Good morning, Grand Junction.

This holiday season, locals are urged to support Main Street by shopping on Small Business Saturday — a day after Black Friday that offers quality items at competitive prices and boosts our local economy.

Yesterday's road report detailed road conditions and travel advisories for drivers in Grand Junction (posted at 5:23 a.m. MST on November 24), urging commuters to plan their routes and expect possible delays.

The update remains a key resource for local travelers.

On Dec. 6 at 6 p.m., the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley will hold its third jewelry swap at 536 Ouray Ave., where people are asked to bring gently used items like jewelry, scarves, purses, wallets, belts, hats and accessories.

Attendees will pay $20 for admission—leftover items will be donated to the Rainbow Closet to support the congregation.

The Bray Cares Foundation awarded $30,000 to eight local nonprofits to meet housing needs in Mesa County.

The grants ranged from $1,500 to $5,000 & support projects like affordable housing, rent assistance and emergency shelter.

CarePortal is an online platform that connects kids and families in crisis with local volunteers and churches—social workers use it to quickly secure beds, clothing and basic supplies for those in need in Mesa County.

CBL Properties bought Mesa Mall on July 29 and now gets ready for its first holiday season with new stores—like Toys“R”Us and Miniso—and long-time shops staying open.

Some store owners said fewer shoppers were seen in November and they hope more people will come in December to boost sales.

Natural Grocers will close its current store on Dec.

14 at 3 p.m. and open a larger, renovated location at 2405 Patterson Road on Dec. 17 at 8:27 a.m., featuring an expanded organic produce section and improved parking — the grand re-opening celebration will begin with gift giveaways at 8:10 a.m.

The Grand Junction Chamber launched the ‘Keep the Cheer Here’ campaign last week to boost holiday shopping with an interactive bingo game—designed to support local businesses and encourage social media engagement.

The campaign runs through the holiday season—ending January 3 and offering a $50 Downtown Grand Junction gift card as a thank you to local merchants.

Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. in Grand Junction began in 1980 and is now led by former mayor Gregg Palmer and his granddaughter Ashleigh Kirby, who manages the store.

They combine old-school grit and modern hustle to keep the historic business thriving in a changing retail landscape.

On November 21st, 10th-grade economics students from Ascent Classical Academy of Grand Junction met with Mesa County Commissioners to ask questions about the role of local government in the economy and learn about the history of the Old Mesa County Courthouse.

The conversation left the commissioners inspired—showing promise for future community leadership.

Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education announced $5.6 million in grant funding for House Bill 25-1186—the Work Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education bill—to help rural colleges give students access to higher education in Grand Junction.

Family Health West has added robot-assisted surgery to its general surgery team led by Dr. Andrew Morse, now using the new Da Vinci 5 Surgical Robot — a system that helps surgeons perform less invasive procedures.

The new service at its Fruita facility on 300 W. Ottley Ave. aims to reduce recovery time and lower risks for patients.

A new report from Bray Real Estate shows that Grand Junction's commercial market grew with 151 units closed and 32 building permits issued in 2025 — a 36% increase from 2024.

Commercial broker Matthew Parker said steady market growth and rising interest from larger chains should lead to more development and job opportunities soon.

GJ Turkey Trot Charity Run

9-10:30 a.m. — Ralph Stocker Stadium — $25 entry — Participate in a spirited 5K and Kids Run to support the Grand Junction Fire Fighters Foundation this Thanksgiving.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Cost Info — Experience the enchanting holiday classic that brings joy to the festive season.

CMU Choirs and Orchestra Holiday Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Cost not specified — Celebrate the season with joyous performances of holiday favorites.

Warren Miller's SNO-CIETY

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the joy of winter sports with thrilling skiing scenes and legendary athletes on the big screen.

KT Tunstall Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Get tickets now — Experience the iconic KT Tunstall in a captivating live show blending folk, rock, and pop.

Home Free Holiday Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday magic with all-vocal country sensations Home Free as they perform cherished classics and original tunes.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — The Feisty Pint — 25% off tickets with code UGLY25 until Nov 22nd — Get ready for a festive crawl in your best ugly sweater.

Mary Poppins Musical

7 PM — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved nanny's magical adventures in a delightful musical adaptation.

Disney's Mary Poppins - The Musical

2-3:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Tickets start at $56 — Experience the enchanting tale of Mary Poppins brought to life on stage.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7-8:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting night of acrobatics and holiday music with Cirque Musica's breathtaking performances.