Here are some of our favorite snaps from the 35th annual Meeker Classic.
A sheepdog works five sheep during the preliminaries on Wednesday.The Union Jack flew at half mast after the death of the Queen on Sept. 8.Classic memorabilia was available at the Chaos Ink booth. Each year’s logo is created from the previous year’s winning artwork.A sheepdog brings a group towards the handler at a brisk pace.A VFW member helps direct schoolchildren during a field trip to the Classic. More than 400 kids get to experience the Classic through the school program.Former Meekerite Andy Goettel has been a vendor at the Classic for around 25 years.Jean Gellings and Quinn ended up in ninth place out of 135 dog/handler teams.Meeker’s Zeek Gianinetti played bagpipes during the event. The Garfield K-9 Unit gave demonstrations during the lunch hour each day.Brook Briddle of Powder River Hat Co. has been selling his wares at the Classic since his kids were in preschool; his youngest will graduate from high school this year.A handler gives a variety of commands to their dog, both whistled and spoken, during a run.A stuffed Border Collie eyes the field from a vendor tent.This pup waits patiently in the handler quiet area before the run.Various wool products were available for sale Claude Wood of Mountain Honey explains beekeeping basics.Toelle’s Kettle Corn was a popular snack.Spectators come from far and wide to watch the event.Enjoying the view through ‘doggles’.This little one was all tuckered out by the exciting events.It was a good turnout this year, according to trial director Maym Cunningham.2022 champion Faansie Basson works with his second dog, Finn, on the international shed. Finn took third place.A spectator records a video of Jean Gellings run during the finals on Sunday, Sept. 11.Marianna Schreeder takes a moment with her dog Star after their final run. The team placed fifth overall.Meeker sheep make a run for it during the finals.Long-time event photographer Dale Hallebach lines up the winners for an official shot.Trial Director Maym Cunningham thanked the competitors, spectators and volunteers.This year’s top dog, Jack.The set out crew is an essential part of the process.The top dog handler teams of 2022. Not pictured: runner up Barbara Ray. Ray and champion Faansie Basson both placed with two dogs apiece. Basson took first and third, and Ray took second and 12th.“It takes a village” to make the Classic happen each year.Photos by Caitlin Walker | Rio Blanco Herald Times
Art Show
Honorary chairs Gus and Christine Halandras.The Classic can be paradise for puppy loves.This heterochromatic fellow was quite friendly.So was his buddy, who loved belly rubs.Entertainment at the art show.It was a beautiful Colorado evening.The winning art piece was “Away”, a watercolor piece by Carolyn Coon. Courtesy PhotoThe winning photograph was by Kathy Mazzola. Courtesy Photo.Photos by Katie Lockwood
Flyball, Agility and more …
Wilson the agility dog showed off his weaving skills to a group of Moffat County school children.The agility dogs got lots of applause for their feats.A group of school kids asks questions at the agility demonstration.Nosework and sniffer dog demonstrations were a hit with youngsters.A student directs this wolf hound over a jump on the agility course.And we’re back to Wilson and his poles.But just in case you didn’t get enough, here’s even more Wilson …Ok, this is the last one, we swear.Next to the Bill Lukes Agility Field, flyball demonstrations were held throughout the weekend. Flyball, sometimes referred to as ‘drag-racing for dogs’ consists of a series of hurdles that dogs race through. They then press a panel to get the ball, and run back as fast as they can.It’s actually quite mentally challenging for the dogs. One-year-old Ella, above, completed just a few runs as part of her training.Turbo the Jack Russell prepares for his turn on the course.The pups enjoy the mental challenge, exercise, and quality time with their owners.The flyball demonstration was put on by the Westside Woofers team out of Grand Junction.The crowd clapped and cheered for the dogs as they raced through the course.Turbo was a crowd favorite … … especially when he acted obnoxious and decided to do his own thing.Photos by Caitlin Walker | Rio Blanco Herald Times
The Classic also included the annual Jammin’ Lamb fest, handler challenge, and more demos and events that are not pictured here. Make plans now to attend next year’s trials and see it all for yourself!
