Salem-News.com Holiday articles Page 24

Keizer, Oregon State Fire Officials` Holiday Home Safety Tips

Decorative lights, candles and Christmas trees can become fire hazards this time of year.

(SALEM) - There is never a good time for a family to suffer the ravages of fire. But the holidays are especially tragic time to have a fire in the home.

The displacement from the home, loss of gifts just purchased or received make a fire during the Christmas season all the more tragic.

To help families enjoy a happy holiday season Keizer Fire District spokesman Jim Trett and Oregon State Fire Marshall Nancy Orr are offering these safety tips as you decorate for the holidays.

Choose a fresh tree:
When choosing your Christmas Tree be sure to look for one without shedding needles. Check your tree frequently to be sure it is not becoming too dry.

Santa Central to Spread Cheer to Foster Children in Marion and Polk Counties

Increasing numbers of children are being rescued from meth houses as a result of anti-methamphetamine initiatives by law enforcement and the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

(SALEM) - The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Marion Polk Foster Parents Association, announces the start of the annual “Santa Central” program.

Dallas Children’s Halloween Parade Set

The event is a safe and fun way for kids to trick-or-treat.

(DALLAS) - The Dallas Children’s Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treat is Tuesday, October 31st.

Participating Dallas businesses welcome young monsters, maidens, witches and all other costumed characters to trick-or-treat while they parade around the Polk County Courthouse Lawn.

Last year over 200 kids, parents, and even a few dogs participated in the event.

Corvallis Library, Senior Center Offering Halloween Events

Events offer kids, parents, and seniors a frighteningly good time.

(CORVALLIS) - Children ages two through ten and their adult companions are invited to dress in their costumes and join the fun at the Corvallis-Benton County Library’s annual Halloween Party on October 31st from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the Library’s parking garage, 645 NW Monroe.

Children will play games, enjoy Halloween songs, eat healthy snacks and win trinkets.

Make Safety Top Priority In Halloween Preparations

With Halloween just around the corner, parents are reminded to be extra careful if their children will be trick-or-treating in neighborhood streets.

(SALEM) - “Pedestrian traffic fatalities are a great risk for children everyday, and during Halloween, the threat increases four-fold,” said AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Elliott Eki. “Some Halloween masks and costumes make it difficult for children to see and to be seen, so parents must focus on safety when preparing their ghosts and goblins for trick-or-treating.”

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, October 29th, so night skies will darken an hour earlier. Darkness, the increased number of children on the streets and motorists can create a dangerous combination. To help reduce risks for young pedestrians, AAA suggests these basic Halloween safety tips for motorists, parents and trick-or-treaters.

Jefferson Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch - Family Fall Fun

If you’re looking for some fall entertainment for your family, the Great Oregon Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze will delight old and young alike.

(JEFFERSON) - The Great Oregon Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Company in Jefferson was established in 2004 and provides family focused entertainment. The farm is owned and operated by Iverson Family Farms.

Iverson Family Farms is a diversified agricultural operation. They cultivate a variety of crops on their 3000 acres. Crops include grass seed, vegetables, tulips and daffodils.

Iverson Family Farms has also presented the Woodburn Tulip Festival for 21 years. The Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze is their specialty. The pumpkin patch and corn maze brought in approximately four thousand visitors in 2004 and ten thousand in 2005.

Ho Ho Ho: Oregon Still The Leading Producer of Christmas Trees

92 percent of all Oregon Christmas trees leave the state, with the number one export market being Mexico.

(SALEM) - Results of a new survey confirm that Oregon is tops when it comes to growing Christmas trees:

"We are the big player both domestically and internationally. It's not surprising to see that Oregon is still number one and growing. So, getting bigger all the time."

Bryan Ostlund of the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Growers Association says the survey- done every two years- helps the industry make proper planting decisions based on supply and demand.

Large Labor Day Boating Crowds, Caution Urged

(SALEM) - Labor Day weekend is one of the top three boating weekends of the year at many Oregon waterbodies, and the Oregon State Marine Board warns boaters to be cautious where it's congested.

"Labor Day typically marks the end of the boating season and boaters will need to be courteous and patient in heavily used areas." says Ashley Massey, Public Affairs Specialist for the Marine Board. "There are plenty of great places to boat this holiday and we hope people get out and enjoy it *safely."

Marine officers will be out in force to assist boaters and keep the waterways safe. "The top violations this summer involve life jackets, boater education cards, boater registration, boat speed and alcohol," says Massey. She suggests the following checklist to stay safe and legal this Labor Day weekend:

The Fourth of July 2006 Fun Facts

(SALEM) - On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, starting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation.

As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

Here are some fun facts for you and your family about the 4th of July…..

Be Aware! Lockhaven Drive N Temporary Lane Closure July 4th

(KEIZER) - The Keizer Police Department wants you to Be Aware! of a temporary lane closure on July 4th.

The 2006 Independence Day Parade will begin at 10:00 AM on Lockhaven Drive N from McNary High School. The parade will travel eastbound on Lockhaven and continue southbound on River Road N.

The parade will turn eastbound on Sam Orcutt Way NE and then disband in the BI-Mart and adjacent parking lots.

The eastbound lane of Lockhaven Drive N between McNary High School and River Road will be closed briefly at 10:00 AM.