Cattlemen and women are invited to the Cortez Elks Lodge on Saturday for the annual meeting of the Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association.
The all-day event features politicians, music, dinner and more. It’s a longtime tradition for the association and is a chance for agriculturally minded folks to mingle, dance, and talk about relevant issues.
The event opens at 9 a.m. with reports and discussions from Republican officials, including U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton and a representative for Sen. Cory Gardner. State Sen. Don Coram and Rep. Marc Catlin will discuss state legislative issues. Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Parks and Wildlife also will give updates.
The Southwestern Cowbelles, a women’s group that works alongside the Livestock Association, will provide a potluck dinner at noon before the business meeting at 1 p.m.
Nighttime activities kick off at 7 p.m. with a steak dinner, followed by a dance at 9 p.m. with music provided by “The Vanishing Breed Band.” Other highlights of the evening include the announcement of the Stockman and Cowbelle of the Year and the raffling of the Cowbelles’ annual brand quilt.
Proceeds from a silent auction will go toward scholarships for students in Montezuma and Dolores counties.
Banquet tickets cost $30 each, and dance tickets are available at the door for $5 per person. The Elks Lodge is at 2100 N. Dolores Road in Cortez.
ealvero@the-journal.com