Good morning, Salem.

Communities across the Mid-Valley are planning holiday parades, tree lightings—and light displays in Salem, Keizer and other nearby towns.

Several free or low-cost events are scheduled from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31 and will feature festive activities, local vendors and family fun.

Salem Center mall added a new Daxbot security robot on November 17 and it will soon patrol Pringle Parkade (official sources confirm) to boost safety for shoppers.

The Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public feedback on a plan to gradually lower Detroit Reservoir starting late 2026 to reduce sediment risks to Salem’s drinking water supply — comments will be accepted until Dec.

29. City officials are reviewing the revised plan while new backup water sources are being readied for summer 2026.

A 2025 count found that the Mid-Willamette Valley hit record levels of homelessness with 2,154 people without stable housing in Marion and Polk counties.

Local agencies and government spent millions on shelters and related services while funding cuts for prevention left the system stretched—raising serious concerns for those in the community.

Oregon Rep. Annessa Hartman announced Tuesday she was diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical cancer and will begin treatment at Oregon Health & Science University the first week of December—she said she will continue serving in her state House role and keep her campaign for the Clackamas County Commission seat.

Lancaster Family Health Center Flu Clinic

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — Free — Help fight off the flu with a timely in-and-out trip to the clinic.

Dareyes DLS and Friends Live Concert

7-10 PM — The Pavilion — $10 parking — Experience an energetic night of regional music with top performers including Dareyes DLS and Cuisillos.

DAWN at the World Beat Holiday Market

11 AM – 6 PM — Willamette Heritage Center — Free entry — Experience DAWN at the festive World Beat Holiday Market.

Lancaster Family Health Center Flu Vaccine Clinic

2-6 p.m. — Lancaster Family Health Center at Lancaster — Insurance accepted — Help fight off the flu with a timely in-and-out trip to the clinic.

Infant/Toddler Storytime

11:00–11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes perfect for little ones up to 2 ½ years old with their grownups.

Salem Run'ucopia Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

9:10 a.m. — Riverfront City Park — Registration available until Thanksgiving morning — Participate in a community-run event to celebrate the holiday spirit.

Magic at the Mill

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM — Willamette Heritage Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical holiday lights festival with entertainment, markets, and Santa visits.

GLOW Christmas Light Adventure

4:45-9 p.m. — Volcanoes Stadium — Admission starting at $14.99 (+ fees) — Experience a whimsical search-and-find adventure amidst over a million twinkling lights and festive holiday scenes.

Santa Paws Photo Event for Project POOCH

12-4 p.m. — Rogue Salem Public House — Donations welcomed — Capture festive moments with your dog while supporting a great cause.

Holiday Author Meet & Greet

1-4 p.m. — Barnes & Noble — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with signed copies of the Alex McKenna series featuring ghosts, witches, and paranormal adventures.