Meeker Classic 2014 | The Herald Times | Serving Meeker, Rangely, Dinosaur & Northwest Colorado

Scott Glen and his dog, Don, from New Dayton, Alberta, Canada, get the 20 sheep to go around the left side of the handler’s post as one of the required maneuvers with the sheep. Glen and Don took second place in the Meeker Classic with 128 points out of the possible 170. Winner Ron Enzeroth of Dublin, Texas, captured the top money and the trophy with a spectacular 141 points.

Christine Jobe and her dog, Gwen, had the sheep within feet of the open door to the final pen, which is the ultimate goal of the handlers, when time ran out during the first round on Wednesday. Jobe is from Cypress County, Alberta, Canada, and she was one of 25 handlers from Canada.

A member of the Rocky Mountain Scots Pipe and Drum Band took in the action at the Meeker Classic and played a bit on his bagpipes as he watched over the midway at the event. The group performed Saturday and Sunday at the lunch hour break in the trials action and on Saturday afternoon in downtown Meeker.

This black and white is part of Cat Urbigkit’s Portraits of Pastoralism on display at the Meeker Classic. This was one of several focused on sheep herders from around the world, always photographed in a stoic black and white.

An important part of the Meeker Classic is the educational field trip afforded students in Northwest Colorado including four Craig schools and Meeker Elementary School students, seen above. The field trip includes some lecture time, time to meet with some of the handlers and a free snow cone. The students said they had a great time and found the field trip educational and interesting.

From the judge’s standpoint, there was a sea of spectators and vehicles scattered to the south end of Ute Park, where the Meeker Classic is held each year. Estimates of the crowds for the five-day event ranged from nearly 2,000 people on Saturday to roughly 6,000 for the five-day trials.

Several hundred people endured a long line to get their taste of lamb on Thursday night during the annual Classic Lamb Cook-off. From Dutch oven pieces of lamb to lamb meatballs, to lamb chips with a lime marinade, to lamb curry to lamb and couscous and a couple other lamb creations, there were nine entries and each was unique to the others. Wine and beer were also on hand for the free event.

There were several artisans and craftsmen and women taking part in the arts and crafts booth up behind the judges’ stand. Pictured above is Andy Goettel of Goettel G3 Pottery and Arts. The name G3 denotes the Goettel family, which consists of Andy, his wife, Susan, and their daughter, Gabrielle.

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