Good morning, Grand Junction.

HopeWest held its annual Lights of Life ceremony on Dec.

3 at its Hospice Care Center on North 12th Street to honor lost loved ones during the holidays; community members lit luminaries that will remain on through the season to support grief programs.

The Grand Junction Police Department launched its third annual holiday stocking contest for kids 12 and under, with designs due by Wednesday, Dec.

10. Public Safety Chief Matt Smith will pick the top five entries, and the community will vote for two winners to get treat-filled stockings.

Bank of Colorado is the title sponsor of Grand Junction’s Downtown Parade of Lights this Saturday and will host a pre-parade event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 200 Grand Avenue (featuring photos with Santa, local school choirs, and cookie and hot chocolate giveaways).

Inmates at Mesa County Detention Facility display artwork in the lobby under a behavior services program (art contest) that offers substance use disorder classes to build self-worth; contest winner Victor Jackson (the participant) said the program changed his outlook.

The art is on view through Dec. 19.

Grand Junction’s Board and Buckle - Ski and Cyclery has seen an increase in rentals since October, boosted by this week’s first snowfall as manager Cooper Cartwill advised skiers to demo gear before buying; Powderhorn will begin its season soon.

Grand Junction Economic Partnership Executive Director Curtis Englehart earned the Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council on Tuesday, bolstering his commitment to attracting quality jobs and investment to Mesa County.

County engineers celebrated the final phase of improvements on 32½ Road in Clifton that now connects U.S. Highway 6 to D½ Road with a roundabout + shared-use path, enhancing safety and reducing traffic; future plans include adding sidewalks and further road improvements on First Street and E Road.

Mesa County Department of Human Services has introduced a pilot program called the Mesa County Warmline that connects families with local resources when a child protection referral is not needed.

The initiative aims to strengthen families before challenges arise.

County residents can vote online until 11:59 p.m. on Dec.

12 for winning student designs in Mesa County’s 'I Voted' sticker contest, with winners (two elementary, one middle, and one high school) to be featured on next year’s voting stickers and announced at the Feb. 13 commissioners meeting.

The Colorado State Patrol warns that the holiday season brings a spike in impaired driving incidents and will deploy extra patrols to curb risks while urging drivers to plan ahead (using designated drivers or ride-sharing to stay safe).

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.