DEMOS, EXHIBITS, & SEMINARS
We’ve got lots of exhibits and educational demonstrations ongoing during the Meeker Classic. Be sure to check our schedule and information below.
2026 FREE Education Programs – Click to see the >> 2026 Education Schedule
DEMONSTRATIONS
POTTERY – Andy Goettel G3 Pottery and Arts
Meeker’s own Andy Goettel will demonstrate his craft of pottery throughout the day (as time allows) on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Mr. Goettel was an art instructor for 34 years, and retired from Meeker High School. In retirement he is pursuing his artwork full time.
As a professional artist Andy operates his studio called G3 Pottery & Arts. The work Mr. Goettel produces is a combination of functional stoneware, raku work and sculptural forms. His work can be seen and is available for purchase at the Meeker Classic Craft Fair where G3 Pottery & Arts have been quality vendors and part of the Meeker Classic for years.
NAVAJO WEAVING & TRADITIONS – MAE PESHLAKAI
Demonstrations in Vendor Tent – Wednesday thru Sunday
Mae Peshlakai has committed her professional life to the cultural practices, commerce and education for the Navajo Nation. Mae is a story teller, teacher and artist that bridges cultural gaps. A master weaver having had rugs placed in the Smithsonian, the Heard and other museums, Mae generously shares her story, wisdom and culture with all who want to know. Mae’s recently deceased husband, James, was deeply involved with Navajo education as a Navajo Medicine man and singer. James served as Elder-in-Residence Teaching Applied Indigenous Studies at Northern Arizona University, sharing insight into native plants, geology, self-reliance, and cultural values. Mae is also an accomplished jewelry maker. Mae’s booth will feature her weavings, jewelry and displays of the Navajo culture. Outside of their professional lives Mae and James care for their livestock on their ranch near Cameron, AZ.
Mae doesn’t know a stranger and will share her stories during the trials at the booth. You’ll find her working on some jewelry, weaving or visiting with passersby. Stop by her booth in the big vending tent and meet Mae.
THE WESTERN HAT – History & Hat Care Tips
Powder River Hat Company
Brooke Briddle – Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Brook Briddle is a Colorado hat maker with a talent not only for making functional headgear, but he also has a remarkable eye for design. His work stands the test of time and his reputation carries so far as to bring customers in by word of mouth.
Brook has always loved hats – when he was little he’d wear everything from a milk carton to football helmet on his head. After working at different hat shops over the years Brook eventually opened his own shop Powder River Custom Hat Co on Main St in Elizabeth, CO. Brook has been working in his new location for 12 years but has been building the finest hats for over 23 years.
While, Brook has made hats for many celebrities- he’s known for building hats for everyday working cowboys.
Carson Burke
LEATHERWORK AND SADDLEMAKING
Buckaroo Tack House – Carson T. Burke
Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday – Vending Tent
We are happy to welcome Carson Burke to the Meeker Classic. Carson will be stepping in to fill the space that Bob Klenda and Mike Brennan held for many years. Sadly, we lost Bob Klenda in April 2026 and Mike is stepping back for now. Both have had a huge influence in their profession, our community and the Meeker Classic. We will cherish the friendship and memories made with these two.
Carson Burke brings with him a passion for leatherwork and a skillset that will lead him to big things in his profession. In 2024, at age 18, he was awarded the Ann Stohlman youth achievement in leathercraft.
Caron is the Proprietor of Buckaroo Tack House, LLC. Originally from Elizabeth, Colorado, he got a taste of leatherwork at the early age of 11 and the passion grew from there. Now almost 10 Years later, he considers himself fortunate enough to do it full time. Currently located near the Wyoming-Nebraska State line he spends his time building one of a kind, handmade leather items. He specializes in gear for the working cowboy and horseman. He enjoys working primarily on custom projects, such as saddles, handbags, briefcases, belts, guitar straps, and many other various items. You may find Carson setup at many different events, such as music festivals, poetry gatherings, ranch rodeos, ranch ropings, etc, “peddling” my wares! So take some time and stop in at Carson’s booth in the large vending tent, watch him demonstrate his craft.
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EDUCATIONAL PRESENTER – Thursday and Friday, near the FFA Petting Farm and the Education Tent
Dessa Watson is a Meeker, Colorado-based agricultural educator, CSU instructor/advisor, author, and social media personality known as part of “The Farm.ily”. She uses her goats and llamas for therapeutic visits and educational demonstrations, and is the author of the children’s book Ewe Bee Ewe.
