(Left) the Shepherd’s Memorial at Ute Park will be dedicated during this year’s sheepdog trials, but visitors are welcome to enjoy the memorial at any time. | COURTESY PHOTO
MEEKER | As September rolls around this year, the Meeker Classic will be celebrating 35 years of what has become a time-honored tradition among handlers, spectators, vendors and the community. Drawing some of the top teams from around the world, 170 border collies will face off against 900 tough western Merino range sheep in a six-day competition. With the beautiful White River valley as a backdrop, the event will celebrate the dogs and sheep and traditions that are an integral part of our western culture.
A special part of this celebration will be the honoring and dedication of the Shepherd’s Memorial at Ute Park. The dedication ceremony will take place at the Wilber Barn during the Art Reception on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at 5:30 pm., but visitors are welcome to enjoy the memorial at any time. A form of public art, the Shepherd’s Memorial will provide a lasting tribute to the fallen Meeker Classic sheepdog handlers who symbolize so much of what the Meeker Classic is all about. This memorial features a life-size silhouette of a shepherd and his dog mounted atop a native boulder from the area. Tyler Penley, Loveland Colorado metal artist and son of handler Nancy Penley created the silhouette.
On June 15, Meeker Classic Board members and volunteers erected the memorial and now it stands watch over the trial field and Ute Park. Located just west of the Meeker town limits, Ute Park provides access to walking and biking trails and is the site of the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials.
Two bronze plaques are mounted on the large rock. One is inscribed with the text of “The Final Run” and the second features the names of Meeker Classic handlers who have passed away. Currently there are 12 names. Additional names will be added as needed in the future. These handlers are from across the United States and Canada and over the years have contributed to the heritage of the Meeker Classic through their support, presence and competition at the trials.
The idea of a public art initiative paying tribute to sheepdog handlers originated at the passing of noted Texas sheepdog handler, Emil Luedecke. Inducted into the American Border Collie Hall of Fame, Emil was well known and regarded in and about Meeker and across the United States. Emil’s memory is the catalyst through which the community can pay tribute to fallen Meeker Classic handlers and the community’s character and cultural roots.
In using Emil Luedecke’s image as the figure upon this rock, he represents a fitting figure through which we can honor so many handlers and shepherds. It provides a commentary on our past, our traditions and our community while the image itself symbolizes a look to the future.
The six-day event, which is celebrating its 35th year Sept. 7–12, 2021, intertwines sheepdog trials, education and culture into a weeklong showcase of volunteerism, sportsmanship and community. Visitors can enjoy sheepdog trials, an art show, the Jammin’ Lamb Fest, Free educational demos, bagpipers, artisans and a wide variety of culinary vendors, book signings and so much more.
For information, tickets, schedules and special events visit www.meekersheepdog.com or call the Meeker Chamber of Commerce 970-878-5510.
HOPEWEST PRESS RELEASE | Special to the Herald Times
