Historic Meeker Classic celebrates 35 years

Unique Event Celebrates Sheepdog Trials, Traditions and Meeker’s Agricultural Heritage

MEEKER | Few things are more magical than watching a Border Collie match its skill against fresh, unworked western range sheep in a large native pasture. Sheepdog trialing enthusiasts from all over the United States and Canada will converge in Meeker, Colorado at Ute Park on September 7-11, 2022, for the renowned Meeker Classic. 135 Border Collies from across North America will match up against the famous Meeker Sheep for one of the world’s toughest sheepdog competitions. Celebrating the sheep industry and Meeker’s agricultural heritage, the five-day event includes arts, culture,a craft and culinary festival, and educational opportunities for all.

Three days of preliminary runs will sort out the top 30 dogs to advance to the semifinals on Saturday, September 10. Each of the 135 dogs will have a blank canvas field and fresh sheep as they vie for a position in the semifinals. Judged on their ability to maneuver the tough range sheep in a calm, controlled manner, the dogs will be sent 600 yards to fetch the sheep and bring them into the infield through a set of obstacles designed to mimic actual working situations on the farm or ranch. Twelve of the 30 semi-finalists will advance to the finals on Sunday. The difficulty and number of sheep increases during the three stages of competition. A quote from the American Sheepdog Society on the Border Collie captures what you’ll experience at the Meeker Classic:

“Here, one can be in touch with something useful and unspoiled, a pastoral art where three of the most admirable canine virtues, namely, intelligence, control, and obedience, are seen at their very best.”
In addition to the sheepdog trialing competition, the Meeker Classic also features a variety of family friendly activities to make your time at the event complete. Focusing on Meeker’s agricultural heritage, an art and photography show, well developed educational programs and a wide variety of culinary and artisan vending booths that highlight the unique nature of the event. Be it Dutch Oven Cooking, K-9 Sniffer Dogs, saddle making, Celtic story-telling or Navajo weaving – the opportunities for enrichment and entertainment abound at the Meeker Classic.

Saturday evening after the semi-finals enjoy a farm-to-table dinner featuring Colorado Grown and Raised, Meeker-style. The Meeker Classic has partnered with the Wool Growers, Lions Club and various youth organizations to present an evening highlighting Colorado Lamb, Sides, Fruit, Honey, Brews, hospitality and entertainment. Craft, food and fiber vendors will be on hand during the evening as visitors dine and are entertained by Colorado poet and musician Caitlyn Taussig. All proceeds from the evening go to benefit the Rio Blanco County Wool Growers Scholarship Fund. To avoid weather challenges the event will be hosted at the fairgrounds in conjunction with the handlers Challenge Arena Trial.

Make it a point to visit the Meeker Classic and all the various events the week of September 7-11th. You won’t be disappointed. Meeker’s hospitality and countless volunteers and community members put the event, the dogs and the people first. For information, tickets, schedule of events visit www.meekersheepdog.com or the Meeker Chamber of Commerce.