By Laura Tesler - Special to Salem Reporter
Laura Tesler has lived in Salem, Oregon for 20 years and is originally from Flint, MI. Laura has been an underwater photographer for 15 years, and is an avid scuba diver. Topside, she has been taking photographs since age 12, and currently works on assignment for the Salem Reporter, and full time purchasing land for fish and wildlife habitat in the Willamette Valley. Laura attended Oregon State University, and has traveled extensively all over the world and the United States.
STATE FAIR: Time for some rodeo
STATE FAIR: Fast horses, mean bulls and tough cowgirls made for an entertaining show at the Oregon State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24. The show came as part of fair admission.
STATE FAIR: Fancy horses, fancy riders
STATE FAIR: They ride until they fall or the bull quits. The Jaripeo Espectacular at the Oregon State Fair exhibited Mexican bull riding, fancy horse moves and dancing.
PHOTOS: Hoopla 2024 fills Salem streets with basketball
Athletes and spectators filled Salem for the 25th year of Hoopla.
PHOTOS: Ironman 70.3 athletes return to Salem for 2024 race
Canadian triathletes Luke Tasker and Maia Watson won this year's Ironman 70.3 in Salem.
PHOTOS: Family Day at the Marion County Fair
Award-winning creations at the Marion County Fair included an expertly-decorated lemon cheesecake and a Lego recreation of Crater Lake.
In far eastern Oregon, a small town puts on a patriotic show for the Fourth of July
AROUND OREGON: A small town along the Oregon Trail puts on a big show for the Fourth of July holiday. Events in Vale, near the Idaho border, included a pancake breakfast, a quilt show and four days of rodeo.
PHOTOS: Dragon boats take to the river at World Beat
More than 600 dragon boat racers made a splash at the World Beat Festival over the weekend, with community teams raising thousands for local charities.
PHOTOS: World Beat brings fire dance, music and celebration from across the world
Salem's annual multicultural festival put Ukraine on display while celebrating artists, dancers and cultural activities from around the world.
PHOTOS: Tibetan monks visit Salem on peace, healing tour
Buddhist monks from Gaden Shartse Monastic University presented a "Ceremony of Light" Thursday at Unity of Salem.
PHOTOS: Make Music Day fills Salem with sound
Bands took to makeshift stages on street corners, in gardens and outside restaurants Friday across Salem.