The Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association will hold its annual meeting and banquet on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, 30100 U.S. Highway 160.
The event begins at 9 a.m. with a morning session featuring reports from elected officials, including Montezuma and Dolores county commissioners, Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin, and representatives from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Dolores Water Conservancy District.
Sen. Cleave Simpson, a Republican from Alamosa representing District 6, is scheduled to provide an update, along with Rep. Larry Don Suckla from District 58. The session will also include brief introductions of candidates for upcoming local elections in the fall.
A potluck luncheon provided by the Southwestern Cowbelles/Cattlewomen is set for noon, followed by the business meeting and election of directors at 1 p.m.
From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., a silent auction and live auction will take place to benefit the association's scholarship fund, which supports graduating seniors from local high schools, including Cortez, Dolores, Mancos and Dove Creek, as well as vocational‑technical programs. The annual quilt created by the Cowbelles is also a highlight of the event, and proceeds benefit the scholarship fund.
A cash bar opens at 6 p.m., with a steak dinner, door prizes and a live auction beginning at 7 p.m. Awards will be presented for Southwestern Cowbelle/Cattlewoman of the Year and Stockman of the Year. Last year’s honorees were Ann Neely and Gordon Steves.
The evening will conclude with a dance starting around 8:30 p.m. to the live music of the Vanishing Breed.
VIP table sponsorships are available for $700 and include a reserved table, dinner tickets and business promotion opportunities. Interested individuals, ranches or businesses should contact Drew Gordanier at (970) 759‑5392.
Dinner and dance tickets are $50 each. Tickets may be purchased by contacting board members, including Jason Blackmer at (970) 739‑5577; Gordanier; James Oliver at (970) 739‑6130; Joe Lanier at (970) 560‑2363; Jonathan Patcheck at (970) 759‑4766; Wayne Rogers at (970) 739‑0682; Tanner Young at (970) 739‑4963; or Lynelle Brumley at (970) 565‑1972.
Payments, along with annual $25 membership dues, may be mailed to the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association, P.O. Box 393, Cortez. Dues must be paid by or at the annual meeting for members to vote.
