Jackalopes Hit Sweet Spot with Preseason Fan Fest at Enstrom Candies

With baseball buzz building, Grand Junction’s hometown team invites fans to connect over caramel, camaraderie, and a mascot named Jake.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Grand Junction Jackalopes are setting the table for more than just opening day. Ahead of their 2025 season, the team is offering something equally essential: connection.

In a move blending hometown charm with big-league spirit, the Jackalopes announced a meet-and-greet fan event scheduled for Thursday, May 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Enstrom Candies Downtown parking lot. It’s free, it’s open to the public — and yes, Jake the Jackalope will be there too.

A Sweet Partnership

The event comes through a partnership with Enstrom Candies, a Grand Junction staple almost as beloved as baseball itself.

“Enstrom’s is part of the DNA of this city,” said Danielle Garcia, event manager for the Jackalopes. “So when we talked about making this year’s season feel even more connected to the community, this just felt right.”

Garcia, who has overseen everything from community outreach to mascot logistics (yes, that’s a thing), said the event has been “super fun” to plan. “It’s going to be a great way to set the tone for the season ahead,” she added.

For a team like the Jackalopes — proudly independent and regionally rooted — a preseason event isn’t just a promotion. It’s about identity. It’s a statement that says: Baseball is back, and it belongs to all of us.

What to Expect at the Fan Fest

The two-hour event promises plenty for fans, families, and anyone curious about the local sports scene:

Meet the Players – Members of the 2025 roster will be on-site, signing autographs and chatting with fans.
Coaches’ Corner – Talk strategy, ask questions, or just say hello to the faces behind the dugout.
Jake the Jackalope – The beloved mascot will roam the event, high-fiving kids and posing for pictures.
Games and Giveaways – Expect games for all ages and the chance to win Jackalopes merchandise.
Toffee and Treats – Enstrom Candies is expected to have goodies on hand, pairing the sweetness of spring baseball with actual sweets.

“We really wanted this to feel like a celebration,” said Garcia. “Not just of the team, but of the entire city.”

Why It Matters

While Grand Junction isn’t a major league city, its minor and independent league culture runs deep. The Jackalopes, named for the mythical jackrabbit-antelope hybrid of Western lore, have built a loyal following since their rebranding.

The team plays in the Pioneer League, an MLB Partner League that’s home to a mix of up-and-comers, college standouts, and experienced pros looking to reignite their careers. For fans, it’s a blend of competitive baseball and accessibility that major league teams can rarely offer.

“Where else can you meet the whole team in a parking lot before the season even starts?” said Chris Loring, a lifelong local and season ticket holder. “You don’t get this kind of access in Denver or Phoenix.”

The Jackalopes’ Growing Profile

Over the past few years, the Jackalopes have steadily grown their community footprint. Last season saw a boost in attendance and social media engagement, and the team has leaned into local partnerships more than ever.

The decision to pair with Enstrom Candies is no accident. Known nationwide for their almond toffee, Enstrom’s is one of Grand Junction’s most iconic exports — a company that started local and stayed loyal to its roots.

“This is the kind of event that says, ‘We’re yours,’” Garcia said. “We’re your team, and we want to celebrate with you.”

Baseball with a Backyard Feel

Unlike the corporate-driven vibe of major league preseason marketing, the Jackalopes are aiming for something more grounded: familiarity.

“It’s baseball, but it’s also neighborhood,” said Garcia. “We want kids to run into players at the grocery store. We want parents to feel like this is a team they can grow with.”

The team is expected to open their season later in May, with final roster announcements coming soon. While most clubs focus their PR push around game day itself, the Jackalopes are betting on preseason intimacy to help cement fan loyalty early.

“We’re not just counting wins,” Garcia said. “We’re counting moments. And this is one of them.”

Event Details at a Glance

What	Grand Junction Jackalopes Meet & Greet Fan Fest
When	Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time	5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where	Enstrom Candies Downtown Parking Lot
Cost	Free and open to the public
Activities	Player meet & greet, mascot appearances, games, giveaways, Enstrom treats