SPECIAL TO THE HT
The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials will celebrate its 40th anniversary Sept. 9-13, bringing five days of sheepdog competition, demonstrations, exhibits, art and special events to Meeker.
Preliminary runs begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, with 45 dogs competing each of the first three days. Semifinals featuring 30 dogs begin Saturday, followed by the final 12 on Sunday.
New this year is “Stories in the Sky,” Meeker’s first drone show, scheduled for Thursday evening following the Meeker Classic Art & Photography Contest reception. About 500 drones will create a 15-minute show celebrating Colorado’s 150th anniversary, America’s 250th and the Meeker Classic, with best viewing from the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds. The show is free.
The Buffalo Soldiers of the American West will present a living history program during the Saturday lunch break. The group portrays the Ninth and 10th U.S. Cavalry regiments and will also have a booth at the Classic.
Other events throughout the week include the food and artisan vending festival, art and photography show, dog agility and flyball demonstrations, educational exhibits, pancake breakfasts, Quilts in the Country and Saturday’s Jammin’ Lamb Fest. Finals begin at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, with the awards ceremony expected around 4 p.m.