Good morning, Grand Junction.

Erin Jackson, a new Grand Junction resident who received help during her move, is organizing a community Christmas celebration to bring local residents together during the holidays.

Grand Junction residents talked about their favorite Thanksgiving meals, saying turkey, pumpkin pie, and other homemade dishes were popular and leftovers were kept for only a couple of days.

Families also shared plans for Christmas decorating — with some starting right after Thanksgiving and others waiting until December — and they stressed that spending time with loved ones is the best part of the season.

BSA Scout Troop 353 opened its Christmas tree lot fundraiser at Meadowlark Garden Center to raise funds for summer camp supplies and uniforms—scouts handle nearly every task while gaining hands-on customer service experience.

The lot remains open until next weekend with weekend hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekday hours from 5 to 8 p.m.

Country Jam will pause in 2026 for re-evaluation, leaving many local volunteer groups and high school bands without their usual summer fundraising work—local businesses and promoters are already exploring ways to fill the gap with other events.

The long-running festival, which brought country music stars and boosted the local economy, has been a key part of the community for over 30 years.

Holiday shoppers in Grand Junction can use the free Colorado Proud Program gift guide to find local baked goods, produce, and home items made in Colorado.

The state agriculture department, which has run the program since 1999, said buying locally helps keep dollars in the community—supporting small businesses and farms.

The Confluence Center is working to finish the second phase of its solar installation before federal incentives end on Dec.

31. The center is asking for donations to raise $90,000—if successful, the project will lower monthly operating costs by about $8,000 and cut electricity use by 70 to 90%.

Starting Dec. 1, several city and non-city road projects in Grand Junction will affect traffic with temporary detours, lane closures, and delays on key routes—such as Ouray Ave and Linden Ave. Residents should follow detour signs and traffic control instructions as the projects prioritize local access.

Mesa County Public Health faces over $2.7 million in funding cuts next year—$1.5 million from lower grants and $1 million from reduced county funding—and it said it will keep key services but warned that more cuts could force tough choices.

Robert Dimond—a homeless Grand Junction resident with end-stage liver disease—was matched with a living donor and will have a liver transplant in December at a clinic in Murray, Utah.

He must secure safe housing for a three-month recovery and is asking the public for help with funds or resources.

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.