For 5 days every September the mountain community of Meeker, Colorado in the White River Valley opens its doors to the world to showcase true western hospitality, pay tribute to their western heritage and culture and welcome contestants, spectators and enthusiasts from all over the world.
The occasion is the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials, one of the top events in Colorado and the United States. This event celebrates its 27th year from September 4 to 8, resting its laurels on the volunteers who make this event so special.
The event features a world-class sheepdog competition of 125 of the world’s best border collies and their handlers competing against each other and the tough “Meeker Sheep” for a $20,000 purse.
Other activities include an international art contest, show and sale, craft & fiber festival, food vendors, educational exhibits, demonstrations and venues, free outdoor concert, barbeques and pancake breakfasts, and free shuttles to/from historic downtown Meeker.
While in Meeker, visitors can explore a sheep wagon, watch a spinner, attend a seminar, meet the sheep and border collies and partake of western hospitality. For five days, Meeker residents welcome visitors into their world, share their lifestyles and values and they become part of the community.
The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials hosts dogs from all over the United States, Canada, Brazil, South Africa and more. Judged by international judges, this has become one of the world’s most respected sheepherding competitions. The venue’s natural pastureland consists of steep hillsides, rolling hills and deep ravines. Handlers must skillfully chose the most energy-saving course for their dogs in order to prevent early tiring – a grim task when amazingly quick sheep change direction and challenge the dogs.
Sitting in the White River Valley of Western Colorado, Meeker is a community of 2,500 and home to abundant wildlife and agriculture, wide open public lands, beautiful snowcapped mountains and breathtaking vistas. Located in Eastern Rio Blanco County, Meeker is also known as the Gateway to the Flat Tops Wilderness and is located just 40 minutes from Interstate 70 in Rifle, CO and 45 minutes from Craig, Co, 225 miles from Denver or 104 miles from Grand Junction.
Click on Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials for more information.
For more information about top events in Colorado take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Colorado