Are Grand Junction Festivals Getting a Relocation?

Apparently, downtown Grand Junction wants to move their events outside of downtown, this has me somewhat perplexed. As some may remember I posted a story about downtown Grand Junction businesses not staying open late or on weekends that people who work hard time shopping down there.

And now this story comes out from KJCT that some downtown business owners are worried that no one will come to their stores during festivals downtown because they (the events) close off streets and valuable parking spaces. And now there is talks about utilizing Whitman Park for community events.

Don't you have to be open to miss those customers that will no longer come to your store on the nights and weekends that you aren't open? A downtown business owner had concerns about out of town customers not coming by due to a lack of parking but what about the locals? Seems to be a lot more locals that would go downtown if it were open.

What is your opinion Grand Junction? Is this a moot point for downtown Grand Junction businesses if you aren't even open when the festivals occur?

Do you think Whitman Park is a good relocation plan? It seems like it makes sense with more facilities, room, and parking. Is 2 - 3 blocks really an issue?

PLUS, you don't have to worry about bothering the closed business's that are busy trying to close so that you the customer can spend your hard earned money at their stores.