🌮 Spring Break is here, HBA Homeshow and is Wonderland finally opening??

Salem is buzzing right now!

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Ernie Samora & Jacob Espinoza
March 20, 2025

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What’s Up Salem Squad!

Spring break is almost here, and there are a few cool updates for you.

What do you have planned for Spring Break? Let me know by replying to this email…

Are you ready for Wonderland to Open!

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What's inside:

And much more. Let's explore what's happening, Salem!

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Today’s Email is Presented by:

The What’s Happening Salem Business Collective

Last week, we introduced our brand-new WHS Business Collective—a friendly mix of community connection and marketing support that helps local businesses grow. We’re thrilled to welcome two new members who joined us this week:

When you support these businesses, you’re also supporting our publication.

We only partner with organizations we trust to serve our Salem community well. Our collective is growing, and we’re looking for local experts to round it out. Specifically, we’d love to talk with a physical therapist, law firm, general contractor, gym, marketing agency, financial planner and a mortgage broker ready to stand out and get more involved in the Salem scene.

If you’re interested in joining or simply want to learn more, reply to this email. We’d be happy to chat about how the WHS Business Collective can help your business shine.

Fairview Park Set for Major Upgrade

Salem's Fairview Park in the Morningside neighborhood is set for a major transformation, including an amphitheater, pickleball courts, a fenced dog park, and market space. The updated development plan, approved by the Salem City Council on March 10, revises a 2016 draft and outlines a multi-phase construction process beginning in 2027. Funding will come from development fees, the city's 2022 Safety and Livability Bond, and potentially state and federal grants. (Salem Reporter)

Spring Break Passport to Fun Returns to Downtown Salem with Free Activities

Families in Salem can enjoy a week of free or discounted activities during spring break, March 24-29, with the “Spring Break Passport to Fun.” Eight downtown locations—including the Salem Public Library, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, and the Oregon State Capitol—are offering special programs for kids. Participants can collect passport stamps at each location and enter to win prize baskets after visiting at least five spots.

Capture Salem’s Cherry Blossoms for a Chance to Win in Travel Salem’s Photo Contest

Travel Salem is inviting photographers of all skill levels to showcase the beauty of cherry blossoms in Marion and Polk counties with its Cherry Blossom Photo Contest. Participants can submit up to two original high-resolution photos for a chance to win prizes. Photos must be taken locally, and entries are due by April 30, 2025. The contest highlights the region’s stunning spring scenery and encourages community engagement in celebrating the season.

Discover the latest trends, expert advice, exclusive deals, and DIY tips to transform your space. Join us March 21-23 at the Oregon State Fair & Expo Center. Free admission & parking, thanks to our sponsors!

Doors open Fri 11 AM, Sat/Sun 10 AM-5 PM.

Thursday, March 20

🎵Fox and Bones Featuring The Quick & Easy Boys • Historic Grand Theatre • 7:00PM

✨Drag Time! with RiRi Calienté • Infinity Room • 8:00PM

Friday, March 21

📣OSAA Dance/Drill State Championships • State Fairgrounds • 2:00PM - 10:30PM

😂Leave Your Troubles at the Door • Infinity Room • 7:00PM

🎹Dueling Pianos: Elton John VS Billy Joel • Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM

Saturday, March 22

🛼Roller Derby: Salem Slam III • Cherry City Roller Derby • 8:00PM

🧘Yoga + Beer • Ratchet Brewery • 11:45AM - 12:45PM

📣OSAA Dance/Drill State Championships • State Fairgrounds • 2:00PM - 8:30PM

🏍️Cherry City Classic: Custom Motorcycle Show • State Fairgrounds • 10:00AM - 7:00PM

🎶Sam Girl Live Music • West Hills Vineyards • 5:00PM - 7:00PM

🍎Live Comedy: The Teacher Show • Infinity Room • Early Show 7:00PM • Late Show 9:00PM

🧑‍🎤Led Zepagain: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin • Elsinore Theatre • 7:30PM

👾Bit Brigade Performs "Super Mario World" + "F-Zero" LIVE • Historic Grand Theatre • 8:00PM

🌃I GOT A FEELING: Playing Your iPod's Best Hits • Side Hustle Bar • 10:00PM - 2:00AM

Sunday, March 23

🏍️Cherry City Classic: Custom Motorcycle Show • State Fairgrounds • 10:00AM - 3:00PM

🎼The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra • Elsinore Theatre • 2:30PM

Monday, March 24

🎴Noche de Loteria • Xicha Brewing North • 6:30PM - 8:00PM

Thursday, March 27

☕Emerging Leaders Coffee Social Hosted by Cubicle to CEO • Salon Abode • 8:30AM - 10:00AM • FREE

🧪Salem Talks Science's First Science Pub • Venti’s Cafe + Beer Vault • 6:30PM • FREE 

Discover More Events: Check out EVERYTHING happening this week on our BRAND NEW event calendar right here.

🐶🐶PETS OF THE WEEK: Guapo & Hyiino

Meet Guapo & Hyiino! This dynamic duo isn’t just family—they’re guardians, best friends, and the heart of their home. Hyiino (right), a true protector, has saved lives and shown the meaning of unconditional love, while Guapo (left) follows suit as the perfect partner-in-crime. With loyalty, training, and a whole lot of love, these two keep their home safe and their human feeling blessed.

Monte Carlo is looking for Salem Talent!

As businesses increasingly rely on data to power digital products and drive better decision-making, it’s mission-critical that this data is accurate and reliable. Monte Carlo, the data reliability company, is the creator of the industry’s first end-to-end Data Observability platform. Named an Inc. Best Workplace for 2024, a DBTA Readers Choice for Best Data Observability Solution for 2024, a G2 Best Product for 2023, and the “New Relic for data” by Forbes, we’ve raised $236M from Accel, ICONIQ Growth, GGV Capital, Redpoint Ventures, IVP, and Salesforce Ventures. Monte Carlo works with data-driven companies like Fox, Pepsico, Amazon, American Airlines, and other leading enterprises to help them achieve trust in data.

Click below to learn more about each role:

Do you have positions you need to fill in your business? We can help.

Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Email our relationship expert, [email protected]

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