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Halloween Events at Preserve Oregon in Salem: Coloring Contest, Pumpkin Carving and Vendor Days

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Halloween is a big deal at both Preserve Oregon locations this year. If you are looking for Halloween events in Salem, Oregon, Preserve is hosting three things through the end of October: a coloring contest, a staff pumpkin carving contest that customers get to vote on, and vendor events at both stores on October 30 and 31.

This guide covers the dates, the prizes, how each event works and what to know before you visit. Preserve is an adults-only retailer, and its stores admit customers who are 21 or older, or OMMP cardholders who are 18 or older.

Quick answer: what Halloween events is Preserve Oregon hosting in Salem? Preserve is running a coloring contest and a staff pumpkin carving contest from now through October 31, with winners announced on Monday, November 2. Vendor events take place at both Salem locations on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31.

Halloween Events at Preserve Oregon at a Glance

EventDatesWhereWinners announced
Coloring ContestNow through Saturday, October 31Both Salem locationsMonday, November 2
Staff Pumpkin Carving ContestNow through Saturday, October 31Both Salem locationsMonday, November 2
Vendor EventsFriday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31Both Salem locationsNot applicable

Both stores are open daily from 8am to 10pm. South Commercial is at 1201 Commercial Street SE, and North Liberty is at 2820 Liberty Street NE.

Preserve Oregon Coloring Contest

The coloring contest runs from now through October 31. It is open at both Salem locations, and the prizes are designed so each store has its own winner as well as a shared grand prize.

Coloring Contest Prizes

  • Most Creative, one winner at each location: each of the two winners receives a $25 gift card.
  • Best Overall, one winner from all entries combined: the grand prize winner receives a $50 gift card.

How Winners Are Chosen

Preserve staff vote on all three winners. The two Most Creative winners and the Best Overall winner will be announced on Monday, November 2.

How to Enter

Ask the team at either South Commercial or North Liberty for entry details when you stop by. Entries are collected through October 31, so you have until Halloween to finish your piece.

Staff Pumpkin Carving Contest

The staff pumpkin carving contest is a fun twist because the people behind the counter are the contestants. Staff members turn in a carved pumpkin, and customers decide which one wins.

How Customer Voting Works

  • Customers can vote once per day through October 31.
  • Voting runs at both locations, so you can check out the entries each time you visit.
  • One winning staff member is chosen from the entries across both locations.
  • The winner will be announced on Monday, November 2.

Because you can vote once a day, regular visitors get several chances to weigh in. If you want to know who is behind the pumpkins, you can meet the people on the Meet the Staff page.

Vendor Events on October 30 and 31

Preserve is also hosting vendor events at both Salem locations on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31. Vendor events typically give customers a chance to meet the brands behind products on the shelf, ask questions and learn about what is new. Offerings and availability vary by vendor, so check with the team at the store for specifics.

South Commercial Vendor Schedule (1201 Commercial St SE)

DateTimeVendor
Friday, October 3011AM to 2PMHigher Cultures
Friday, October 3012PM to 4PMPerfectly Mixed Bakery (homemade cinnamon rolls and more)
Friday, October 304PM to 6PMSTiCKs
Saturday, October 3112PM to 2PMWillamette Valley Alchemy
Saturday, October 314PM to 8PMRollin’ on a Crumb (cookies)

North Liberty Vendor Schedule (2820 Liberty St NE)

DateTimeVendor
Friday, October 301PM to 3PMSTiCKs
Friday, October 303PM to 6PMHigher Cultures
Friday, October 306PM to 9PMRollin’ on a Crumb
Saturday, October 311PM until sold outDirty Dogs Hot Dogs
Saturday, October 312PM to 4PMKaprikorn (Oregon Craft Cannabis)
Saturday, October 312PM to 4PMWillamette Valley Alchemy

Schedules are as shown on the event flyers and may change, so confirm with the store before you go.

To see which brands Preserve works with year-round, browse the vendors page.

Plan Your Visit

Here is how to make the most of Halloween week at Preserve:

  • Bring valid ID. Every customer is checked at the door.
  • Visit more than once. Pumpkin votes reset daily, so each visit counts.
  • Check the menu first. The Commercial Street menu and the Liberty Street menu show what is in stock. Availability may vary.
  • Watch for deals. Preserve’s daily deals rotate by category and by day.
  • Pick the closer store. The areas served page explains which neighborhoods each location serves.

Halloween Season Timeline

Keeping the key dates in one place makes planning easier.

