EVENTS

Superheros on Main Street, Downtown Grand Junction

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that she was going to be evicted, we stepped in and gave her $900, making sure that she was going to have a home and so these children could continue to have a roof over their head. She just broke down in tears. She didn’t think that there was any hope. Since then, it’s been wonderful for her, because just giving her that reset allowed her to actually catch up on things. By Christmas time, we’re able to also give some cool toys to the kids, and we know those kids are going home into a warm, safe environment,” DeLeon says.

That family is just one of the families given a hand up by the league this holiday season. The group plans to provide up to $1,000 of hope for at least 15 families this Christmas.

“We have a list of families; we’re going to be doing some amazing things,” DeLeon says. “This year, we’re really trying to step in and provide a lot of help for these families.”

“The best part of doing this is the smiles on children’s faces. Our catchphrase is ‘unbreakable smiles,’ and it’s perfect. When you see that child’s eyes light up when they see you, they’re not seeing some guy dressed up as Superman, because they haven’t become cynical yet. They’re still young and full of imagination and wonder. And to them, Superman just walks through the door specifically to see them, and I don’t even know if there’s proper words for how it moves me just to see their eyes and to see their smiles — to know that just for that moment, they’re just immersed in this world of fantasy and joy. And to be able to be a part of that is extremely humbling and extremely moving. When we’re able to have that experience with the children, I can’t think of anything better than that,” DeLeon says.

The Justice League of Hope is fully funded by community donations. Donate by reaching out to the Justice League of Hope GJ Facebook page or follow the page to learn about upcoming donation drive events. :

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DECEMBER

Kitten Yoga at Roice-Hurst Humane Society

Grand Junction, CO December 6

What could make yoga even more fun and relaxing? Kittens! Don’t miss Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s gentle flow yoga class in their kitten room, taught by certified yoga instructor Matt Angleman. Classes are open to the public for a $10 donation. rhhumanesociety.org

Olde Fashioned Christmas

Palisade, CO December 6-7

Experience the full Christmas experience at Palisade’s Olde Fashioned Christmas weekend. The whole town will be decorated for the holiday and inviting shoppers to finish their Christmas shopping at vendor booths and local shops. Don’t miss the parade, carriage rides, soup samples, gingerbread creations, a silent auction, Santa Claus and more. palisadecoc.com/ olde-fashioned-christmas

Telluride Fire Festival

Telluride, CO December 6-8

Turn up the heat this winter at the Telluride Fire Festival, an event inspired by Burning Man that celebrates community, art and fire. Attend interactive workshops on handstands, dragon staff, unicycling, belly dancing and more. On the second night of the festival, attend the Fire Ball and be entranced by fire dancers and aerial silk performers. telluridefirefestival.org

Breakfast with Santa at Dinosaur Journey

Fruita, CO December 7

Enjoy a hot breakfast at the Dinosaur Journey Museum with Santa Claus and dinosaurs! Learn about prehistoric creatures and let the kiddos tell Santa what they’d like to see under the tree this year. museumofwesternco.com/event/ breakfast-with-santa-2019

Candy Cane Hunt

Grand Junction, CO December 7

Kick off the holidays with your little one and hunt for candy canes at Lincoln Park! There will be crafts, cookies, cocoa, a puppet show and a photo booth with Frosty the Snowman! The event begins at 10 a.m. and the candy cane hunt kicks off at 11 a.m. activekids.com/grand-junction-co

Christmas Crawl

Palisade, CO December 7

Support local artists and artisans in Palisade by getting your holiday shopping finished at the Palisade Christmas Crawl! Local vendors and businesses will have a variety of art, gifts and food for purchase. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 723 35 8/10 Rd. instagram.com/gvchristmascrawl Gingerbread Contest and Showcase

Palisade, CO December 7

Compete in the Gingerbread and Cookie Decorating Contest presented by Hilltop and Community Hospital! Enter your creation into the contest in the morning and stay for judging in the afternoon. All visiting kiddos will receive a giant cookie to decorate! palisadecoc.com/ gingerbread-contest

Parade of Lights (Grand Junction)

Grand Junction, CO December 7

Don’t miss the biggest parade of the year in Downtown Grand Junction! From 5 to 7 p.m., embrace the holiday spirit and watch hundreds of lit-up floats parade down Main Street spreading Christmas cheer. This year’s parade theme is Comic Book Christmas. downtowngj.org/signature-events/ paradeoflights

Parade of Lights (Montrose)

Montrose, CO December 7

Celebrate the holidays at the Montrose Parade of Lights on historic Main Street. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., watch this year’s floats illuminate the street. This year’s theme is A Very Vintage Christmas. cityofmontrose.org/621/ holiday-events