The Vashon Sheepdog Classic, held last weekend, drew a crowd of 12,000 people to the island over the four days the event was held at Misty Isle Farms.

The annual trials are a national competition for working dogs and their handlers as well as a fundraiser for a variety of youth programs on Vashon.

Winners include

At press time Monday, it was not yet clear how much the event brought in, but Maggi McClure, the primary organizer of the event, said the weekend guests were the highest numbers yet.

“I know it is a record year, but I do not know how above and beyond we are,” she said.

Partners in Education, which supports learning in the public schools, is the primary beneficiary of the event and sells dog sponsorship opportunities. This year, the organization had sold of their 98 sponsorships on Thursday and made more than $11,000 from those as well as a homemade pie raffle and other sales at the booth.

McClure credits a troop of dedicated volunteers for making the trials a success and noted that a highlight was the presence of Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science and and an autism spokesperson, who addressed a full house at Vashon Center for Arts on Saturday and attended the trials for several hours at the trial on Sunday, talking to those who attended and signing books.

“She was very engaged with the crowd,” McClure added. “It was amazing.”

Though organizers appreciate the number of people interested in the event, they say they want to make sure it does not get too big in the coming years and will limit the numbers who can attend if necessary. The trials are meant to be peaceful, with people picnicking on blankets and watching the dogs work.

“There is a relaxed, timeless energy about the place,” she said. “We want the integrity of the space and the spirit of the event to stay intact.”