First Wednesday Season Kick Off in Salem, Oregon

Organizers say the family friendly event has something for everyone.

Salem, Oregon keeps the lights on later than usual Wednesday for the kick off of the City's 1st Wednesday event.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Wednesday May 7th marks the season kick off for the eighth year Downtown Salem has celebrated First Wednesday. First Wednesday, organized by the downtown businesses and Go Downtown Salem! will be held each 1st Wednesday of the month throughout the year.

The theme of May’s event is "Downtown’s Blooming" reflecting not only the initial installation of beautiful hanging flower baskets but to also celebrate the new businesses, new business locations, and downtown development.

The festivities begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by First Wednesday’s Grand Marshal Gerry Frank and Mayor Janet Taylor. The ribbon cutting will take place at 189 Liberty Street NE at Brown’s Towne Lounge grand opening at 5:00 PM. Members of Sprague High School jazz ensemble will provide music.

The family friendly event has something for everyone. Shopping, dining, live music, and self guided art and historic walking tours. New this year, provided by Cherriots will be a "Downtown Shuttle Bus." The inaugural ride will begin at 5:15 PM at the corner of Liberty and Chemeketa and the first 50 riders will receive a First Wednesday souvenir.

In recognition of May is Preservation Month - “This Place Matters,” tours of downtown development projects will be conducted at the following locations; The Pacific Building 100 High St. SE, The Metropolitan at 160 Liberty St. NE, The Salem Art Building 155 Liberty St. NE. Information about The Rivers condominium project, currently under construction at 156 Front Street, can be found at the sales office at 425 Court Street.

Four main entertainment areas will be identified throughout the downtown district. Each month different local and regional entertainment will be scheduled. “Our goal is to help the Salem area talent get exposure and to help showcase the wonderful variety we have in our community. Let downtown be the stage for our performing arts, schools, individual musicians, artists, and actors,” says Suzi Bicknell Executive Director of Go Downtown Salem.

May music participants include:

Ray Rom Quintet: Tom Hallman, Bill Hughes, Paul Lafreniere, Ray Rom, and Roger Webster will perform classic jazz from the 50’s and 60’s.

Sprague Jazz Ensemble: a 20-member big band from Sprague High School will perform at the Equitable Center Plaza on High and Center St..

Maggie Felber and Dan Welin, will perform as a country duo with classics and contemporary selections. Rootvilla: A popular local band known for their rock and rock variations.

Stroll downtown there’s something “blooming” on every block. To list a few:

View the "Bromeliads and Brushes" Show at Elsinore Framing and Fine Art Gallery, sip chrysanthemum or smoked palm tea at Marco Polo, receive a complimentary Lily of the Valley at Heath Florist, visit artists in stores and on the street.

Shops and restaurants will be offering specials, the Wild Pear will be open for dinner exclusively for First Wednesday. Happy Hour starts early at 8:00 PM at Bentley’s Grill. Raks Sarama will perform tribal style belly dancing on Liberty and Chemeketa Street.

Stop by the information booth on Liberty and Court St. and learn more about the evenings-planned activities.

To find out more visit the First Wednesday web site at gofirstwednesday or call Suzi Bicknell at 503-480-1111.