Good morning, Grand Junction.

Mesa County completed improvements on 18 Road by reconstructing six miles with widened lanes and four-foot paved shoulders to enhance safe travel to the Desert Trails Special Recreation Area and BLM campground.

The work was funded by a Federal Lands Access Program grant and benefits mountain bikers + equestrians.

Downtown will light a menorah tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Fourth and Main (by the Chrome Buffalo) as the Jewish community hosts a family-friendly Hanukkah event with crafts, dreidel activities, and traditional treats; security is provided for safety.

Roice-Hurst is partnering with Red Cross to create 20 pet emergency kits that include food, toys, and a crate (designed for pets of all sizes) to help keep animals safe during wildfires and disasters.

The kits support families in emergencies.

Home Instead Grand Junction and Parole Division delivered gifts and care packages to seniors and veterans as part of the 'Be a Santa to a Senior' program, nearly tripling expected numbers.

More deliveries will continue today across several Western Colorado counties & extra items remain available for seniors in need.

Roice-Hurst Humane Society launched Spanish Saturday to assist local Spanish speakers by offering translated materials for adoptions + pet pantry and other services every third Saturday in 2026.

The event kicked off on Saturday, Dec. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at its 28 Road location.

Roice-Hurst Humane Society launched Spanish Saturday to serve Grand Junction’s Spanish-speaking residents with live translation for adoptions, pet pantry services and more every third Saturday through 2026.

The event started Dec. 17 from 12:00 p.m. + 4:00 p.m. at their 28 Road facility.

Natural Grocers reopened today at 2405 Patterson Rd with a full-day celebration featuring giveaways, a ribbon cutting, and check presentation.

The store — now boasting wider, brighter aisles — plans to serve local shoppers for many more years.

Colorado West Ballet is debuting The Nutcracker today at Asteria Theatre with new set pieces that include a gold chandelier, repainted tree and updated thrones—designed by board member Jamie Pietrack and volunteers—to create a fresh holiday experience.

Fire officials in Grand Junction urge residents to choose holiday trees and decorations carefully to reduce fire risks during the season.

They advise that natural trees be fresh and well-watered and that lights be UL registered (to avoid frayed wires and overloading power outlets).

Mesa County Department of Human Services needs permanent guardians to help at-risk adults make important decisions.

Interested candidates must pass a background check and complete required paperwork — call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at 970-248-2888 for more information.

The city of Grand Junction is mailing 2026 calendars with local artwork and essential city information to over 55,000 addresses over the next two weeks.

Residents who do not receive one can pick up a free copy at city offices.

Grand Junction therapist Brandon Daniels advises residents to ease holiday stress by rethinking gift values and practicing self-care — he notes that social, work, and financial pressures can heighten anxiety and depression.

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.