Good morning, Salem.

Salem residents can celebrate the holiday season with events this week including a Chemeketa Cellars wine tasting today from 6–8 p.m., a drive-thru light show opening Friday at the fairgrounds, and a family concert with an instrument petting zoo on Nov.

22–23 + holiday markets and a myth market offering crafts, music and workshops add more festive options.

On November 19, PacifiCorp announced a $150M settlement with 1,434 victims of the 2020 Labor Day Fires.

The settlement is part of 4,200 wildfire claims for $1.6B and comes as the company remains in legal battles with more than 3,000 plaintiffs.

Salem Center has partnered with Oregon robotics firm Daxbot to install security robots that will patrol the enclosed mall during open hours — alerting on-site staff if safety issues arise.

The robots are designed to greet shoppers and support human guards while maintaining a secure environment.

State economists expect Oregon to have a $63 million deficit in the two-year budget cycle ending in June despite receiving an extra $309.5 million in adjusted corporate tax receipts, but they warned that missing federal employment data from the shutdown — vital to revenue forecasts — adds uncertainty. Lawmakers and experts said future revenue forecasts will help refine state budget plans.

Salem-Keizer School District is launching an effort to persuade lawmakers and the Oregon Department of Education to fix a longstanding undercount of over 100,000 low-income students—an issue that could cost districts at least $290 million in vital funding.

Gov. Tina Kotek issued an executive order that will require state agencies to speed up clean energy projects and grid transmission upgrades to help cut greenhouse gas pollution, with agencies working together by September to propose policies for the Legislature in 2027—this order also calls for quarterly progress updates and faster permitting to secure federal tax credits for renewable energy projects. The plan aims to improve energy efficiency and support electrification efforts in the state.

Tarps were removed from the Gold Man statue at the Oregon State Capitol as part of the CAMS project — it was last gilded in 2000.

The refreshed figure now shows its new gold layer.

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.

GLOW Christmas Light Adventure

4:45-9 p.m. — Volcanoes Stadium — Admission starting at $14.99 — Experience a magical landscape with over a million lights and festive activities for the whole family.