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Soldier Hollow Classic November 1, 2015, 10:27 amThe attendance for this year's finals was a whopping 18,000 with a total attendance for the event topping 32,000. It's quite a tough competition for these sheepdogs who face ewes who are likely to turn and fight or scatter and head for the top of the hill where there are no fences. These Border Collies are said to be the world's best sheepdogs and it's their job to reassure the sheep that "all will be well if they just fall into line and do what is needed." The dogs perform these feats while remaining attentive to detailed instruction, whistles and calls from their handlers. The Soldier Hollow Classic, sponsored by Vita Bone, is one of the world's premier sheepdog championships and festivals, Nestled against the picturesque mountains of Midway in the Heber Valley, what better place could there be for this world class competition? The event is directed by founder, Mark Petersen, who years ago went over to the United Kingdom to get a Border Collie pup and to see a sheepdog championship and loved what he saw. The Solder Hollow Classic just turned thirteen this past Labor Day and has grown into the biggest event in the world, according to Petersen. Regarding choosing Soldier Hollow in Midway for the event, Petersen says, "It took another eight years until Soldier Hollow was built for the right place to exist, but as soon as I saw [it], the first thing I thought when I got out of the parking lot was ‘Sheepdog Championship.'" He adds, "In terms of how many people attend, the next closest show is only about half as big." The event boasts that is has the "best fair food in Utah," with around fifteen food booths. There is also entertainment for kids to keep them occupied during the event. Reflecting upon thirteen years of directing the Soldier Hollow Classic, Mark Petersen concludes, "It's something to be proud of. It's fun to know how honored people are who are invited to compete in it." The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2025 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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