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If your allergies have been brutal lately, I feel you!
Everything is blooming at once, and somehow the city still smells incredible after a sunny afternoon. This week’s Scoop leans fully into spring energy with peony gardens, outdoor music, food events, and plenty of reasons to stay out a little later than usual.
We’re especially excited about all the family-friendly stuff popping up around town this weekend. Scroll on and see you around.
🏗️ New groceries and housing for Salem
The Gist: Salem’s Urban Renewal Agency approved about $1.2 million in grants for two local projects. A $470,000 grant will help bring El Torito Supermarket into the former Rite Aid building at 435 Liberty St. NE, while $749,000 will support a new West Salem mixed-use project at 415 Moyer Lane NW with 32 housing units above ground-floor commercial space. The downtown grocery store is expected to open later this year.
Why It Matters: These projects touch on two things Salem residents have been talking about for years: the need for a downtown grocery option and more housing in West Salem. The grants help fill a long-empty storefront and support a project expected to bring more than $7 million in private investment to Moyer Lane, turning underused spaces into places people can actually shop, live, and gather.
🏰 A fond farewell to the Maker Of Magic: Roger Tofte
Photo from columbian.com
The Gist: Community members gathered at the Oregon State Fairgrounds on May 12 to honor Roger Tofte, the creator of Enchanted Forest, who passed away in February at age 96. Tofte spent years hand-building the Turner theme park, which opened on August 8, 1971, with 75 visitors on its first day and 1,000 the following Sunday. Today, three generations of the Tofte family continue to help carry the park forward.
Why It Matters: Roger Tofte turned a personal dream and bags of cement into one of Oregon’s most beloved landmarks. For generations of local families, Enchanted Forest has been tied to childhood memories, school trips, family outings, and that rare handmade magic you can still feel when you walk through the park. His legacy is a reminder of what persistence, imagination, and a whole lot of heart can build.
🌳 History, deep-fried pancakes, and chronic good vibes
356 State St, Salem
There’s no other place in Salem quite like Taproot. It’s a staple in an 1800s building where the menu is famously something-for-everyone.
Standouts like the elk burger and loaded biscuits (the country potatoes are a separate conversation) now sit alongside the new, gluten-free Forbidden Rice Salad with yams and fried garbanzos. It’s a live music hub that really hums; catch karaoke tonight or The Finn Yang Trio this Saturday.
Grab a mocktail, head to the dog-friendly patio, and lean into the long weekend.
🛼 High speed thrills in a warehouse
1335 Madison St NE, Salem
If you have never been to a Cherry City Roller Derby bout, this Memorial Day weekend is the time to fix that.
Their Madison Street warehouse, the MadHouse, hosts Petal to the Metal from May 22nd-24th. This annual juniors invitational draws nine teams from across the country for thirteen high-energy games. Since it is a member-owned nonprofit, your ticket helps fund local youth programs while you enjoy snacks and world-class athleticism.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🌸 Open House | Adelman Peony Gardens | Daily through 6/15 | More
Stroll through twenty-five acres of vibrant peak-season blooms and floral displays.
🍦 Ice Cream & Cheesecake Party | Chabad Center for Jewish Life | 05/22 | More
Dairy buffet with sweet treats following a traditional community Torah reading.
👑 Tween Drop-In Craft: Flower Crowns | Salem Public Library | 05/23 | More
Design and assemble botanical headwear using seasonal floral elements and wire.
🍓 Rogue Chocolate Strawberry Cup Day | Reed Opera House | 05/23 | More
Fresh Oregon strawberries layered with warm house-made bean-to-bar chocolate.
🎪 Salem Center Circus | South Building | 05/23 | More
Big-top excitement featuring stilt walkers, magicians, and interactive acrobatics.
🧺 Memorial Day Weekend - Salem Family Day | Riverfront Park | 05/24 | More
Community picnic featuring lawn games, food trucks, and riverfront connection.
🧤 No-Ivy League Volunteer Event | Secor Park | Salem | 05/21 | More
Join the Sunnyslope NA to remove invasive ivy and restore local parkland.
🤠 Dug Cox & SmokeWagon | The Pink Elephant | 05/23 | More
Live country performance starting at 10 p.m. (21+ show)
🎸 Memorial Weekend Music Series | Cória Estates | 05/23–05/25 | More
Three days of live music on the hill with panoramic valley views and wine flights.
🍷 Memorial Day Weekend + Chardonnay Festival | Willamette Valley Vineyards | 05/23–25 | More
Elevated tasting of five estate specials paired with seasonal culinary bites.
🎖️ Memorial Day Services around Salem | Various Locations | 05/25 | More
Honoring local veterans with solemn community gatherings and ceremonies.
🏛️ Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony | Capitol State Park | 05/25 | More
The official state tribute featuring a color guard and wreath laying.
🍕 Woodfired Wednesday | RH Estate Wines | Salem | 05/27 | More
Woodenheart Pizza Truck serves fresh pies at the winery from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
