Salem was aglow as folkloric dancers performed, musicians played and Santa joined Mayor Julie Hoy to light a Christmas tree.
Dancers line up in front of the Capitol for the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)The Spring Valley Fire Department came decked out for the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)Girl Scouts march in the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)A firefighter hands out candy during the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)Spectators on Court Street line up for the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)The McKay High School marching band performs in the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)Buddy the Elf delights the crowd at the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)Cyclists in the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)Folkloric dancers perform at the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)A fire truck decked out for the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)The North Salem High School marching band performs at the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)Mayor Julie Hoy and Santa prepare to light a Christmas tree downtown after the downtown Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)The Christmas tree is illuminated following the Salem Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2025. (RON COOPER/Salem Reporter)
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Photographer Ron Cooper and his wife Penny moved to Salem in 1969 to take a job as photographer at the Oregon Statesman (later the Statesman Journal). Their three children, Monica, Kimberly, and Christopher, attended and graduated from Salem public schools. Cooper retired from the Statesman Journal in 2001 but, has continued his passion for photography in many ways, including as a photographer for the Salem Reporter.
