Grand Junction approves special-event alcohol permits for STRIVE and Museums of Western Colorado; library foundation withdraws application

The Grand Junction Liquor Licensing Authority approved multiple special-event permits and accepted a permit withdrawal at its April 1, 2026 meeting.

Mesa Developmental Services dba STRIVE applied for permits covering the Tulips & Juleps Derby Watch Party (May 2), the Garden Groove concert series (June–August), and Harvest Illuminated (October dates) at the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. Event Manager Tanya Workman answered questions about location, security and lawful operation; City staff entered Exhibits A and B into the record. The permit questionnaire attached to the application indicates an expected attendance of approximately 300 people per event, two paid Citadel Security personnel and three to four volunteer security staff, a single gated public entrance with ID checks and wristbands for age verification, TIPS-trained service staff, and a permanent six-foot steel fence enclosing the site. Hearing Officer Jill Cenamo found no statutory basis to deny the application and approved the permits, citing Colorado State Statute 44-05106.

Museums of Western Colorado applied for a May 2 Spring Fling event (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) at 3073 Patterson Road. Event Manager Mollie Shepardson answered questions about event operations; Exhibits A and B were entered and Cenamo approved the permit after finding no grounds to deny under Colorado State Statute 44-05106.

Mesa County Libraries Foundation initially applied for 'An Evening in Wonderland — 2026' but Event Manager Ami Schiffbauer requested the application be withdrawn so Whitewater Hill winery could obtain a Temporary Sales Room permit from the State of Colorado. Hearing Officer Cenamo granted the withdrawal; the minutes note that Temporary Sales Room permits are issued by the state and do not require further local review.

All approvals were entered into the record with no public remonstrances noted.