At 11 a.m. Thursday, I will be delivering my third annual State of the State Address, and there are a number of opportunities for you to watch and participate in events surrounding the speech.

You can watch live on Thursday via the Internet by clicking here, on live TV by checking your local listings, or by tuning in to Comcast Cable Channel 165. You also can attend a neighborhood watch party to view the speech with friends and family and discuss the economic and other issues facing Colorado.

Then, from Friday through Tuesday, I will be taking the State of the State message to communities all around Colorado, visiting Loveland, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs, Grand Junction, Pueblo and Alamosa.

Michael Bennet, who will be replacing Ken Salazar in the U.S. Senate later this month, will be joining me at several of these events. Times, dates and locations are listed below.

I look forward to visiting with you, listening to your concerns and working together to find solutions in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Sincerely,

Bill Ritter, Jr.

Governor

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009: Denver, Loveland and Fort Collins

11:15 a.m. to Noon Gov. Ritter will attend the annual Boots 'N Business luncheon at the National Western Stock Show. He will enter the arena on horseback as part of the Color Guard procession, and then provide remarks prior to the start of the luncheon. Location: National Western Stock Show, 4555 Humboldt, Denver.

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering at the Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland.

4:15 to 5:45 p.m. Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering at the Aztlan Community Center, Eagle Room, 112 Willow St., Fort Collins.

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009: Glendale, Colorado Springs

9 to 9:45 a.m. Gov. Ritter will address the Metro Mayors Caucus, Infinity Park Events Center at 4400 E. Kentucky Ave., Glendale.

Noon to 1 p.m. Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering at Colorado Springs Library/Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs.

2 to 3 p.m. Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will meet with the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and others to discuss the economy and state and federal recovery efforts. Location: Colorado Springs Conservatory and Galileo Math & Science School, 1600 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs.

Monday, Jan. 12, 2009: Steamboat Springs and Grand Junction

8 to 9:30 a.m. Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering and pancake breakfast at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort, 2200 Village Inn Court, Steamboat Springs.

3:45 to 5:15 p.m. Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will meet with community members and students at Mesa State College, Science Center, Room SL 100, 1100 North Ave., Grand Junction.

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009: Pueblo and Alamosa

8 to 9:30 a.m. Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering and pancake breakfast at the Pueblo Union Depot, 132 West B St., Pueblo.

9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will dedicate the Colorado State University-Pueblo's new solar park with Black Hills Energy and BP Solar. From I-25 South, take Exit 101.Turn left onto Colorado 47 East. Take Bonforte Boulevard exit, then turn left (North) onto Bonforte Boulevard. Turn right on Bartley Boulevard, stay on Bartley Boulevard as it bends around to the North.

2 to 3:30 p.m. Gov. Ritter and Michael Bennet will host a community gathering, discussing the economy and local, state and federal recovery efforts. Location: Alamosa Family Recreation Center, 2222 Old Sanford Road, Alamosa.