Cowboys, culture, community: Craig Rotary Club’s Diamonds & Spurs a fine formal affair

Diamonds & Spurs once again proved itself to be a jewel of an event Saturday night.

The annual gathering organized by Craig Rotary Club was an evening that mixed rustic roots with gala glamour with lights aglow at Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion.

With attire ranging from formal gowns and high heels to cowboy boots and Stetsons, the dress code was up for interpretation and welcome to all walks of life.

Kaitlyn Marchbanks noted that it was a good excuse to wear something other than her typical style — camo.

“We don’t get a chance to dress up very often in Craig, and this is the one chance to actually dress nice and wear heels, something like prom,” she said.

With vittles by KS Kreations and table service by Moffat County High School Jazz Band, those in attendance had ample time to also bid on the plethora of unique packages up for auction to support Rotary’s many local programs, such as literacy in the schools and scholarships for graduates.

The group also handed out its yearly honor, the Bill & Nancy Muldoon Humanitarian Award.

Joe Bird and Delaine Voloshin presented the award to couple John and Mary Lou Allen for their work in the community. Among their many efforts, the Allens organize the historical group Preserving the Last Frontier and were instrumental in the reconstruction of the Luttrell Barn Cultural Center.

Voloshin noted that the two each put in more than 1,000 man-hours on the barn, including negotiating with county commissioners.

“They have successfully brought together government, local leaders, businesses and other to complete this project that serves our entire community,” she said.

In accepting the award, the couple thanked the many additional volunteers who have helped along the way.

“I think it’s amazing, and I think we owe a lot of credit to the community,” John said. “Without them it would have been impossible.”