Admission is free, but a recommended donation of $3 or three cans of food will benefit the Marion-Polk Food Share. Their goal is to raise $100,000 and 100,000 pounds of food, as last August the nonprofit came close to running out of resources.

"We see this [event] as a really important part of aiding that need," Go Downtown Salem Executive Director Suzi Bicknell said.

On August 9 and 10, blocks of downtown will be closed to host the event. While streets will be closed, businesses will be open and sidewalks clear for guests to shop and dine. Street closures will occur on Liberty Street between State and Chemeketa Streets, and Court Street between High and Commercial Streets.

Court Street will feature Family Village, an area for kids and families to convene. A sand area will be present, with A.C. Gilbert House and the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation providing events. Many other organizations will have booths set up such as Cherriots, the Lions Club, and the local Sheriff's office.

Artist vendors will have tents set up and three stages will be erected for the 25 bands scheduled to perform throughout the weekend. Large tents with chairs inside will be available near the stage to provide shade for onlookers. A food and wine pavilion will be located on the south end of Liberty Street. Fourteen local vineyards have contributed their wines along with food from Jonathan's, Coffee House Cafe, Brown's Towne Lounge, and others to offer a large, local selection for participants.

A short walk to Riverfront Park will take you to a car show scheduled Saturday from 12 - 4 p.m. Admission for this show is 10 cans of food.

Labor day -- the perfect day for an open house
Many vineyards and wineries in the Willamette Valley are opening their doors to commemorate the cessation of summer this Labor Day weekend. From August 30 through September 1, local wine tasting will be offered with an array of festivities during a weekend of open house events. Here are three options for Oregon wine drinkers or any adult who seeks respite before the school year begins.

Cubanisimo Vineyards, located in Northwest Salem, hosts its 2nd Annual Labor Day Weekend Celebration. As always, the experience will feature a uniquely Cuban style. The event will run 12 - 5 p.m. each day. Music, tapas, salsa lessons and dancing will be part of the celebration for a $10 entry fee. Tapas may be purchased for $5.

Cherry Hill Winery, located in Rickreall, will present an offering of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir Dry Rose for wine tasting where a selection of hors d'oeuvres will be offered. A tasting fee of $10 toward purchase of wine will be required. The tasting room will be open from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Redhawk Winery and Vineyard, also located in Northwest Salem, hosts its own version from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. with wine tasting, food, and live music for guests. A $10 fee will include tri-tip BBQ, grilled Italian sausage, pasta salad, cheese, crackers, pâtés, and more. The wine selection will include new releases including the 2007 Dolcetto.

Live music is set to accompany the food and wine selections each of the three days. Mitch Lie Duo will perform original songs and covers on Saturday, Joni Harms will bring her country western songs to the vineyard Sunday, and Marci Curtis will close the event with her bluesy jazz music.

Special pricing will be offered on many wines, plus each guest will receive a Redhawk wine glass.

Go west, young man
In its fourth installment, West Fest returns to West Salem. Presented by West Salem Business Association, it is proclaimed to be the largest community event in West Salem.
Held at the Wallace Marine Park Sports Complex with free admission, sandwiches, concessions and wine along with salmon barbecue will be available for purchase. Musical entertainment will be brought to the Festival by Quicksilver Messenger Service and It's a Beautiful Day, performing their signature `70s rock.

Changes to this year's event, according to the West Salem Business Association, may include a parking shuttle for offsite parking, traffic control, and more of food and beverages options available in the concert viewing area.

Gates open at 5 p.m. with the event beginning at 7 p.m.