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The Western Slope is a great summer destination for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. But you don’t have to be a mountain enthusiast to take advantage of the great activities in the area. Many local towns along the Western Slope host events highlighting the charm of small Colorado mountain towns and providing fun for the entire family. Meeker’s robust 2024 summer event schedule is well underway, offering the type of variety to ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. One of our must-see events closes the summer season in early September – the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials.
The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials is one of the town’s signature events each year, bringing thousands of people in worldwide. This summer, it will be held from September 4-8. If you’re an out-of-town patient traveling to Meeker for a procedure at Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, the Sheepdog Trials provide a great time to combine your orthopedic surgery with a nice vacation for the family.
The Meeker Classic is a five-day sheep herding competition. The sheepdog trial tests each dog’s ability to herd sheep in a calm, controlled manner. The event consists of three phases:
The run’s difficulty increases with each passing round, providing a more significant challenge for the dogs that advance. Each dog must go 600 yards to fetch the sheep and return them to their destination while navigating obstacles. In addition, each dog has a handler who will guide them with a series of commands during the six scored components of the event.
The Meeker Classic is much more than a sheepdog competition. A wide range of events are held throughout the week, providing fun for the entire family. Some of the highlights include:
The Art & Photography Contest features original artwork that aligns with the theme of the Meeker Classic. To qualify for the judging, each entry must contain two of the three subjects associated with the sheepdog trials (sheep, dog and/or handler).
Flyball is a series of head-to-head races between two teams of four dogs. Each dog races through four low jumps to “the box,” where they will turn around and return to the starting line with a tennis ball released from the box. The race is conducted relay style, with the winner being the first four-dog team to complete the course.
Culinary enthusiasts will love the Jammin’ Lamb Fest. Enjoy a dinner featuring Colorado-grown and raised lamb. The menu includes:
A beer garden features Colorado brews from Sandlot Brewery. Throughout the event, a free outdoor concert will be held in the beer garden.
After dinner, the 12 sheepdog finalists will be introduced. Once the free concert ends, the event moves to the Fairgrounds Arena for the Handler’s Challenge Arena Trial (just a few steps from where dinner is served).
A variety of demos, exhibits, and seminars are held throughout the five-day event. Some of the highlights include:
If you want to combine your orthopedic surgery visit to CAO with an enjoyable family vacation in Meeker, the Sheepdog Trials is a great time to come. The weather is beautiful in early September, and the Meeker Classic showcases everything that makes our town unique. The Meeker Classic is right around the corner, so now is the time to schedule your procedure and travel reservations for September 4-8.
Our team is happy to help you plan your stay. We’ll recommend the best hotel options that align with your family’s needs and direct you toward the best restaurants to visit while you’re in town. We’ll also give you the inside scoop on the best events to catch at the Meeker Classic.
Colorado Advanced Orthopedics has become a popular medical tourism destination in recent years due to our exceptional patient care and the beautiful mountain setting you can enjoy with your family. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons deliver levels of care commensurate with what you can find in the best hospitals in major metropolitan areas. Our surgeons regularly achieve surgical outcomes exceeding industry standards, giving you peace of mind that you’re receiving the exceptional care you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Colorado Advanced Orthopedics serves patients in Meeker, the White River Valley, and the Western Slope. We also treat many out-of-town patients visiting from around the country.
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