(Illustration by Anna CK Smith/Special to Salem Reporter)
It’s that time of year again. 4-H and FFA kids will show off their livestock, the rodeo’s in town, and giddy kids will rush toward carnival rides at Oregon State Fairgrounds.
The Marion County Fair runs from July 11 to 14.
Saturday is the rough stock rodeo with barrel racing, bull riding and saddle bronc riding starting at 6 p.m.
Ticket prices vary depending on age and day. Kids and seniors typically cost $5 and adults cost $9. More info can be found at fair’s website. 2330 17th St. N.E.
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A girl receives a letter asking her to be on the first manned mission to Mars in Emily Golden’s play “Bethany Sees the Stars.” The Theatre 33 production allows audiences to participate in feedback after the show.
Golden said the play is about friendship and making decisions about whether or not to stay in one place. She said she drew inspiration from walking around every night to view Colorado’s starry night skies after moving to the state without knowing many people.
The play runs from July 10 to 13 and shows start at 7 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. showing on July 13 and 14 at the Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University located at 289 12th St SE. Admission is free with a $10 suggested donation. More info can found on Theatre 33’s website or by calling 971-599-1029.
John Ritter will give a lecture at the Deepwood Museum and Gardens about Salem’s secret history (courtesy Ron Cooper)
Hear about Salem’s secret history when historian John Ritter gives a lecture at the Deepwood Museum and Gardens Friday. Ritter will tell stories of Salem’s opium dens and underground tunnels.
Ritter said Salem was like the Wild West during the period of time he’ll be talking about – the 1880s to 1920s. One of story is of two men who had a gunfight, both shooting and killing each other, outside a bar that is now the Governor’s Cup.
Tickets cost $20 per person and can be purchased online. The event starts at 6 p.m. in the covered court area at 1116 Mission St. S.E.
River Rock Salem has its third and final night Friday with John Splithoff and special guest Edna Vazquez at the Riverfront Park amphitheatre.
Tickets for the show cost $25 online plus fees, $30 the day of the show. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and shows begin at 7 p.m. 200 Water St. N.E.
Grab your Hawaiian shirts and sandals Friday and head to Kraftworks Taphouse to tiki party for a cause.
The tiki-themed event will offer raffle items and prizes for best dressed. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Salem that cares for injured or orphaned animals.
The night will also include drink specials and tropical music by DJ PAHNJ. Cover is $6 after 8 p.m. More info can be found on Facebook. 241 Liberty St. N.E.
The dancing doesn’t stop on Friday. Capital Cantina is holding “Chile Nights,” a modern dance night with Latin, hip hop and reggaeton music. After some dancing you can fuel up on tacos and win raffles prizes. The event starts at 9 p.m. 1486 Hawthorne Avenue N.E. More info can be found on Facebook.
Saturday
Watch your favorite family-friendly movies on a 24-foot screen in the park this summer. Salem’s Movies in the Park series starts up with the animated film “Ralph Breaks the Internet” this Saturday. The movie starts at 9 p.m. in the Riverfront Park amphitheater. 200 Water St. N.E. More info can be found at the movies in the park website.
Rock the Cask Bar at Santiam Brewing Saturday for its annual anniversary party celebrating the brewery’s 2012 founding. There will be dozens of local beers and ciders, as well as food and a kid’s play area.
Live music starts at 2:30 p.m. with the High Deductibles, followed by Gabe Cox and ending the night with JFK at 10:30 p.m. 2544 19th St. S.E.
Sunday
See the honky tonk man himself Sunday when Dwight Yoakam plays the Elsinore Theatre. Yoakam has sold millions of albums worldwide with hits like “Guitars, Cadillacs” and “Fast as You.” Americana folk band Me&You open the night.
Tickets cost between $48 to $98 and can be purchased online. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. More info can be found on the Elsinore’s website.
Sunday fair goers will have the opportunity to witness the Marion County Trashion Show. The show promotes waste reductions through thoughtfully reusing materials. Participants use their design skills to create and exhibit a recycled garment. Best in show will win a $250 prize.
Oregon State Fairgrounds 2330 17th St. N.E. On Sunday, tickets cost $9 for adults, $5 for seniors and are free for kids 11 and under. More info can found at Marion County’s website.
Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.
