Good morning, Salem.

Keizer Police announced that on May 17, River Road N will be closed to all traffic with northbound and southbound vehicles diverted for the KeizerFEST parade.

Festival organizers said the children's parade will start at 10:20 a.m. and the full parade at 10:30 a.m.—roads are expected to reopen around 12:30 p.m., with the four-day festival running from May 15 to May 18 at Keizer Rapids Park.

Salem police arrested a 25-year-old man on May 11 after he allegedly shot a 37-year-old man and broke into a home where he was found asleep—he is facing charges for attempted murder, assault, burglary and theft.

Fire prevention experts and the Oregon Department of Forestry warned residents to use caution when burning yard debris this spring after 32 escaped burns were reported on ODF-protected lands, nearly double the number from last year.

They recommend safe practices such as burning small piles with a 10-foot fuel-free buffer and keeping water handy—measures designed to reduce wildfire risks as conditions become drier.

The Keizer Police Department announced that River Rd. N. will be closed on Saturday, May 17th for the annual Keizer Iris Festival Parade, with Lockhaven Dr. N. closing at 6:45 a.m. for parade staging and detours set up from 9:45 a.m.—drivers are advised to follow the posted alternative routes until the streets reopen as the parade ends near Glynbrook St. N.

Former Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan must pay a $3,600 fine after an ethics investigation found she used her office to secure a lucrative consulting gig and claimed extra travel reimbursements—officials said she violated state rules.

She resigned in May 2023 and apologized at a meeting—saying her actions were indefensible.

Marion Berries, Salem’s new summer collegiate baseball team, have delayed their first home game due to construction delays at Willamette University’s baseball field bordering Bush’s Pasture Park—now set for June 23.

The team will begin their season with an away game on June 3 against the Ridgefield Raptors and will host over 30 games this summer.

Mexico in the Heart 2025

5-9 p.m. — Gerry Frank Amphitheater — Free entry — Celebrate Mexican culture with lively music, delicious food, and vibrant traditions.

Free Beginner ESL Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — A welcoming atmosphere to learn English as a second language with multilingual instruction.

The Outer Realms Art Market

11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Downtown Salem — Free entry — Celebrate community with local artists, authors, and practitioners at this vibrant three-day art market.

Paint and Sip Experience

3-5 p.m. — Honky Tonk Bar & Grill — $35 per person — Unleash your creativity with a fun painting class while enjoying a drink.

Memorial Day Weekend Vineyard Tours

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Willamette Valley Vineyards — Ticketed entry — Experience a curated wine tasting with live music in the scenic Salem Hills.

Memorial Day Weekend...Cuban Style! 2025

12-6 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Enjoy a festive Cuban-themed celebration with live music, food, salsa lessons, and raffles.

Bazooka Sharkz and Friends Live Show

7 p.m. — Blast Off Vintage — $10 — Experience a night of local punk and folk punk music with exciting performances from Salem's own Bazooka Sharkz and others.

ColorSync: The Integrative Art of Cut & Color Mastery

10 AM – 5 PM — Salon Abode — Lunch provided — Elevate your hair cutting and coloring techniques for impactful transformations.

Yoga and Wine Evening at Legacy Estate Vineyard

6-7 p.m. — Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a rejuvenating yoga class by the lake followed by wine and a picnic.

206 Tube Bending & Iso Drawing Class

2-6 p.m. — Local 290 Training CENTER SALEM — Free for members, $35 for travelers — Master essential tubing bending techniques in this hands-on class.