BIG NEWS FOR SOUTHWEST COLORADO!
We are thrilled to announce that The Honorable Mary Bono will be joining us as a featured guest speaker at the 2026 Lincoln Day Dinner!
Mary Bono served seven terms in Congress and is now a nationally recognized advocate working to combat addiction, substance abuse, and the fentanyl crisis affecting families across America. Her story of service, leadership, and perseverance continues to inspire people nationwide.
Special Guest
Rear Admiral Stephen S. Oswald (U.S. Navy, Ret.)
Rear Admiral Stephen S. Oswald is a retired U.S. Navy officer, former NASA astronaut, and accomplished test pilot with more than 7,400 flight hours in over 45 aircraft and 33 days in space.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in aerospace engineering, Steve served 34 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Rear Admiral after a distinguished career in aviation, naval leadership, and space operations.
Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1985, he piloted two Space Shuttle missions aboard Discovery and commanded STS-67 aboard Endeavour, a mission that set a Space Shuttle endurance record at the time. Following his space flights, he served in senior leadership positions at NASA and later as a Vice President with Boeing's Space Shuttle Program.
Steve is the recipient of numerous military and NASA honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and three NASA Space Flight Medals.
Today, Steve and his wife, former Congresswoman Mary Bono, make their home in Durango, Colorado, where they enjoy spending time with their five children and eleven grandchildren.
AUCTION SNEAK PEAK
Handmade Patriotic Flag Wall Hanging
A beautiful handcrafted 36" x 48" quilted American flag wall hanging—a stunning piece of Americana that would make a perfect addition to your home, office, or cabin.
Strikeman Marksman Kit
Product Description-
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One laser cartridge in your selected caliber
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Three-piece Strikeman target
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Phone mount with tripod
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Durable soft-shell carry case
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Free Strikeman App to track every shot
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Use your own firearm for realistic home defense and recreational reps
Handcrafted Western Fringe Purse
One-of-a-kind hand-tooled leather purse 9"x12" featuring an original Longhorn skull design surrounded by floral scrollwork with turquoise accents. Made with genuine hair-on cowhide, soft brown leather, and long two-tone fringe. Finished with hand braided trim, antique studs and a unique oval handle, plus a shoulder strap. Every piece is individually cut, tooled, dyed and assembled by hand, making no two purses alike. Perfect fo rodeos, country concerts, everyday Western style, or anyone who appreciates authentic handmade leather artistry.
Imagine escaping to the beauty of Montana!
One of the exciting items in this year's Lincoln Day Dinner auction is a getaway to the Running Horse Inn—a peaceful retreat surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, fresh air, and the natural beauty that makes Montana unforgettable.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend, an outdoor adventure, or a chance to simply unplug and recharge, this is an auction item you won't want to miss!
🎟️ Join us at the Lincoln Day Dinner for your chance to bid on this incredible getaway, along with many other unique Silent and Live Auction items.
tickets and dinner
August 8th, Elks Lodge 2100 N Dolores Road, Cortez Co
Social Hour 5pm, Dinner 6:00 pm, Entertainment 7pm,
Cost: $75.00 per person, VIP Table for 8 @ $700
Optional add'l $100 for Table Sponsorship sign (limited availability)
Dinner will be buffet style, Rib Eye or Chicken Piccata, along with a variety of sides and dessert. Please let us know if you have vegetarian or special dietary needs.
dignitaries
Republican elected officials
Cleave Simpson - State Senator
Larry Don Suckla- House Representative District 58
Jim Candelaria - Montezuma County Commissioner
Kent Lindsay - Montezuma County Commissioner
Gerald Koppenhafer- Montezuma County Commissioner
County Sheriff: Steve Nowlin
County Treasurer: Ellen Black
County Clerk: Kim Percell
22nd Judicial District Attorney: Jeremy Reed
County Coroner: George Deavers
The rundown
5:00pm - Doors Open
5:00pm - Social hour with Candidates
Photo opportunities
Silent Auction Tables open
6:00pm - Welcome Announcements
Invocation, Pledge and Dinner
7:00pm - Live Auction
8:00pm - Keynote Speaker
8:30pm - Silent Auction Closes
9:00pm - Photos
9:05pm - Visiting till close
The WHY
Celebrate with Us at the 2026 Lincoln Day Dinner
Join us on Saturday, August 8, 2026, for an unforgettable evening of patriotism, fellowship, and celebration as we commemorate two extraordinary milestones—Colorado's 150th Birthday and America's 250th Birthday.
This year's Lincoln Day Dinner is more than an annual gathering. It is an opportunity to honor our nation's remarkable history, celebrate Colorado's rich heritage, and look ahead to the future with optimism and purpose.
The Lincoln Day Dinner is one of the Republican Party's longest-standing traditions, honoring the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, our nation's first Republican president. It is a time to reflect on the enduring principles of freedom, personal responsibility, limited government, and the Constitution that continue to guide our nation today.
Above all, this evening is about community.
Join fellow Republicans, elected officials, candidates, grassroots leaders, veterans, business owners, and neighbors from across Southwest Colorado as we come together to celebrate our shared love of country and our commitment to preserving the values that have made America exceptional.
This special evening also celebrates the volunteers, donors, committee members, and community leaders whose dedication strengthens our local Republican Party and helps build a brighter future for the next generation.
Enjoy an evening of outstanding speakers, delicious food, fellowship, a live and silent auction, and the opportunity to meet candidates from across Colorado.
Celebrate our past. Honor those who serve. Build our future.
We look forward to celebrating with you on this historic occasion.
🎤 Don’t miss our special guest appearances of Candidates.
💥 Get energized to make a difference.
🎉 Make this an evening to remember.