Celebrating 100 years of Farmers Union in Limon

Limon, Colo.-Rocky Mountain Farmers Union’s (RMFU) Elbert-Lincoln County organization will hold its 100th anniversary celebration at the Limon Community Building, 441 D Ave., Limon, Colo., Sun., Oct. 22, 2:00-5:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

A special Chautauqua appearance by Franklin Delano Roosevelt will take place at 4:00 p.m. The day’s events will include entertainment by the Local Ladies Quartet. Mayor Del Beattie, Limon, Colo. will read an Elbert-Lincoln County Farmers Union Day proclamation. There will also be a dinner at 5:30 p.m. for which there is a cost. Tickets for the dinner may be purchased in advance by contacting Cleta Felzien, 719-775-9890; Darlene Shalosky, 719-775-2460; Jan Kochis, 719-775-2596; or, by calling John Hickey Insurance at 719-775-2859.

Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Yuma), candidate Pauline Artery, Sen. Greg Brophy (R-Wray), candidate James Bowen, Rep. Angie Paccione (D-Ft. Collins), Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.), candidate Eric Eidness, Elbert County Commissioners Suzie Graeff, Stephen F. Stutz and John Metli, and Lincoln County Commissioners Ted Lyons, Steve Burgess and Gary Beedy have been invited. The event is part of a series of celebrations taking place throughout the state in commemoration of Colorado Farmers Union’s centennial, which is being launched this year. T.W. Woodrow organized the first Farmers Union local in 1907, with seven charter members, at Langdon in Teller County. In the 1940s, Colorado Farmers Union changed its name to Rocky Mountain Farmers Union to accommodate the addition of Wyoming to the organization. In the 1960s, New Mexico was added.

Today, RMFU represents some 23,000 family farm and ranch families from the three-state area that produces all types of food and fiber. The Colorado Legislature, during the last session, passed an act declaring July 22, 2006, as Farmers Union Day throughout the state.

For questions about the event or information on Farmers Union activities in the tri-county area, contact Elbert-Lincoln Farmers Union County President Cleta Felzien at 719-775-9890.