COMMUNITY, SALEM EVENTS

Reflections on the River, Walk-n-Wag slated for September

Willamette Vital Health will hold two events next month in city parks, where Salemites can celebrate lost loved ones and spend a morning by the river with their dogs. 

The nonprofit formerly known as Willamette Valley Hospice will hold its fifth annual “Reflections on the River” on Sept. 8, a free event intended for people to remember their loved ones who have died.

The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a 30-minute program at the Rotary Pavilion in Riverfront Park. A self-guided river walk will be open until 9 p.m. 

“Enjoy the luminaria-lit pathways of the park at your own pace while you take time to pause and reflect alongside live music. A labyrinth will also be included in this year’s event,” a press release said.

Those who attend can personalize a luminaria with their loved one’s name on it to help line the path.

Also slated for next month is the 10th annual Walk-n-Wag, Sept. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m at Minto-Brown Island Park.

“Dogs and their people of all ages will gather for a beautiful fall morning by the river with a pet-themed vendor village, fun activities, and prizes,” the press release said.

This year’s event will have an international border collie K-9 team demonstration, a local food truck and dog contests. 

You can register for $10 until Sept. 22 online and find a complete schedule for the Walk-n-Wag.

The event raises money for Willamette Vital Health’s Pet Peace of Mind and Grief Care programs, provides financial and personal support for pets of patients on hospice.

Find more information about Reflections on the River and the Walk-n-Wag online, or by calling 503.588.3600.

Contact reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian: [email protected] or 503-929-3053.

JUST THE FACTS, FOR SALEM – We report on your community with care and depth, fairness and accuracy. Get local news that matters to you. Subscribe to Salem Reporter starting at $5 a month. Click I want to subscribe!

Ardeshir Tabrizian has covered criminal justice and housing for Salem Reporter since September 2021. As an Oregon native, his award-winning watchdog journalism has traversed the state. He has done reporting for The Oregonian, Eugene Weekly and Malheur Enterprise.