It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Meeker Classic. Each year for 34 years we have looked forward to connecting with so many to celebrate the sport of sheepdog trials, education, culture, and community at the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials. But, after months of great thought and given the health and safety concerns around COVID-19 we decided cancelling was the most responsible thing to do. We are looking forward to September 8-12, 2021 when we can once again gather with dogs, sheep, handlers, and visitors to celebrate the sport of sheepdog trials.
by Michelle Cox photography
Our concerns. . .
We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the handlers, spectators, and vendors, but also to business community of Meeker and Northwest Colorado. This signifies a substantial loss of economic impact the Meeker Classic has on the community. It is our hope that friends of the Meeker Classic will still find a way to visit Meeker, enjoy the open spaces, the people and support the local community. The Meeker Classic remains committed to promoting the community and the rich heritage that has protected our culture and natural resources – the country is beautiful and so are the people.
The Meeker Classic has a substantial economic impact on the community – photo by Michelle Cox
Another concern is the responsibility we feel towards our handlers, partners, and spectators, who fund the event – through entry fees, purchasing tickets and investing in the Meeker Classic. We will be reaching out directly to the individuals with options regarding refunds, donations or applying their funds to the 2021 Meeker Classic.
Photo by Pipers Pix
Sheepdog handlers across the world have been hit particularly hard by the effects of COVID-19. Travel restrictions, cancelled trials and stay safer at home guidelines have put substantial restrictions on their ability to compete, teach and market their skills. Many have improvised, implemented virtual experiences and used their time at home creatively, but it’s still hard. We will continue to promote the dogs, our handlers sheepdog trials and responsible dog ownership through our social media and website presence. Please keep these folks and their dogs in your thoughts going forward.
We gather to celebrate the sport of sheepdog trials – photo by Pipers Pix
We are grateful . .
The Meeker Classic extends our deepest appreciation to the community and the many volunteers that have given time, work and support to make this event what it is today. Our thirty-three years of traditions and legacy speaks of everything good in this country. This event brings people together – it transcends generations, cultures and livelihoods and it elicits a sense of community for all those involved.
Moving Forward . .
In place of our 2020 Meeker Classic , we are planning other ways for our community to get together through a variety of digital content offerings that we have in place and plan to create. We will share additional details on our plans in the coming weeks. You can sign up Here to have emails sent to you directly. In the meantime, thanks for your patience and understanding — and we look forward to seeing you all in 2021!
Please join us in looking forward to September 8-12, 2021 as we plan the 34th Annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials. Details will be posted at www.meekersheepdog.com
Meeker is all about volunteerism, community and friendship – for all those involved –