September 4-8, 2002, marks the sixteenth annual running of the Meeker Classic Championship Sheepdog Trials.  Once again, North America’s top dogs and handlers meet unforgiving terrain, high altitude and the West’s feistiest sheep in one of the nation’s most prestigious sheepherding competitions.
            Unlike arena or other field contests run on even ground, the Classic’s natural pastureland contains deep ravines and steep hillsides.  Poorly schooled dogs that ignore handlers’ commands may never find their flocks or, if successful, may quickly lose sheep scattered amidst tall sagebrush and precipitous gullies.  An altitude of slightly more than 6,000 feet takes a toll on unconditioned dogs and unwary handlers.  To prevent early tiring, handlers must astutely choose the most energy-saving routes for their dogs—a daunting task when lightning quick sheep change direction unexpectedly.  Oh yes, those infamous Meeker muttons.  While tame stock may be used in other competitions, the Classic’s yearling sheep have just arrived from their summer high pastures where neither herder nor herd dog disturbed their tranquility.  Notorious for bolting in headlong charges, these sheep can so upset the rhythm of dog and handler teamwork that many a handler “calls” a run before completion to save the spirit of his frustrated dog.
            Elimination runs start at 8 a.m. on September 4, 5 and 6, and are followed by the semi-finals on Saturday at 8:30 a.m.  Sunday features the top ten finalists vying for a $10,000 purse.
            Returning for his fourth year, Calgary Stampede announcer, Art Unsworth, will handle microphone duties.  The Classic will be the eighth U. S. competition that Scottish sheep and cattle rancher, John Henry Harrison, will have judged.  Harrison has been running dogs for 24 years.  He has qualified seven times for the English national championship team and won the English National Trials in 1990.            
            Food and entertainment provide additional allure. Hearty pancake breakfasts precede semi-final and final events.  Saturday evening’s BBQ dinner kicks off a Calcutta and Jackpot competition while a delicious lamb barbecue fills Sunday noon’s menu.  On Saturday noon spectators will be delighted by a unique Fly Ball Competition featuring Denver’s RUFF Fly Ball Club and a “doggie” tetherball demonstration showcasing Lou Dean’s Border Collies from Blue Mountain, Colorado.  These events repeat on Sunday noon with an additional demonstration of dog agility by the Western Agility Group.  Hugh Thackaberry’s live bagpipe music may be heard throughout the weekend. Craft and food booths offer interesting diversions all five days.
            Entries for the Classic’s annual art contest will be on display and for sale on site.  Thursday evening the public is invited to view all entries and join in the announcement of this year’s winning artists at a reception hosted by Meeker’s Fawn Creek Gallery and the Meeker Hotel.
            The Classic thanks its generous sponsors.  This year NC Telecom, Shell Exploration and Production Company, and Williams join longtime major contributors First National Bank of the Rockies, W. F. Clough, American Soda and Tom Brown, Inc.
            The Trials site is just west of Meeker on State Highway 13.  Tickets, sold at the gate, are: single day, $10, with children under 5 free; a five-day package price of adults, $20, and ages 5-12, $10.  On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, organized school groups are invited to attend free of charge.
            Please leave your pet Fido at home, but don’t forget to bring lawn chairs (bleacher seating is limited) and binoculars.