Good morning, Salem.

Tomorrow, the Oregon State Fair will open at the Salem fairgrounds for 11 days of rides, food, and family events—its 160th year featuring 30 new food vendors, a dedicated kiddy rides area and 12 new carnival rides spread across 185 acres.

Salem’s Center 50+ received a $2.7m grant from Mountain West Center for Community Excellence to expand its services, add 2,000 volunteers, and launch a mobile food cart in September to serve more seniors living in mobile home parks+ The center will use the funds for building improvements and long-term planning as it works to double its outreach to 30,000 seniors each year.

A rush hour crash closed both lanes on Highway 22 between Salem and Bend, but the eastbound lane reopened at milepost 27 at 6 p.m. on Aug.

20—ODOT warned that the closure may extend and advised drivers to use alternate routes.

A car crashed into Salem’s Eye Professionals office on August 18th at 11:44 p.m.—causing $20,000 in damage and leading the Salem Fire Department to stabilize the two-story brick building—while no one was inside at the time.

Six new stores opened at Woodburn Premium Outlets today—these include a French bakery, a luxury watchmaker, a jewelry store, a Mediterranean cafe, a clothing retailer and a toy store—all operating during regular hours at 1001 Arney Road NE in Woodburn.

This week in Salem, the Oregon State Fair runs from Friday through Labor Day at the fairgrounds offering rides, concerts and food, and Retro Fest brings classic cover bands to Riverfront Park over three days.

Additional events include open garden tours featuring String Theory on Saturday, comedy at Grand Theatre and a 10-year celebration at RiverCity Rock Star Academy on Sunday—zucchini races take place on Monday at Willamette University.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and the attorneys general and governors of 18 states filed a lawsuit in Eugene against the U.S. Department of Energy to challenge a 10% cap on indirect costs for sustainable energy projects + the suit warns that this rule could result in job cuts and halted projects.

During a Wednesday morning session at 440 Church St. S.E., homeless advocates said more public toilets and trash cans would improve downtown cleanliness and support seniors and people with disabilities.

City councilors acknowledged funding is limited and said they will discuss budget proposals and programs on Sept. 15—balancing service needs with public safety—while cautioning that added amenities might enable homelessness.

The All-American Rejects Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — L.B. Day Amphitheater — Part of Columbia Bank Concert Series — Enjoy a night of nostalgia with The All-American Rejects at the Oregon State Fair.

Train Stop Workshops: Dance and Derby

9:15 a.m.–8 p.m. — Cherry City Roller Derby — Promo code available — Learn dance skating skills and enhance roller derby footwork with Freight Train.

Paint Night at Vortex Eatery & Taphouse

6-8 p.m. — Vortex Eatery + Taphouse — Food and drink available for purchase — Unleash your creativity while sipping and painting in a fun atmosphere.

Pinot & Pizza Event

12-6 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Enjoy fresh pizza and Pinot Noir in a scenic setting with live music.

Dylan Scott Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Cost TBD — Experience the powerful vocals and heartfelt songs of Curb Records artist Dylan Scott.

Banda Los Sebastianes Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Free entry — Experience the lively sounds of Banda Los Sebastianes at the Columbia Bank Concert Series during the Oregon State Fair.

The Beach Boys Concert

4-9:30 p.m. — The Pavilion — Cost info not available — Experience over six decades of musical brilliance from The Beach Boys.

Tropical Treasures: Paper Art Exhibition by Eileen Downes

5-8 p.m. — Stefani Art Gallery — Free entry — Explore vibrant collages that transform torn paper into tropical dreams and hidden stories.

Boot Scoot and Brew Music Festival

11 a.m.-10 p.m. — Salem Riverfront Park Amphitheater — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy a full day of music featuring the Catnip Brothers and more.

Wine & Yoga Experience

6-8 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a relaxing yoga class with mountain views followed by a beverage.