Crystal Roberts – Vending Coordinator
There’s a special group of people that guide and direct the course of the Meeker Classic – our Board of Directors. All volunteers, each of these people commit precious time and effort into the yearlong journey of coordinating the Meeker Classic. True civic heroes, these folks model the spirit of volunteerism and community that lies at the foundation of all that is worthy and successful in our country. So, over the next few months, you’ll get to meet each of these extraordinary people!
Ever wonder who puts the amazing group of vendors together? Why there are so many unique and quality items? How it’s coordinated and runs so well? The person behind that is Board Member Crystal Roberts. It’s a yearlong process of communication, soliciting applications, accepting vendors, managing the wait list and assigning locations to fit each vendor’s needs and requests. Making sure all are in compliance with all health and taxation regulations, Crystal schedules arrivals and departures of vendors during the trial. Problems – all the vendors go to Crystal and she takes care of it.
A week before the trial Crystal oversees the placement of the tents and marks all vending spaces, emergency lanes and insures a safe and easy flow of foot traffic in the vending area. You’ll see Crystal walking amongst the vendors checking on them with her clipboard in hand. She assigns camping and parking spot designations and takes care of everyone. It’s a hard job, but one she does well, and all appreciate her efforts.
Crystal and fellow Board Member Regas Halandras at the trial. – photo by DKH productions
A Meeker Native, Crystal has served as Vending Coordinator for 9 years. She also currently serves on the Meeker Classic Executive Committee. Active in the community, Crystal is also a Volunteer 4-H Leader for the Dog Obedience Program. Crystal’s husband James and their two children Grace and Jake also volunteer for the Meeker Classic. Volunteering has become a family tradition.
Crystals kids Grace (left) and Jake (right) are valuable volunteers for the Meeker Classic. – photo courtesy of DKH Productions
Raised around sheep and agriculture, she’s fixed fence, herded sheep, worked in the shearing shed, raised lambs and done just about everything else involved with sheep production. Her love of sheep and dogs make the Meeker Classic a natural fit for her interests and passion. Over the years Crystal has made numerous friends through the Meeker Classic and looks forward to meeting new people.
Crystal takes a break from Vending Duties to watch a couple runs.
Board members, vendors, spectators, volunteers and handlers have all grown to know Crystal as a true friend, an advocate of the Meeker Classic and a person to get the job done. Thank you, Crystal, for all that you do!
Crystal helps stage the layout of the Meeker Classic Vendors. Photo courtesy of Michelle Cox