Are you ready for an awesome family event? The annual Lion's Club Carnival and Parade is coming up this Saturday, and it looks like Mother Nature is on our side.

For over 80 years, the Grand Junction Lion's Club has hosted an amazing parade and carnival. I attended these every year growing up, and look forward to attending again this Saturday.

It looks like the weatherman is going to cut us all a little slack this weekend. Between now and then Western Colorado can look forward to a strong chance of snow and colder temperatures. By Saturday, sunny with a high around 50.

Back circa 1983, I played in the Lion's Club Parade with a Jazz combo on the back of a flatbed truck. I played the big upright bass. This was during a year where Western Colorado experienced a real winter. Let me tell you, playing the big bass when it's 12 degrees outside is no fun. I broke one string before we even got started. I lost another about a block into the parade. By the end of the parade, I was down to one string.

Are you ready to attend? If not, here are five reasons why you should:

  • It's free - and you don't hear that very often anymore
  • You really can win great prizes at the carnival (See list below)
  • It's a chance to get the entire family together for a fun event while you support worthy causes in the valley
  • You're bound to run into somebody you know
  • It's a break from the norm. Why go to a movie or sit at home when you can do something unique?

When you attend the carnival, you'll have a chance at winning great prizes from:

  • Desert Oasis
  • Gateway Canyons Getaway
  • Shiner's Flex Wash
  • Pro Powder Coating
  • Atlasta Solar
  • Fruita Wood & BBQ
  • Country Jam
  • Rocky Mountain Gun Club
  • Thomas Hunn Jeweler
  • and more.....

The annual Lion's Club Carnival and Parade is this Saturday, February 17. The parade starts at 1 p.m. on Main Street. The carnival kicks off at 5 p.m. at  Two River Convention Center.

If you've never attended a downtown Grand Junction parade, check out the video below. This is what they look like.

See you this Saturday for the Lion's Club Carnival and Parade. This is Grand Junction, so regardless of what the weatherman says, be ready for anything.

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