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Help us celebrate the
SESQUISEMIQUINCENTENNIAL!

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States signing the Declaration of Independence, along with the 150th anniversary of Colorado becoming the one and only "Centennial State!"
We will be celebrating with great events all year long!

2026 EVENTS GUIDE

The Rio Blanco County Historical Society will be partnering with numerous organizations through out the year the celebrate the Sesquisemiquincentennial. Stay tuned!

May 16th-July 5th - The Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibit “Americans”

Opening reception is on May 15th at 6:00 P.M. in the museum courtyard, prior to opening the doors in the exhibit. The exhibit will be open during normal business hours Monday thru Saturday 9 to 5, Sunday 12 - 5 from May 16th to July 5. We also open the exhibit by appointment on evenings and weekends.

July 3rd - Milk Creek Battlefield Tour

Meeker has one of the longest running rodeos in the west, The Range Call Celebration. Along with all of the traditional events, the rodeo, ranch rodeo, the parade and the bank robbery reenactment, we will also have the Milk Creek Battlefield Tour at the Milk Creek Battlefield Memorial Park. This year, in honor of the men who died in this battle, we begin the the Milk Creek Tour with a rendition of “Taps” by a local musician, Tom Allen, followed by a Ute prayer by Larry Cesspooch. Larry Cesspooch was born on the Uintah & Ouray Ute Reservation. After returning from serving in Vietnam he began to serve as a spiritual leader.

September 9th-13th - Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials

The Sheepdog Trials are expected to be bigger than ever this year. In addition to the tense competition of the amazing contestants and their handlers, the 40th Anniversary Celebration – 5 Day Event will include Dogs, Sheep, Education, Art, History & Culture. Events will include a Drone Show on Thursday the 11th at 7:30, and As part of commemorating the Battle at Milk Creek and the White River Agency Incident that occurred here in this valley on September 29th, 1879, the Rio Blanco County Historical Society will be introducing the Buffalo Soldiers of the American West during the lunch break on Saturday, September 12th. They will provide a short program of drills and horsemanship. They will have an informational table set up all day where you can meet with them and talk about the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in American history.

September 17th - Meeker Mustang Makeover

Scheduled for September 17–19, 2026, at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, including a Mustang Mingle, auction, and competition divisions (In-Hand Youth/Adult, Under Saddle). More news coming soon.