The Santiam Canyon communities have been honored by Travel Salem at the agency’s annual award program.
Canyon residents and officials were singled out for being the “most resilient” part of Oregon, based on the region’s recovery work after the 2020 Labor Day wildfires.
Travel Salem cited “ongoing efforts in the face of what at times looks like unsurmountable odds following the fires. But time again, the people and leadership in these communities proved these odds wrong as they continue to fight and rebuild their lives.”
On hand for the May 12 event in Salem were mayors Jim Trett of Detroit, Ron Carmickle of Gates and Tim Kirsch of Mill City as well as Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell.
Bethell, in her remarks, noted the “never give up spirit that achieved the remarkable levels of recovery in the Santiam Canyon.”
The event also acknowledged the first-responders, members of the business community, city and county and state officials and residents at-large for the roles they have played.
