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.
2025 FREE Education Programs – Please check back often as this will be updated
Overview and Schedule
2025 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.
LEATHERWORK AND SADDLEMAKING
Klenda’s Custom Saddles, Bob Klenda
Friday, Saturday & Sunday – Vending Tent
Mike Brennan will be taking a break this year and we hope to see him in 2026!
Bob has been making saddles since 1961. Now, nearly 520 saddles and 60 plus years later Bob continues to hone his saddle making skills. Bob and his wife recently moved from Meeker to Nebraska where they could be closer to family.but we still call him a Meekerite! This year, finds Bob busily at work in his saddle shop as he creates award winning saddles and tack that are cherished around the world. His work today is primarily custom ordered; in addition, occasionally he makes a piece for a particular show or extras when doing a custom order and then offering them for sale. He enjoys showing his work as well as helping people design gear that suits their needs.
Bob teaches the art of leatherwork and saddle making at his shop, trade shows and seminars. Bob also has one of his saddles on display in Washington D.C. To celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery is planning a major exhibition, titled The State Fair. The exhibition will be on view at SAAM’s Renwick Gallery, Washington DC from August 22, 2025, through September 7, 2026. A part of the exhibition is recognizing the part that saddles have played in Americas past state fairs. Bob has contracted with the planners of the exhibition to make a custom made saddle which will be on display throughout the duration of the show.
Klenda’s Custom Saddles, Bob Klenda – www.klendasaddlery.com
Pistol River Leather, Mike Brennan – www.pistolriverleather.com
SPECIAL NOON HOUR ENTERTAINMENT – SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Dessa Watson and the Funny Farm.ily – Published author, educator and social media celebrity
Join us for a delightful and interactive story time reading of Dessa’s latest book “Round Pen for Ten!” Enoy farm fun, coupled with playful animal encounters. Plus create unforgettable moments by walking a sheep, kissing a cow and hugging a llama! Come for the Story and leave with the pure happiness animals bring. Sheep, llamas, donkeys, and more await you at the Meeker Classic!
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
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!
Blake McGahan, 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
Eric Wellman, Wellman Family Corridales
Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
The Wellman Family started raising Registered Corriedales in 1976. They focus on producing funtional sheep that excel in range conditions and quality wool. Learn about sheep and the different kinds of wool they produce – how it is harvested and processed – hands on experience with the wool by Wellman Family Corriedales. You’ll see raw hand spinning fleeces from their own sheep. Felted wool sheets and many other items.
Wellman Family Corriedales
PO Box 84
Hamilton CO 81638
970-701-9107
edwellman88@gmail.com
LLAMA LESSONS – Next to the FFA Petting Farm
Dessa Watson – the FARMILY
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Local Social Media personality and owner/educator with Colorado State University Extension, Dessa Watson will use her Llamas and gots in her lessons on Llama Body Language and Dr. Therapy. Dessa is a published author of Ewe Bee Ewe – a childrens book. Her work is grounded in the belief that animals and interacting with them can bring not only joy but foster a deeper understanding of life.
Dessa Watson
SNIFFER DOGS – NOSE WORK DEMONSTRATIONS
Daily Morning Demonstrations in the Pen across from the Education Tent
Professional K9 handlers who work in law enforcement and the military developed a new companion dog sport, so that our pet dogs can use their amazing talent to find a specific scent. We teach our dogs to find the scent of a specific essential oil. Once they learn to search out that scent for us, we add in new environments. We call them “elements”. Our companion dogs learn to find the specific scent in 4 elements including Containers, Vehicles, Interiors and Exteriors.
WESTERN BORDER COLLIE RESCUE
Demonstrations and Education Programs on-going at their Booth – right across from the Information Booth
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 Chintala from Meeker High School and Clinton Kilduff from Rangely High School.
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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.
This demonstration is proudly hosted by First Class Agility Facility, with locations in Silt and Loma, CO. Interested in getting started? Ask us about our training programs and classes—we’d love to help you and your dog begin your agility journey!