Vashon Island recently hosted sheepdog trials that featured some of the best handlers and dogs from the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia.

More than 1,500 spectators came to cheer on the 50 handlers and 88 dogs that came from all over Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. The trials were held on Oct. 1, 2 and 3 at Misty Isle Farms in the rolling field at the corner of Old Mill Road and 220th. Ave. S.W.

The High in Trial Award went to Islander Maggi McClure, the organizer of event, and her dog Kep.

“This event stands out because of the beautiful setting and amount of community involvement,” said contest judge Patrick Shannahan from Caldwell, Idaho.

“Handlers and their dogs worked hard; the sheep were good, but the field is unique with lots of rolling hills. It makes it very tricky.”

Shannahan had just returned from Belgrove, Va., after winning the 2010 U.S Border Collie National Championship with his dog Riggs.

For McClure, the best part of the event was the opportunity to blend the sheepdog sporting community with the Vashon community.

The event raised more than $3,000 for Vashon Partners in Education, which will use the funds to support a variety of projects in the local schools.

McClure said the main comment from Islanders was that we need to hold the event very year. The last Vashon sheepdog trial was held in 2003.

The trial committee thanks all the Islanders who attended the event, the volunteers and the sponsors of the event.

— Christie True

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