Salem’s downtown alleys will get monikers during naming process. (Anna Smith/Salem Reporter)
Salem’s downtown alleyways are transformed every first Wednesday of the month, and visitors to tonight’s event will have a chance to help leave a lasting mark on the area.
Voting opens for six historic alley names today.
The Salem Main Street Association started the alley naming process earlier this summer and the public can vote until Sept. 4.
Jacqueline Heavey, chair of the design committee for the Salem Main Street Association, said there will be a booth near Sid’s Home Furnishings on 340 Court St. N.E. where people can vote. There will also be a binder full of the historical information that went into the name ideas.
During the input process, Heavey said two of the alleys didn’t get any suggestions so they’ll be called George Lai Sun Alley and Peppermint Flats Alley.
She said the city has been working with the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde to name a ninth alley later on.
READ: Downtown alleys will get historic monikers during naming process.
Electric Alley – bound by Commercial Street Northeast, Liberty Street Northeast, Court Street Northeast and Chemeketa Street Northeast — is one name in the hat, and a dance party is slated there tonight.
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The alley adjacent to Taproot Café and Lounge has four names up for a vote – Patton’s Alley, Spa Alley, Hops Alley or Salmon Alley.
Wild Pear Restaurant is hosting a tiki party in the soon-to-be named alley with live music, hula dancing and Hawaiian-themed food and drinks.
But the alleys aren’t the only thing with activities going on.
The Art Department on Commercial Street will have printmaking demonstrations in front of the store.
One block over, a Yoga + Beer class starts at 6 p.m. in Riverfront Park. There’s a suggested donation of $5. After the class, yogis will head to Noble Wave for refreshments.
The First Wednesday event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and provides opportunities to dance, drink and look at art.
Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.
