob will be back next week. Thank you for reading the newsletter. I truly appreciate you all. YOU MAKE MY JOB AMAZING.

Now, without further ado… let's see What's Happening Salem!

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⚾ South Salem & Sprague Little Leagues Win State, Head to Regionals!

The dream is alive! The 2025 50/70 All-Star Team, a powerhouse squad made up of top players from South Salem and Sprague Little Leagues, just went undefeated (3-0) to claim the Oregon State Championship! Now they're bound for the Western Regional Tournament in Nogales, Arizona!

These hometown heroes have earned the right to represent Salem and all of Oregon on the regional stage, and they’re just one tournament away from the Little League World Series.

Now’s the time to show them what Salem pride looks like! The team needs community support to help cover travel and tournament costs.

How to Help:

The team is raising funds for travel and tournament expenses. Click here to donate or email [email protected] for details.

Let’s rally behind these rising stars and show them Salem’s support! Updates and more info at [email protected] or on Facebook.

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

🏀 Hoopla is NEXT WEEK!
Oregon Specialty Group Hoopla XXVI

One of Salem’s biggest summer traditions is almost here! With it comes a packed weekend of basketball, community events, and fan-favorite competitions like THE GAUNTLET. Last year brought over 1,000 teams and 50,000 attendees to the streets surrounding the Capitol… and this year’s shaping up to be even bigger.

🔥 THE GAUNTLET — Saturday, July 26 · 6:00 PM

Hoopla’s most intense event is back! THE GAUNTLET is the only ladder-style tournament at Hoopla, throwing 26 teams of all ages and types into one bracket where every possession matters. One mistake could end your run — but if your team can outplay the rest, you’ll earn bragging rights as the toughest team in the tournament.

💸 Entry is just $25 per team — if selected.
To apply, email [email protected] with the following:

Team name
Full roster (include gender and age of each player)
Credit card info
A few sentences on why your team should be chosen

Selection is competitive, so bring your best.

🗓️ Upcoming Events at Hoopla

Wednesday, July 23
🏀 Women's & Hoopla Men's 2x2 Invitational – 5:30 PM
Specially selected teams tip off Hoopla weekend in this fun, high-level 2x2 showdown.

Thursday, July 24
🏀 Unified Basketball Clinic (MS & HS) – 8:30 AM
FREE for Unified middle and high school student-athletes. T-shirt included.

🎯1x1 Tourney – 4:00–8:30 PM
$35/player – Last chance to prove you’re king of the hill.

Friday, July 25
👶 Free Kids Clinic – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

⛹️ 2x2 Tourney – 1:00–8:30 PM
$100/team – A fast-paced warmup before 3x3 play begins.

🏀 2-Ball Contest (Prelims) – 2:00–7:00 PM
🏀 Free Throw Contest (Prelims) – 2:00–7:00 PM
🏀 3-Point Contest (Prelims) – 2:00–7:00 PM

Saturday, July 26
⛹️ 3x3 Pool Play Games Begin
🏀 2-Ball, Free Throw & 3-Point Finals – Starting 2:30 PM
🔥 THE GAUNTLET – 6:00 PM

Sunday, July 27
🏆 3x3 Bracket Play & Championships

Will we see you there? We hope so!

🛼 Summer Skate Camp (Session 1 – Kids 7–17)
July 21, 23 & 25 · 10 AM–12 PM · The MadHouse (1335 Madison St NE) · $60 BYO gear / $90 w/ rentals · Register via [email protected]

🏰 Oregon Renaissance Faire (Silverton)
July 19–20 & 26–27 · 10 AM–6 PM · 6569 Valley View Rd, Silverton

Thursday, July 17
🐶 Pints for Pups @ Santiam Brewing · 5–7:30 PM · Santiam Brewing, 2544 19th St SE · $5 for snuggles
🎮 Mario Kart World Tournament (21+) · 8 PM · The Coin Jam, 439 Court St NE · FREE to enter
⚾ Marion Berries vs Portland Gherkins + Cornhole Tournament & Thirst Thursday · 7:05 PM · Chemeketa Baseball Field, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE

Friday, July 18
⚾ Marion Berries vs Walla Walla Sweets Berry Days Weekend Day 1 · 6:35 PM · Chemeketa Baseball Field, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE

Saturday, July 19
🛼 Juniors Roller Derby Doubleheader · 2–6:30 PM · The MadHouse, 1335 Madison St NE · $12 presale, $15 at door
🌞 Feels Like Summer Day Party (18+) · 5–10 PM · Xicha Brewing, 2195 Hyacinth St NE
🦖 Jurassic Dark All Ages Dance Party · 6–10 PM · Radness Ensues, 3837 River Rd N, Keizer
⚾ Marion Berries vs Walla Walla Sweets Berry Days Weekend Day 2 · 6:35 PM · Chemeketa Baseball Field, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE

Sunday, July 20
⚾ Marion Berries vs Walla Walla Sweets Berry Days Weekend Day 3 · 5:05 PM · Chemeketa Baseball Field, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE

Monday, July 21

Play for a Day, Stay for the Night Darian’s Gift Golf Tournament@ Illahe Hills Country Club

Charity golf tournament and evening dinner auction hosted by Darian’s Gift to support families facing pediatric cancer.

🐕PET OF THE WEEK: Theodoros Elwood

Meet Theodoros Elwood! Freshly 1 year old (and clearly feeling himself), this handsome rescue from 4 All MuttKind was caught red-pawed mid-walkies, chomping on his leash… right after Grandma swore he’d never do such a thing. Busted, but still adorable. 🐾🎉🦴

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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