External Publication

Where to Show Up This Month: Forums, Workshops, and Volunteer Opportunities Across the Western Slope

Western Slope Trellis February 18, 2026

From food relief and fundraisers to film nights, business boot camps, and spring seed swaps, here are ways to plug into community life across the Western Slope.

🤝 Volunteer & Community Support

Triple Play Records Food Bowl – Grand Junction

📍 530 Main Street 🗓 Now through February 28

Donate unopened, non-perishable food items and receive 1% off per item donated (up to 20% off one regular-priced item). Donations support the Clifton Christian Church food bank.

Give a little, save a little, and help restore hope locally.

February Pet Food Drive – Fruita

📍 Chow Down, 225 E Aspen Ave

Support The Gift of Love Inc., which distributes over 5,000 pounds of pet food annually to seniors, low-income families, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Donations accepted all month.

Art Auction Fundraiser for the Black Canyon – Montrose

📅 February 28 | 5:00 PM 📍 The Association, 39 W Main St

Hosted by Friends of the Black Canyon. Proceeds support wildlife-safe fence removal following recent fires. Features live music from The Black Canyon Boys and includes a one-of-a-kind hand-painted teepee auction piece inspired by the Black Canyon.

Lake City Search and Rescue Ice Fishing Derby

📅 February 21, 2026 📍 Lake San Cristobal

All proceeds benefit Hinsdale County Search and Rescue.

Check-in: 6:30 AM Fishing begins: 7:30 AM Awards: 1:00 PM

Entry fee: $20 Optional BBQ lunch: $15 (delivered to your fishing spot)

Each participant receives one raffle ticket; additional tickets available for $5. Prizes awarded for top three largest live-length game fish.

🗳 Civic & Community Conversations

Hearing From Your Local Ranchers – Ridgway

📅 February 23 | 12:00–1:00 PM 📍 Ouray County Ranch History Museum

A CSU Extension lunch-and-learn exploring local ranch history and traditions. February speakers include Terry and Jenny Galloway and Karen Fay of Fournier Ranch.

Includes a hot lunch inspired by regional flavors. Minimum 5 attendees required.

🎟 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hearing-from-your-local-ranchers-registration-1981791426505

💼 Business & Professional Development

Coffee Club – Fruita

📅 February 20 | 9:00–10:00 AM 📍 BIC FWorks, 325 E Aspen Ave

Rebecca Wallace of CommWest leads a session on daily cybersecurity habits that reduce risk and protect small businesses. Hosted in collaboration with Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Aspen Street Coffee.

Free and open to entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Farmers Market Boot Camp – Montrose

📅 February 21 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM 📍 434 S 1st St

For aspiring and current vendors. Covers marketing, booth setup, liability insurance, food certifications, and small business resources.

🎨 Arts, Film & Cultural Events

Cabin Fever Craft Show – Montrose

📅 February 20 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📅 February 21 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Friendship Hall, Montrose County Fairgrounds

Over 70 vendors offering handmade goods, gifts, and seasonal décor. Hourly door prizes. Free admission.

Vendor info: 📞 970-531-2438 📧 montrosefootwear@aol.com

Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2026 – Ridgway

📅 February 24 Doors: 6:00 PM | Films: 6:30 PM 📍 The Sherbino, 604 Clinton St

An inspiring lineup of women-led adventure films including Run Antarctica: Beyond Limits and MoCrazyStrong.

🎟 $12 advance | $15 at door

The Vagina Monologues – Grand Junction

📍 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley

A bold and unforgettable performance by Three Sisters Theatre Company exploring identity, resilience, and voice.

🎟 $10 advance | $12 at door https://threesisterstheatreco.com/event/vagina-monologues-2/

Mardi Gras Party – Ouray

📅 February 28 📍 Ouray Elks Lodge, 421 Main St

Authentic Cajun dinner including jambalaya, seafood boil, gumbo, king cake, and live music from Alpine Jam.

💲 $30 single | $50 couple

🌱 Gardening, Education & Creative Workshops

Mesa County Libraries Spring Seed Exchange

Share seeds, swap varieties, and get ready for planting season

Spring is around the corner, and Mesa County Libraries are once again hosting their annual Seed Exchange — a community tradition that brings gardeners together to share, trade, and plan for the growing season.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, you’re invited to browse seed selections, exchange extras from last year, and gather tips from fellow growers. No seeds are required to participate.

📍 Exchange Dates & Locations

All events run 10:00 AM – Noon

• Wednesday, March 4 – Orchard Mesa Branch Library • Saturday, March 7 – Palisade, Collbran, and Fruita Branch Libraries • Thursday, March 12 – Gateway Branch Library • Saturday, March 14 – Central, Clifton, and De Beque Branch Libraries

The Seed Exchange is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit: https://mesacountylibraries.org

Free Homeschool Book Fair & Swap – Montrose

📅 February 20 | 9:00 AM 📍 512 E Main Street

Free children’s books and homeschool curriculum swap. Bring books to donate if you’d like, but not required.

Beginner Horse Care Workshop – Austin

📅 Starts March 8 | Sundays 9:00–10:00 AM 📍 9826 2150 Rd

Hosted by Dare to Dream Inc. Learn horse anatomy, tack basics, riding skills, and enjoy a final trail ride and picnic.

💲 $100 | Scholarships available 📞 970-708-5036

🩺 Health & Public Services

Mobile Vaccine Clinic – Grand Junction

📅 February 26 | 8:00–11:00 AM 📍 302 Pitkin Avenue

Hosted by CDPHE. Routine adult vaccines available including influenza, hepatitis A & B, HPV, meningitis, MMR, pneumonia, polio, shingles, and Tdap.

Advance registration encouraged: https://my.primary.health/r/colovax-llc-denver

Full clinic calendar: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/mobilepublichealth