Blue Angels, parking changes take center stage at GJ Airshow

For the first time since 2023, the Grand Junction Regional Airport will host an airshow on Oct. 3-4. Organizers say the biggest public message is about parking: there will be no public parking within nearly a mile of the airport. After the 2023 event caused traffic backups on Horizon Drive lasting over two hours, ticket buyers must reserve spots in designated lots around Grand Junction and then take one of 56 buses for shuttling. Organizers expect the plan to reduce road waiting and prevent competition with airport passengers. The Grand Junction Sports Commission’s Ben Snyder said the goal is safety and keeping airport operations running. Exceptions include limited on-site parking for VIPs, sponsors, vendors, staff and volunteers, enforced by tow truck, fines and traffic officers. Star performer on the schedule is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, with the article noting it will be headlining.