Comic Art Expo Brings Cosplay, Photo Ops, and More

Make your voice be heard at Oregon’s Capital. Take part in Mid Valley’s largest Comic Art Expo. Registration is now open for the Salem Art Fair in May, and Western Oregon University will host its fourth annual Hispanic-Serving Institution Summit. You’re watching the “Local News Roundup,” brought to you by Physical Therapy Project. I’m Connor Shreve. Thousands of residents from throughout the state have arrived at the Capitol to testify about changes for ammunition capacity for firearms, real estate contracts, and licensing agreements, rights for workers of several unions, and other legislation. To register to speak on a topic, submit written testimony, or view previous testimonies, visit the Oregon State Legislature website. The Mid Valley Comic Art Expo, Salem’s Premiere Pop Culture and Comics Event, is April 5th and 6th at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. The expo features artists, vendors, panels, photo opportunities, cosplay contests, and more. Active military veterans and children under 12 receive free admission. Discounted tickets are available online until the end of today, April 3rd. For tickets in a full event schedule, visit the Mid Valley Comic Art Expo website. The Salem Art Fair and Festival seeks applications for vendors, performers, and artists. The food vendor application deadline is Friday, April 25th, while community performer and artist applications are due in May and June. Now in its 76th year, the festival is one of the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, drawing artists from across the United States and attracting about 19,000 attendees annually. The 2025 festival will be September 12th through 14th at Bush’s Pasture Park. Application fees and requirements may apply. For more information, you can visit the Salem Art Fair and Festival website. For the past three years, Western Oregon University in Monmouth has hosted a summit to inspire collaboration and new ideas to support students. Professor of Equity and Justice in Education, Gina Ann Garcia from the University of California, Berkeley will be this year’s keynote speaker. She plans to shed light on chances to improve educational opportunities for Latine students. The event explains the need to cultivate community with all cultures, but especially within the Hispanic community. Hispanic students represent nearly 1/4 of WOU’s population. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on registration, free parking, the summit’s schedule, and discounted rates on lodging, head to the WOU website for details. You can learn more about these and other stories online at midvalleylocal.news. Thanks for watching this edition of the “Local News Roundup.” I’m Connor Shreve.