MEEKER | The Meeker Pageant has been a tradition included in Meeker’s 4th of July celebration since 1938. It is the historical reenactment of the “Meeker Incident” — the conflict between Meeker’s namesake, Nathan Meeker, an Indian Agent sent to oversee the area and the local tribe native to the White River Valley. The conflict included two battles, the Battle of Thornburgh, also called the Battle of Milk Creek, and the uprising of the local Ute tribe that resulted in Meeker’s death and multiple other men at the settlement.
Both battles are played out by members of the community in a live, action-filled pageant each year, with horses, fire and fireworks, and guns. This year’s performance will be shown during Range Call festivities at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds on Sunday, July 2 at dusk.
The pageant, under new management this year, is looking for volunteers to join them, with an opportunity for everyone to get involved.
Volunteers are needed to help backstage and with set up, clean-up and props, makeup and hair stylists, light and sound technologists, and actors for most parts, including: Native American braves, Native American village people, Native American horse riders, settler townspeople and dancers.
Everyone who is interested in encouraged to join, both adults and children. There is a small amount of time commitment necessary, with only three days of practices before the big performance.
If you would like to be involved in putting on this year’s Meeker Pageant in any capacity please visit meekerrangecall.com and fill out the sign-up form or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for joining this 4th of July tradition and helping put on a great show for the community!
BY EMILY MOHR | Special to the Herald Times
