For our first Rural Creative Connections session of the year, we’re heading (virtually) to Grand Junction to meet Dierdre Monroe—co-owner of Sweet River Event Venue and organizer of the returning Mesa County Fantasy Faire.

Originally held in the 2010s, the Fantasy Faire built a loyal following—and now, a decade later, Deirdre is bringing it back with a fresh vision. Designed as a family-friendly cultural festival, the Faire creates paid opportunities for local artists, makers, and performers while offering accessible arts experiences for families across the Western Slope.

With early momentum and support from the Grand Junction Commission on Arts & Culture, Deirdre is reimagining what this event can be—blending creativity, community, and economic opportunity for rural creatives. She’ll share what it takes to revive a beloved event, build new partnerships, and grow something sustainable from the ground up.

After the spotlight, we’ll move into rounds of 1:1 networking—a chance to share what you’re working on, what you need help with, and connect with fellow rural creatives.