Liquor authority approves Climbers' Social and Southwest Arbor Fest permits with security plans

At its March 18, 2026 meeting, the Grand Junction Liquor Licensing Authority approved two special-event permits that will authorize alcohol service with specified safety and ID-control plans.

The Western Colorado Climbers' Coalition received permission for the 'Climbers' Social' on April 30, 2026, from 4:00–9:00 p.m. Event manager Nolan Robertson described the private-property layout and a security plan that includes eight trained volunteers, a checkpoint for carding, Tyvek wristbands for those of legal drinking age, two security staff at the entrance, two at the beverage counter and four roaming personnel, plus a food truck inside the rope-fenced area. Exhibits A and B were entered into the record. Hearing Officer Jill Cenamo cited Colorado Revised Statutes §44-5-106 and found no grounds to deny the permit.

The City of Grand Junction Parks & Recreation received approval for the 'Southwest Arbor Fest' at Lincoln Park on April 25, 2026, 12:00–4:00 p.m. Event manager Tricia Rothwell said the event expects 3,000–5,000 attendees, has been held for more than 20 years, and will use t-posts and snow fence to secure the perimeter. Security will include four Citadel Security officers and at least four Parks and Recreation staff, with three entrances and a staffed ID-check/wristband station at the north entrance. Vendors will include at least five food trucks; alcohol vendors will serve only wristbanded patrons and require a tasting mug for beer sampling. Exhibits A and B were entered. Cenamo found, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes §44-5-106, no grounds to deny and approved the permit.

Both permits were approved after staff verification that the applications were in order and after no members of the public spoke in opposition. The approvals allow alcohol sales under the described safety controls and require the organizers to follow the procedures documented in their submitted plans and exhibits.