Dessa’s work is grounded in the belief that interactions with animals not only bring joy but also foster a deeper understanding of life itself, a notion supported by research on the positive mood-boosting effects of spending time with animals. Beyond the pages, Dessa is a mom, wife, animal lover, educator and advocate for agricultural literacy, dedicated to sharing the stories and science behind farm life.
Dessa’s academic and professional career is deeply rooted in higher education at Colorado State University from which she holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Agriculture. Dessa served Rio Blanco County as the 4-H Extension Agent for eight years. Currently, she is an Instructor and Advisor to the Masters of Extension Education program at Colorado State University.
Whether through her books, the Farm.ily’s following on social media, or a visit to her Colorado farm, she offers a gateway to the therapeutic and enriching experiences that come from befriending animals. Join Dessa, her family, and The Farm.ily as they continue to explore the lessons that make life on the farm a rich and rewarding adventure.
SPECIAL PRESENTERS
LOU DEAN – AWARD WINNING COLORADO AUTHOR
Book Signing – Wilber Barn
Saturday 9am – 2 pm
After Lou Dean’s mama left the farm in 1955, a very caring teacher enrolled Shorty Dog in school so he could comfort his young friend. Four decades later, a dog named Jake saved Lou Dean from a life-threatening ATV accident.
“The Amazing Grace of Dogs,” is the unforgettable true story of how love from dedicated canine companions gave Lou Dean the strength to survive family tragedy and the unmerited divine assistance (grace) to become an award-winning author.
Lou Dean is the author of countless articles in major magazines, five books of memoir, and two young adult novels. She has received four Colorado Authors League Awards a Colorado Blue Spruce nomination and a prestigious Wrangle Award for her work. Her latest novel, “Autumn of the Big Snow” was a finalist in the 2024 Colorado Book Awards.
She grew up on a farm in Osage County Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University. She now lives in an isolated corner of northwest Colorado with two dogs.
Last year, Lou Dean’s article Unexpected Visitors appeared in Guideposts Magazine “Joys of Christmas.” The article highlights Lou Dean’s decades of love for the Meeker Classic and Border Collies and reveals her secret desire to become a handler. Stranded in the house just before Christmas, with broken toes, a flock of wild turkeys appeared on her acre near Blue Mountain. Lou Dean’s Border Collie/Aussie, Dell Dog, became interested in the unexpected visitors, which opened a door for Lou Dean, at age seventy-six, to train a dog to herd.
WHITE RIVER and DOUGLAS CREEK CONSERVATION DISTRICTS and NRCS
ROLLING RIVERS TRAILER
Thursday and Friday – Education Tent
The White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts (Districts) and NRCS support the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials and participate in the Educational Programs with our Rolling Rivers Trailer. Students play and learn at the same time. It delivers a hands-on, feet-on education about rivers, watersheds, erosion and more.
The Douglas Creek and White River Conservation Districts were established in 1945 and 1964, respectively, following the passage of the Soil Conservation District Act in 1937. The Districts were created to provide a legal framework for organizing local landowners to voluntarily address soil erosion and manage natural resources such as soil, water, wildlife, plants, and air quality. By partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), United States Forest Service (USFS), and other agencies, they plan and implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to address all related resources within the districts’ boundaries.
The Districts’ partnerships serve all landowners within the districts by promoting voluntary conservation practices and offering technical assistance, planning projects, and practice project support. The mission of the Districts is to “provide guidance and technical assistance to encourage and promote the wise use of all the natural resources within the Districts by private landowners and government land management agencies”. For nearly 70 years, the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts have collaborated with individuals and government agencies at the county, state, and federal levels to address resource management challenges.
Come visit us at the Meeker Office, at 351 7th Street, Meeker or give us a call at (970)878-9838!
Beth Wiley, District Manager
White River & Douglas Creek Conservation Districts www.whiterivercd.com
Celtic Music and Story Telling
Ken Willson & Kim McKee
Wool Waulking Story Telling & Celtic Traditions – in various tents and around the grounds Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Why do men wear kilts? How were they made? Come see the REAL history of the kilt, and experience the traditional garment of the Highlands, with Celtic Folklorists Willson & McKee! Learn a waulking song, practice shrinking the ‘web of wool’, and take a step into the ancient history of northern Scotland!
ALL ABOUT WOOL FROM SHEEP TO FABRIC – VENDOR TENT
Yampa Valley Fiberworks and Wellman Family Corridales
Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
We welcome Lewis and Lorrae Moon of Yampa Valley Fiberworks, Craig, Colorado.
