Stock dog trials June 16-19

The 31st annual Pennsylvania State Championship Stock Dog Trial (PSCSDT) will be held June 16-19 at Sheepy Hollow Farm in Hop Bottom.

The four-day trial is a qualifying trial for the United States Border Collie Handler’s Association and the Northeast Border Collie Association and will also be a qualifying trial for the 2012 national competition inKlamath Falls,Ore., in September.

The event is open to the public with free admission and a small parking fee to help defray the costs of returning the parking area to good pasture.

Each year, more than 200 dogs (participating in more than 400 runs) compete in the PSCSDT with dogs and handlers from more than 14 states and the provinces ofOntarioandQuebec,Canada.

Directions: Got a GPS? Go to Google maps, search Sheepy Hollow Farm, Hop Bottom, PA, select the farm and send the location to your GPS. Please make sure you select Sheepy Hollow in Hop Bottom, PA. The 911 address at the farm is1594 Sheepy Hollow Road, Hop Bottom, PA.

Traveling south on Route 81, take exit 223 atNew Milford. Go south on Route 11 for 12 miles to Hop Bottom. Watch for signs. Turn right at the blinker light in Hop Bottom, then turn left onGreenwood Street. Then go one mile to Sheepy Hollow Farm on the left.

Traveling north on Route 81, take exit 194 for Clarks Summit. Pick up Route 11 north and travel for approximately 18 miles to Hop Bottom. Turn left at the blinker light and left again onGreenwood Street. Watch for signs. Sleepy Hollow Farm is on the left about one mile.

The festive nature of the trial, year to year, brings more and more spectators. The field is expertly groomed, tents and bleachers are provided for the spectators and handlers. Various shops and clinics are offered on site. Handlers and spectators are housed in the same areas to allow communication between them.

Programs with running orders are provided for ease of following the action. The church services are held on Sunday, June 17, beginning at7 a.m.to add to the pleasure of the day.

A mini deli is usually available on Monday and Tuesday. The event is a great way for the family to celebrate Father’s Day Weekend.

For more information, contact Cheryl Jagger Williams, trial manager, at 289-4733.