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And Salemtowne REALLY knows how to throw a party!
In August 1967, then-Senator Mark O. Hatfield spoke at the grand opening of our community. After the early 1970s, Salemtowne became known as a great volunteer community, even governed by a volunteer board of directors. These volunteers have passed on their community spirit and for the 40th birthday party, held on August 10-12, 2007, more than 325 residents worked on the celebration. There were 43 events that took place between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. all three days.
Planning for the party began almost three years ago and the events included tournaments for golf, bridge, pickle ball, cribbage, pool, and fun activities such as ladder ball, hole-in-one in the swimming pool, and a golf car obstacle timed competition. There was also a horse race, raffle, cake walk, 1967 trivia contest and bingo. The Saturday morning big event was a 45-minute long parade led by Salem Mayor Janet Taylor and Councilman Dan Clem. In the parade were clowns, music by the Keizer Community Band, many decorated golf carts, antique cars and veterans with many American flags. The kick-off for the parade was a fly-over by Dr. John Currie, flying a restored WW II biplane, once used to train Navy and Marine pilots.
Salemtowne volunteers didn't hesitate when asked to sponsor a pancake breakfast, two patio lunches, a continental breakfast, two potlucks and a spaghetti dinner! At this dinner, the residents were treated to wine tasting, violin dinner music, birthday cake and ice cream followed by the Salemtowne Players performing humorous skits based on Salemtowne history. The final event of the celebration was a band concert in the parking lot, where many residents danced while they watched an awesome sunset.
A time capsule has been filled with items accumulated over the first 40 years of Salemtowne's existence. We all wonder what Salemtowne residents of 2047 will think about their community's history. They will be hard-pressed to put on a better birthday celebration!
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View a photo album of the celebration here
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