What better way to finish up a day at the Meeker Classic than to take in the Jammin’ Lamb Festival in historic downtown Meeker. Set in the center of town on the courthouse square, over 700 lamb enthusiasts gathered to sample Colorado lamb recipes and food prepared by local chefs. Live music, cultural and herding demos and a corn hole tournament provided additional entertainment for folks as they enjoyed the good food and refreshments.
A panel of three judged the entries: Anthony Theos, a 4th generation sheep rancher from Meeker, Nelva Karla Bicknell, Executive Chef at Colorado Northwest Community College and Aurturo Rodriguez manger of the Mexican House Restaurant and the Meeker Hotel & Cafe. Entries were presented to the judges by each of the participating chefs and were scored on taste, tenderness, creativity and presentation.
2019 Jammin Lamb Judges l to r – Karla Bicknell, Aurturo Rodgriquez, Anthony Theos
Selected for first place by the judges and also as People’s Choice Recipient was Lamb Carnitas prepared by Ben & Rachael Cunningham, Pursuit of Flavors of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cordero Asada prepared by Mary McPhee, Red Mountain Catering of Glenwood Springs, Colorado took second place honors for the competition. The Joe Gutierrez Family of Meeker was selected as third place recipient with their Lamb Street Tacos.
2019 Jammin Lamb Winners l to r : Joe Gutierrz, Mary McPhee, Rachael & Ben Cunningham – photo courtesy of Michelle Cox
Music, cultural demos, good company and good food made it a memorable evening for all. The Eastern Rio Blanco County Parks and Recreation District hosted a corn hole tournament as a side event for the evening.
ERBM Hosted a CornHole Tournament in conjunction with the Jammin’ Lamb Festival – photo courtesy of Michelle Cox
A variety of side dishes made by local chefs, youth groups and civic organizations added a tasteful, healthy balance to the menu that evening. Recipes and final results are posted on the Meeker Classic Website – CLICK HERE to VIEW.
A special thanks to all the participants, volunteers and folks that helped make it a special evening in Meeker!
Handler Chris Jobe, Alberta, Canada gave herding demos during the Jammin Lamb Festival – photo courtesy of Michelle Cox
Joe Gutierrez prepares his Lamb Street Tacos –