Colorado Mesa University’s (CMU) annual beer fest kicked off on Feb. 2 at the Grand Junction Convention Center. This annual celebration is more than a gathering, but a testament to the vibrancy and spirit of Grand Junction. Although it’s a relatively new tradition, it has continued to grow and represent the community.

“I’ve been with Central Distribution for 35 years… What I’ve noticed is during the winter time, a lot of these craft beers, these darker beers, [the breweries] want to showcase during the winter time. A lot of these breweries would want people to try their beers during the winter time. It’s been going on for 8 years and it’s a good thing. It’s been really good. The majority of funds go to student life and it’s been fun,” Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Central Distribution CO. Phil Pe’a said.

As local distributors and local companies gathered to showcase their beers, it truly was a celebration of the Grand Valley’s sense of community.

“It’s a community we grew up in and it’s always nice to give back. We’ve been treated well by Grand Junction and Palisade and we’d like to return the favor and continue showing people how fun it is to farm in the United States and have good products… We grew up in Palisade. We’re 6th generation farmers and we’re predominantly peach and wine grape growers but now we make some hard cider and wine as well,” co-owner of Talbott Farms Joseph Talbott said.

But what makes this special tradition so valuable to the community of Grand Junction?

“It’s all about community, it’s about connection, and it’s about learning from each other and the experience of growth through play. So many adults forget that the best way we learn is when we make connections for enjoyment, and this is a fundamental foundation we have here at CMU. Encouraging growth with a playful mindset and it connects not only CMU students, but young and old through a place where we can enjoy ourselves and really get to know each other,” said Rachel Broughton, a junior at CMU studying Psychology Counseling.

Community has always played a crucial role in making Grand Junction so special.

“I think it brings the community together… I’ve seen so many people I haven’t gotten to see since graduating. So it’s awesome to see them and make those connections again… It’s important to find the balance too. Like you can work so hard through your classes and work but to take a step back, especially in winter where you’re so down, and to see and meet new people, it really lifts you back up,” CMU alumni Hannah Warner said.

However, this wonderful event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of CMU’s Assistant Director of Student Life, Isabel Manzanares.

“Really, the spearhead of the operation was Isabel. She did all of it. She got all the contacts. She planned the event. She thought of having it at the convention center and then was in contact with the convention center to ensure we had a venue. I really think we couldn’t have done it without her and she put a lot of effort at that event,” said student Life Manager of Operations, Gabe Simon.