They join us this year as they partner with Wellman Family Corridales. Yampa Valley Fiberworks mills natural fibers for customers all over the world. Their small batch processing is done with care and craftsmanship. They are universally referred to as a wool mill, but we specialize in wool, alpaca, llama, mohair, and angora natural fibers. Their goal is to make the entire experience easy and enjoyable – from receiving your unprocessed fibers to shipping your finished products. Their finished yarns are second to none in quality and craftsmanship. Yampa Valley FiberWorks is dedicated to regional sheep farming, environmental cohesiveness, and keeping the natural fiber milling industry alive and well in the Yampa Valley.
They are ranchers at heart and millers by trade. For 20 years the Moon family has been a part of the natural fiber industry; and have a deep understanding of the work, dedication, and love required to be a rancher. Your fiber is the result of a year’s worth of love and care for your herd. At Yampa Valley Fiberworks their mission is simple – to provide our customers with finished yarns of the finest quality, dedication, and craftsmanship
Learn about sheep and the different kinds of wool they produce – how it is harvested and processed. You’ll see raw hand spinning fleeces from their own sheep. Felted wool sheets and many other items.
Yampa Valley Fiberworks www.yampavalleyfiberworks.com
Wellman Family Corridales 970-701-9107 edwellman88@gmail.com
SNIFFER DOGS – NOSE WORK DEMONSTRATIONS
Daily Morning Demonstrations in the Pen across from the Education Tent
K9 Nose Work DemonstrationsThe National Association of Canine Scent Work ™ developed the sport of K9 Scent Work. It has become one of the most popular canine sports around the world. Three professional dog handlers created this program based on the training used by many professional dog handlers, searching for drugs, bombs or other illicit products. But, instead of drugs or felons, we teach our pet dogs to find the source of three specific essential oils.
Fuzzy Friends Dog Grooming and Boarding Kennel here in Meeker, along with Total Teamwork Training LLC from Craig, Colorado , specializing in family dog training and K9 scent work training, are celebrating over ten years of fun and education we contribute to the sheep dog trials. We love making-up search detection stories and creating demonstrations for the children from surrounding school districts gathered around the search area. We set up special K9 explorations demonstrating their superior K9 talent and super sniffing ability. We are happy to answer any questions regarding this amazing K9 Dog Sport. And you don’t have to be a kid to ask questions.
WESTERN BORDER COLLIE RESCUE
Demonstrations and Education Programs on-going at their Booth – right across from the Information Booth
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Western Border Collie Rescue is an all-volunteer organization working in and around the Rocky Mountain region. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home Border Collies that have been abandoned, neglected or are no longer able to remain in their current home. WBCR also works to educate the public on the characteristics and needs of Border Collies.
WBCR is not a facility open to the public; instead, the dogs are fostered at individuals’ homes. Appointments to meet a dog must be made in advance and only AFTER the application, approval, and a matching process has been completed. Please see our Adopt page to see how the adoption process works.
WBCR operates from donations and adoption fees to defray the cost of vet expenses, the time and money expended in foster care, food, phone calls and transports. Most of our volunteers work full-time jobs and foster Border Collies as a true labor of love. Please keep this in mind when you begin the application process. The process may take a week or so to get underway. Please be patient!
Meeker FFA Chapter – LEARNING, COMMUNICATING AND BUILDING OUR FUTURE LEADERS
There’s no better way to learn about farm life than by seeing farm animals first hand. The Meeker High School FFA Chapter will host a petting farm at the Meeker Classic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Their mission is “outreach” to educate the public on animal husbandry and offer an opportunity for spectators to meet and greet farm animals .
The chapter members have coordinated and developed a great program for you. We thank all the Meeker FFA Chapter members for their partnership in this program.
Additionally, each year the Rangely and Meeker Chapters of the FFA assist in the flag raising ceremony as part of the “Opening Cermonies” before the final round of competition on Sunday.
The FFA programs of Rio Blanco County are another example of hands on leadership training and taking pride in our agricultural heritage. Instructors are: Denee Dinwiddie from Meeker High School and Crandal Mergleman from Rangely High School.
Photo credit – Cathy Stampe
AGILITY and Flyball
Demonstrations at the Bill Lukes Field on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Dog Agility Demonstration: Welcome to the exciting world of dog agility! In this fast-paced sport, a handler guides their dog through an obstacle course filled with jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and more—similar to a steeplechase for horses. Each course is a race against the clock, where both speed and accuracy count.
Agility is open to dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments, and to handlers of all ages and abilities. The dogs you’ll see today typically compete on several courses with different layouts in a single day. They’ve never seen the courses before, so they rely entirely on the cues and communication from their handler.
Whether you’re looking to compete or just want a fun, engaging activity to share with your dog, agility is a fantastic choice. It builds trust, teamwork, and keeps both dog and handler mentally and physically active.
