On Saturday, Feb. 8, the unassuming indoor arena at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds became the banquet space for the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association’s 76th annual gathering.
A stage big enough to support the five-piece Vanishing Breed Band was set up at one end. Opposite that, the perimeter was partly lined with rectangular folding tables for the silent auction.
Those tables had everything from hand tools and table saws to coffee and hay bales, and people browsed and bid on the prizes.
“We’ve sold about 350 tickets to the banquet,” said Drew Gordanier, a past president and current board member of the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association.
Gordanier said the event this year is a bit bigger than in years past, which worked well since there’s a greater capacity at the fairgrounds than the Elks, where it’s usually held.
It was open seating, except for the 16 round tables closest to the stage. Those were VIP, which is a new addition to the event as of this year.
Folks from the auctions and banks and farms that paid the $700 to sit at a VIP table were advertised on banners, in something of a collage behind the stage.
Around 7 p.m., dinner began.
Tables were called, one by one, to get in line. Students from the local chapter of the Future Farmers of America program served steaks, corn, baked potatoes, salad and rolls.
“We cooked 350 steaks,” said Shannon Gailliot Englehart, who owns End of the Trail Catering and cooked for the event. “They’re all hand cut.”
She said her daughter, son and son-in-law all helped out; “I love being here and doing this. Our community is awesome.”
When everyone was served and seated, the FFA kids walked around with pitchers of lemonade and water, refilling glasses and clearing empty plates. Toward the end of the meal, the live auction began.
A Navajo rug that Notah-Dineh Trading Co. in Cortez donated was the first to be auctioned off, and it sold for $1,000.
NAPA Auto Parts bought the infamous traveling Pendleton whiskey, which has been auctioned off many a times now, for $900.
“Whatever you do, don’t drink it,” an auctioneer said. “It’s 12, 15 years old now.”
A wooden table with a blue streak running through it like a river sold for $850.
Next came a vintage red and white brand quilt from 1963. Proceeds from that piece went to a scholarship fund for a high school senior from Dolores, Montezuma-Cortez or Dove Creek.
Gordon Steves, a cattleman in Pleasant View, bought it for $4,600.
“A lot of bulls cost a lot more,” said Steves.
A patriotic quilt with the American flag and two eagles, one soaring and another seated, sold for $1,500. A VIP table to next year’s event, was auctioned off last, complete with custom wine glasses and wine.
After the live auction wrapped up, a livestock association board member named Beverly Scott presented the special Cowbelle award “to honor an outstanding member.”
“This beloved 46-year-old member has served on our organization throughout the years on various committees, even when her health was failing her,” said Scott.
The “lovely lady” served many meals at meetings and picnics, spent “long hours in our ag booths over the years” and continues to create beautiful quilts.
“Our quilts define our organization and … are our biggest fundraiser,” Scott said. “Over the years she has sold thousands of dollars of raffle quilt tickets.”
“At a young 95 years old, the best choice we could make is our beautiful Ann,” said Scott.
Everyone cheered as Ann Neely accepted her honor and bouquet of colorful flowers.
The Stockman of the Year’s profile detailing his contribution to the association and area at large was read next.
He was born in Cortez and grew up helping his grandparents with the cows, alongside his brother. As he’s grown up and time passed, his own herd of cows has grown with him, from Arriola to Dunton, to Cahone and Pleasant View.
“He is knowledgeable and an excellent steward of the land,” the announcer read. “He has a large connection with the ranching lifestyle filled with family history.”
“He is a well-respected and hardworking cattleman. We are proud to recognize the 2025 Stockman of the Year … Gordon Steves.”
The crowd erupted all over again as Steves made his way to the stage to pose for photos and accept his personalized belt buckle.
“They’re running out of old people to give it to,” Steves said. “It’s a great honor.”
After the awards, the Vanishing Breed Band came on to wrap up the night.
They played songs from musicians like George Strait and Hank Thompson; the kind of music that lead singer Odis Sikes once called “country to the core.”
Even though we weren’t at a place called The Jug and there was no Linda Lou, we sure did cut up a rug.
“Tonight’s been terrific,” said Lynelle Brumley, the secretary treasurer for the Livestock Association, with a smile. “It’s a great crowd, great audience participation.”