DateWhat happens
Now through Saturday, October 31Coloring contest entries are collected at both locations
Now through Saturday, October 31Customers vote once per day on the staff pumpkins
Friday, October 30Vendor events at both Salem locations
Saturday, October 31Vendor events at both Salem locations, and the last day to enter and vote
Monday, November 2Coloring contest and pumpkin carving winners are announced

Because the contests end on Halloween itself, the best time to enter and vote is early. The final weekend will likely be the busiest, since it combines the vendor events with the last chance to take part.

Tips for Taking Part in the Coloring Contest

Staff pick the winners, so a little planning can help your entry stand out. Contest rules are set by Preserve, so ask the team at either store for the details before you start.

  • Aim for the “Most Creative” prize. Each location has its own winner, so your entry competes with the other entries at that store for the $25 gift card.
  • Think about the Best Overall prize. The $50 grand prize is chosen from every entry combined, so a standout piece can compete at both levels.
  • Finish early. Entries are collected through October 31, and the last weekend is a busy one.
  • Make it your own. Original color choices, patterns and details tend to catch the eye in a creative contest.
  • Ask about format. Check with staff about paper size, where to drop off your entry and any other requirements.

What to Expect at a Vendor Event

Vendor events give customers a chance to meet the people who make or represent the products they see on the shelf. They are a good opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed setting. Specific offerings differ by vendor and by day, so use these as general ideas rather than promises.

  • Product questions. Ask about how a product is made, what the label means and how it is best stored. Our guide to cannabis edibles in Salem is a helpful companion if you are new to edibles.
  • New releases. Vendors may highlight products that are new to the menu. Availability may vary, so check Preserve’s current menu.
  • Meeting the brands. Preserve works with a range of Oregon brands, and the vendors page shows who they are.
  • Timing. Vendor schedules can differ by store, so check which vendor is at which location before you go.

Each location hosts its own lineup (see the schedules above), so you may want to visit both. South Commercial and North Liberty are in different parts of Salem, and the areas served page explains who each store is closest to.

Why Community Events Matter at a Local Dispensary

Preserve has hosted community events before, including its annual neighborhood clean-up days in Salem. Halloween events fit the same idea: a dispensary is a neighborhood business, and events give customers and staff a chance to connect beyond a purchase. Contests like these let customers weigh in, meet the team and enjoy the season together. You can follow all current and upcoming events on the events page.

A Responsible Halloween

Halloween is a good moment to remember a few safety basics:

  • Keep cannabis away from kids. Edibles can look like candy, so keep them in their original child-resistant packaging and well away from trick-or-treat candy. Our guide to cannabis edibles in Salem has more on choosing and handling edibles.
  • Do not use in public. Oregon law prohibits using cannabis in public places, and a violation is a Class B violation. Celebrate at home or on private property where it is allowed.
  • Never drive impaired. Plan a ride ahead of time if you will be using cannabis.
  • Protect pets. Cannabis products can be dangerous for pets, so keep all products, including edibles, out of reach. If a pet eats cannabis, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison hotline right away.
  • Store products securely. Keep products in a locked box or a high cabinet, especially if guests or children will be in your home.
  • Start low and go slow. Effects vary from person to person, and this article is not medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the Preserve Oregon Halloween contests?

The coloring contest and the staff pumpkin carving contest both run now through October 31. Winners are announced on Monday, November 2.

What are the coloring contest prizes?

Each location has one Most Creative winner, and each of those winners receives a $25 gift card. One Best Overall winner is chosen from all entries combined and receives a $50 gift card.

How does the pumpkin carving vote work?

Staff members turn in carved pumpkins, and customers can vote once per day through October 31. One winning staff member is chosen from both locations and announced on November 2.

Who picks the coloring contest winners?

Preserve staff vote on all three winners.

When are the vendor events?

Vendor events take place at both locations on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31.

Can I vote more than once in the pumpkin carving contest?

Yes, but only once per day. Customers can vote one time each day through October 31.

Do both locations have the same events?

The coloring contest and pumpkin carving contest are open at both locations, and vendor events take place at both stores on October 30 and 31. Each store has its own Most Creative coloring winner. Ask the team about details for the store you plan to visit.

Do I need to be 21 to visit Preserve?

Yes, customers must be 21 or older, or OMMP cardholders who are 18 or older, with valid ID.

Between the coloring contest, the staff pumpkin vote and the vendor events on October 30 and 31, there are plenty of reasons to stop by one of Preserve Oregon’s Salem locations this Halloween. Check the events page for updates, bring your ID and enjoy the season responsibly.

About the Author: Erica Plumb

Erica Plumb is an Oregon Cannabis Retailer, entrepreneur, and advocate for cannabis education. She is the co-owner of Preserve Oregon and has spent the last eight years serving Oregon's cannabis community through responsible retail and customer education.

See more about Erica Plumb