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  CELEBRATING GRAND JUNCTION'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY By Bob Kretschman
They incorporated Grand Junction on June 29, 1882, and 125 years later, residents of the thriving city are celebrating its birthday with music, historical tours, picnics and other events. The commemoration of Grand Junction's 125th birthday opens the evening of Fri., June 29, with a kick-off ceremony at Lincoln Park. Some of the city's pioneer families will be introduced, followed by a concert featuring performances by two local bands, Riveter and Exit 42. Festivities continue Sat., June 30 in the downtown shopping park with an unveiling of a bronze sculpture depicting city founder George Crawford. The sculpture was created by former Grand Junction resident Mark Wahlberg. A walking tour of the Seventh Street Historic District, an area near downtown that is packed with beautiful older homes, will follow the sculpture dedication.
Saturday will be a day of music, fun and food during a public celebration at Lincoln Park. A swim party is planned at the park's Moyer Pool, and a variety of musical performances is scheduled up the street at Mesa State College's Robinson Theater. On Sun., July 1, an antique car show, old-fashioned gun fights, hayrides and other activities are planned at the Cross Orchards Farm, a unique living-history museum at 3073 F Rd. Grand Junction's celebration will blend with the nation's birthday on Wednesday, July 4, when rock climbers will ascend the 350-foot-tall Independence Monument, a prominent rock formation in Colorado National Monument, and place an American flag on top. That evening, the annual Fourth of July Parade will take place on Main Street in downtown Grand Junction, followed at nightfall by the fireworks display at Lincoln Park. Grand Junction's 125th Anniversary Celebration will be a great time for families to have reunions and for visitors to catch a glimpse of the city's rich history, said Sam Rainguet,
Downtown Farmers' Market Festival This summer, the Grand Junction area's tasty agricultural heritage and rich artistic culture will be on display along Main Street in downtown. Beginning June 7 and lasting through Sept. 13, the market will run from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each Thursday evening. The Downtown Farmers' Market Festival is expected to attract about 16 local farmers who will sell fresh seasonal produce such as cherries, peaches, melons and a variety of vegetables. In addition, entertainment will be featured at four different locations along Main Street, and the attractions will include music, dancers and a drum circle. Food and art vendors will sell their products from booths along the street, and many Main Street merchants and restaurants will remain open late on Thursdays. An estimated 3,500 to 5,000 people will attend each week's festival. "It's a really fun way to experience downtown Grand Junction," said event manager George Rossman. "It seems like a time for people to connect with one another. A lot of folks arrange to meet downtown at the farmers' market." For information about the Farmers' Market Festival and other events in downtown Grand Junction, visit www.downtowngj.org. |
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