Last year would have been the third annual Meeker Skijor event, but a shortage of snow forced the event’s cancellation. This year Meeker’s slot on the Skijor USA schedule has been moved from late February to New Year’s weekend, kicking off the 2023 race circuit.
For the first time, the skijor race course is at Ute Park instead of the Fairgrounds. Concessions will be available at the site. The awards ceremonies and New Year’s Eve dance will be at the 4-H Building at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds. Admission is $5 per person.
The race location has changed as well, moving from the fairgrounds to Ute Park on the west end of town. Adding to this year’s festivities will be a live band and dance to ring in the new year at the 4-H Building at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds.
Public Works Department staff from the Town of Meeker have been hauling snow for the race track for several weeks, and a succession of storms coming this week promises additional snow for the event.
In a skijoring event, skiers are pulled behind a horse down a preferably flat racecourse and timed for points. A team consists of a horse, rider, and skier and will get one run each day. A skier cannot ski behind the same horse more than once per day, and a horse may only run two times per day. Teams travel from race to race, gaining points for the national finals. The next race on the Skijor USA circuit in 2023 will be in Ridgway, Colorado, Jan. 14-15.
More than 100 racers were registered to compete as of the week before Christmas.
Opening ceremonies begin at 9:45 a.m. Saturday with a Mardi Gras themed day of races. Prizes will be awarded at the 4-H building at the fairgrounds at 6 p.m. before the Calcutta at 7 p.m. The Tucker Rose Band takes the stage at 9 p.m.
Sunday’s events — with a Viking theme — also start at 9:45 a.m. with the opening ceremony. Awards will be presented at the 4-H Building immediately after Sunday’s races.
General Admission to the races is $5 per person, kids 12 and under are free. Tickets available at the gate.
For more information, visit meekerskijor.com
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
