Border Collies and Sheep come to the Meeker Classic – photo courtesy of DKH Productions.
When September rolls around the Meeker Classic will be adding an additional day to their typical 5-day sheep dog trial. “One might think of it as a Post Covid Trial with an extra day thrown in as a big THANK YOU to all of our friends,” says Board Chair, Regas Halandras of the recent decision to add an additional day and 35 dogs to the competition. This means that 170 dogs will run in the preliminary runs September 7 thru the 10th. The Semi-finals and Finals will be run as they typically have with 30 dogs up on Saturday, September 11th and the top 12 advancing to the finals on Sunday, September 12th.
With the White River Valley as a back drop – handlers, spectators and vendors look forward to visiting Meeker each year. photo courtesy of Michelle Cox
“During the 2020 year of COVID-19 we were overwhelmed by the support from handlers, sponsors, friends and our community,” noted Jessica Browning, “Thanks to the help of so many the Meeker Classic was able to maintain their viability as an organization.” The choice to add an extra day was driven largely by the desire to give back the folks that have lent their support of the Meeker Classic. An extra day means that 35 more dogs can run and more people will be coming to Meeker a day earlier. This means a positive effect on the businesses and the economy of the area.
The Meeker Sheep make it a competition that all handlers look forward to. Photo by PiperAnne Worcester
Meeker’s popularity with the handlers rests in the competition, the sheep and the community. Many mark Meeker as the “GO TO” trial on their list. “What makes Meeker special are the people and the community, this is not just a trial put on by handlers, but by the whole community – all are involved and all take ownership,” says veteran handler Jack Knox, Butler, Missouri.”When I go to Meeker, I know that every other handler has as good a chance as I do, and we have the sheep to thank for that.”
Local favorite Andy Goettel demonstrates the use of a pottery wheel at the vending fair. Photo courtesy of Michelle Cox
In addition to hosting 170 dogs from across North America, plans for the 2021 Meeker Classic include the annual Art & Photography Contest and Show, a full slate of artisan craft and food vendors, education programs and the ever popular Jammin’ Lamb Festival. Hoping to offer opportunity for locals and others to watch the dogs, Tuesday will be offered as a FREE day at the Meeker Classic. There will be limited amenities on Tuesday, but everyone is welcome.
Some new special attractions include the “Wild n’ Wooly” 5K, 10K & 25K Trail Races hosted by the ERBM Recreation & Park District on Saturday. The Purina Performance Dog Team will be the noon entertainment on Saturday and Sunday – these dogs travel around the world doing demos and providing thrills for the audience. For those that are unable to attend, but want to experience the Meeker Classic, they can watch live via live streaming on the Meeker Classic Webiste and FaceBook page.
photo courtesy of Piper Ann Worcester
The Meeker Classic is looking forward to sharing time with old acquaintances and making new friends as the community tradition marks its 34th year on September 7 – 12, 2021. As always, volunteers are welcome and a necessary part of what makes the organization run. For more information call the Meeker Classic at 970-878-0111 or reach out to the Meeker Chamber of Commerce.