Every September the best sheepdogs from around the region, country and internationally, descend on the rural northwest mountain town of Meeker. Five days of sheepdog herding pursue, along with western festivities.
The 32nd Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials kicks off from Wednesday to Sunday, September 9th to 13th, 2020. They compete for a purse and added money totaling $25,000. More than 375+ volunteers help with the event each year.
September Heritage Festival in Meeker
Watch the 33rd annual Meeker Classic, complete with bleacher seating. This late summer heritage festival encompasses dogs, sheep, education, art, history and culture. 130 handler/dog teams compete in 3 days of preliminaries trials. The top 30 teams move onto Saturday’s Semi-Finals. The Finals on Sunday feature the best 12 dogs.
Any herding dog is welcome at the Meeker Classic, although the Border Collie dominates the scene. The dogs were bred to gather sheep, and not drive them, so they don’t nip or bark, just work smoothly and quickly.
Free courtesy van shuttles are available all festival week, from Wednesday through Sunday. It picks up and drops off at several locations around town.
Events at Meeker Classic
Wednesday:
- 7 AM Preliminary Runs begin & run all day, 44 dogs
- 9 AM Food & Artisan Vending Festival – ongoing
- 9 AM Demos & Presentations
- 9 AM – 4PM Art Show – on site at historic Wilber Barn
Thursday:
- 7 AM Preliminary Runs begin & run all day, 44 dogs
- 9 AM Food & Artisan Vending Festival – ongoing
- 9 AM Demos & Presentations
- 9 AM – 4PM Art & Photography Show – on site at historic Wilber Barn
- 5:30 – 7:30 PM 2020 International Art Contest Reception – Wilber Barn – Trial Site
Friday:
- 7 AM Preliminary Runs begin & run all day- 42 dogs
- 7 – 9 AM Pancake Breakfast, Rio Blanco Masons -Trial Site
- 9 AM Food & Artisan Vending Festival – ongoing
- 9 AM Educational Exhibits & Demonstrations
- 9AM – 4 PM Art & Photography Show – on site at historic Wilber Barn
- 11 AM-Noon FREE Sheep Cheese Tasting – by Blanco Cellars & Little Cheese Shop – Art Barn
- Afternoon – Dog Agility & Flyball Demonstrations-Schedule Posted at agility field
- Noon – 5:30 PM PEO Quilts In the Country & Bake Sale – Fairfield Center (3rd & Main) ALL NEW QUILTS
- 5-9 PM MEEKER MUSTANG MAKEOVER – Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds
Saturday:
- 7 AM Semi-Final Eliminations – all day 30 dogs -16 dogs before Lunch
- 7 – 9 AM Pancake Breakfast, Rio Blanco Masons -Trial Site
- 9 AM Food & Artisan Vending Festival – ongoing
- 9AM Educational Exhibits & Demonstrations
- 9 AM – 5:30 PEO Quilts in the Country & Bake Sale, Fairfield Center – 3rd & Main – ALL NEW QUILTS
- 9AM – 4 PM Art & Photography Show – on site at historic Wilber Barn
- 9:30AM – 4PM Dog Flyball &Agility Demonstrations-Schedule Posted at agility field
- 11 AM-Noon FREE Sheep Cheese Tasting – by Blanco Cellars & Little Cheese Shop – Art Barn
- 12 – 1:00 PM Lunch Break
- 12:30 – Handler Demo – Trial Field
- 1:30-4 PM Dog Flyball & Agility Demonstrations Schedule Posted at Agility Field
- 4:00 – 8 PM Jammin’ Lamb Festival – Lamb, Music, Culture & Brews on the Square – A FAMILY EVENT – Downtown Meeker – on Main Street)
- 7 PM Handler’s Challenge – Jackpot Arena Trial , Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds- fun watching for all!
Sunday:
- 7 – 9 AM Pancake Breakfast, Rio Blanco Masons – Trial Site
- 8:00 AM Opening Ceremony
- 8:30 AM Final Round – 12 dogs – First 6 dogs run before Lunch
- 9 AM Food & Artisan Vending Festival – ongoing
- 9AM Educational Exhibits & Demonstrations
- 9 AM – 4 PM Art & Photography Show – Historic Wilber Barn, on site
- 10:30 – 11:15 Dog Agility Demonstrations – Schedule posted at agility field
- 12 – 1:00 PM Lunch Break – Woolgrowers Barbeque (approx. time)
- 12:30 – Handler Demo – Trial Field
- 1:30 PM Final 6 Dogs Run
- 4:00 PM Awards Ceremony following final run (approximate time only)
Highlights at Meeker Classic
- Trial Field
- Bleacher Seating
- Petting Zoo
- Education Tent
- Art Show Wilber Barn
- Food Booths
- Hospitality Tent
- Vendor Tent & Demos
- Border Collie Rescue
- Colorado Comfort K9s
- Sheepdog Demos
- Stichin’ Quarters
- MC Souvenirs & Information
- Billy Lukes Flyball Field
- Billy Lukes Agility Field
- Vendor Camping
Meeker Accommodations
Details
Address: Meeker, CO
Phone: 970-878-0111
Date: Wed-Sun, September 9-13, 2020
Type: Heritage festival
Fee: Yes
Website: meekersheepdog.com
