The Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association’s annual meeting is on Saturday, and the day is packed with activities.
This year, it’ll be at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, which “gives us room to move,” said Lynelle Brumley, the secretary treasurer for the Livestock Association.
The day kicks off with a morning session at 9 a.m.
That’s more of informational meeting where elected officials and folks from the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other organizations give reports and “updates on things that impact the agricultural and livestock community,” Brumley said.
At noon, there’s a potluck luncheon, courtesy of Southwestern Cowbelles/Cattlewomen.
An hour later, at 1 p.m., there’s a board meeting and election of directors. That meeting is also an opportunity to update members on things like which youths won scholarships and other youth-related activities.
“Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors in Montezuma and Dolores Counties who are pursuing an ag-related field of education,” said Beverly Scott, a livestock association board member.
Starting at 3 p.m., there’s a silent and live auction which benefits the aforementioned scholarship fund and events the Livestock Association sponsors.
Businesses around town donate things to be auctioned off; “local businesses are incredible in supporting the program,” Brumley said.
The brown and white brand quilt is always a “major fundraiser,” Brumley said. It’ll be raffled at 8 p.m.
This year, someone donated a brand quilt from 1963 that’s red and white, decorated in brands from that time. That’ll be raffled too, in addition to the classic brown and white one.
At 7 p.m., the banquet begins.
“With a steak dinner, of course,” Brumley said.
Banquet tickets are $50 for adults, and $20 for kids under 10. All daytime events are free to attend.
Starting this year, there’s an opportunity to secure a VIP table.
“Individuals, ranches and businesses may sponsor a table for $700, which will include a reserved table, dinner tickets and business promotion,” a flyer advertised.
Brumley said the banquet is usually at the Elks in Cortez, and people dress “snazzy,” in their “best western clothes.”
To spice things up, there will be door prizes in addition to the usual presentation of the Southwestern Cowbelle/Cattlewoman of the Year and Stockman of the Year, which Brumley called the “highlight of the evening.”
The Vanishing Breed band plays at 8:30 p.m. They’re local and play the kind of music people cut up a rug to.
“It’ll go from 9 a.m. to midnight,” Brumley said.
To secure a VIP table, contact Drew Gordanier at (970) 759-5392. For banquet tickets, contact Lynelle Brumley at (970) 565-1972 or another board member.
