The brand quilts are raffled off every year at the annual cattlemen’s banquet and have become coveted local heirlooms. The first brand quilt was made in 1965 by Edith Hall and raffled off to local resident Mary Kelly.
“I had a guy give me a $100 bill because he wanted to win last year’s quilt so badly ... and he didn’t even win it,” said Paula Neal. “People love them.”
Assembled of 42 quilt squares boasting local cattle brands, the quilts serve dual duty as art and an update on the local industry. Brands are added or removed when new ranches start or leave the area, but for the most part, the hand-stitched quilts remain the same year after year.
This year’s quilt was assembled by Neal, Mary Ellen McComb, Ann Neely and Joylene Higgins.
Funds raised in the annual raffle go back into the Cowbelles’ yearly initiatives, which include quilting projects, their Ag Expo booth, production of the annual Cowbelles calendar and more.
Landing a square on the Cowbelles quilt requires a registered brand and membership with the Cowbelles or the Southwestern Livestock Association. Each square is put together by individual members with their brand and the family name.
“It’s routine, but it’s an important part of local history, and people really look forward to the quilt every year and for their chance to win,” said Neal.
The 50th Cowbelles brand quilt will be raffled off at the annual Southwestern Livestock Association meeting and banquet, scheduled for Feb. 14 at the Elks Lodge in Cortez.
Raffle tickets, which range from $1 for an individual ticket to $10 for a book of 12, are available now from Cowbelles members.
To purchase tickets, contact Paula Neal at 970-426-5542, Mary Ellen McComb at 970-882-7928, Ann Neely at 970-562-4655, or Joylene Higgins at 970-882-4361.
jgonzalez@cortezjournal.com