The award helps get the town more recognition. Tourists will see that in Meeker, someone cares, someone is there to talk to you. When the Sheep Dog Trials began, no one could have really predicted that the five-day event would become a model example of what community spirit can accomplish. But the trials have now evolved to the point where television crews from national networks, such as PBS and NBC, broadcast some of the contest events. When compared to other sheep dog contests, the Meeker Classic Sheep Dog Championship Trials are perhaps the largest in North America.
More publicity means more tourism.
Currently, the town is working to purchase the land used for the trials and to make it both a permanent home for the event as well as year-round recreational space. This year's trials brought in about 100 entrants from across the globe, and Halandras said he would like to see more international applicants in future competitions. Halandras said airline companies refuse to transport animals during the hot summer months. In addition, the sheep dogs are subject to being quarantined before returning to their home countries, because of the risk of spreading diseases. The Town of Meeker assists by supplying a water-tank truck, bleachers and office supplies.