Tickets for the Southwestern Cowbelles’ annual quilt raffle are now available for purchase – and the quilt is posted along Main Street for all to see.

The quilt is an annual tradition stretching back at least four decades, according to the Cowbelles, a women’s group that works alongside the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association. It will be raffled off at the upcoming Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association meeting on Feb. 8, with proceeds going toward the Cowbelles’ operational costs.

“It’s something that we’ve carried on for a long time,” said Mary Ellen McComb, who heads the quilt committee for the group. “It’s part of the Cowbelles. It’s really important, people look forward to it every year.”

McComb, along with four other Cowbelles, officially hung the quilt in the front window at Brand Central print shop Wednesday afternoon. Tickets are available for purchase until the quilt is raffled off.

“We have fundraisers for the scholarship and different things like that, but the quilt is for operating expenses for the Cowbelles,” McComb said.

Each square represents the brand of a local rancher.

The February Livestock Association meeting will take place at the Cortez Elk Lodge, with the raffle drawing expected to happen at 9 p.m.

Raffle tickets cost $1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets. To purchase a ticket, contact Mary Ellen McComb at 739-0972, Bonnie Ellis at 739-8888, Ann Neely at 562-4655, Bunny McComb at 560-4807, or any Cowbelle member.

ealvero@the-journal.com