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  • What is the Campustown Showdown?
    The Campustown Showdown is like no other cattle show in the nation. This unique show on April 25-26, 2025 starts at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center where exhibitors will compete to have the chance to show their market prospect cattle or breeding heifers in the streets of the Campustown Business District. The judges will select the Grand & Reserve Champion for the market & breeding cattle divisions. While in Campustown, exhibitors will be awarded cash prizes, and public attendees will enjoy live music, a fashion show, shopping, and other performances and experiences. To learn more, visit www.campustownshowdown.com/who-we-are.
  • What is a cattle show?
    A cattle show is an event where cattle are exhibited and judged on certain traits as specified by their respective breed standard. Most cattle shows also include a showmanship portion. Showmanship is defined as the ability to present the animal to the best of its genetic ability and involves knowing the basic skills of the show ring, while bringing attention to the animal’s strengths and minimizing the animal’s weaknesses.
  • What is a “Grand Drive” at a cattle show? What is unique about Campustown Showdown Grand Drive?
    A Grand Drive at a cattle show is essentially the championship round. The Campustown Showdown’s Grand Drive event is unique because no other cattle show in the nation hosts the Grand Drive in the middle of an entertainment district with live music, a fashion show and vendors. In this environment, consumers are provided with an immersive experience of the cattle industry’s producer-to-consumer journey.
  • When and where is the event being held?
    Exhibitors will compete on Friday, April 25, at 6 p.m. starting with the showmanship competition at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa. On Saturday, April 26 the competition resumes at 9:30 a.m. with market beef and breeding heifer divisions. The top competitors will advance to the Grand Drive on Welch Avenue in Campustown at 6:30 p.m. in Ames, IA.
  • Is this event open to the public?
    Yes, this is a family-friendly event. There is no cost to attend.
  • What activities are available for public attendees?
    While at the main show at the Hansen Ag Center, attendees can watch youth compete for the chance to show at the Grand Drive event while also having the opportunity to enjoy great food and shopping from a variety of vendors from across the region. During the Grand Drive event in Campustown, there will be live music, shopping from vendors and local businesses, and a fashion show, while also watching the winners being selected.
  • Are there parking facilities near the event?
    Parking at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center is available in the lot east of the building, accessible from Hayward Ave. and Mortensen Road and is of no cost. Parking at the Campustown during the Grand Drive event is subject to existing nearby parking and any associated costs.
  • What accommodations are available near the event?
    Room blocks are available at the following hotels: Best Western Plus, 2500 University Blvd Comfort Inn & Suites Ames, 603 S. 16th Street For more information, visit www.campustownshowdown.com/hotels.
  • Are there food and drink options on-site?
    Yes, at the Hansen Agricultural Learning Center there will be vendors available for food and shopping. In Campustown, vendors and local businesses will provide a fun shopping experience. For a list of restaurants and businesses in Campustown, visit https://discoverames.com/shop/campustown.
  • How can I stay updated about the event?
    Visit www.campustownshowdown.com to learn more or to sign up to receive email newsletters. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and announcements.
  • Who should I contact for more information?
    Please visit www.campustownshowdown.com/contact or contact Christian Calliham, Founder & Executive Director, at (785) 443-1569 or christianc@thegranddrives.com.
  • How can exhibitors register for the event?
    Registration opens February 1 and is available at www.campustownshowdown.com/entry. All entries are non-refundable. Entry Deadline:Friday, April 18, 11:59 p.m. Late Entry Deadline: April 26, 8:00 a.m. (Sign-Up At Show) Entry fees are the following: Showmanship: $20 per individual, non-refundable after submission. Cattle Market Prospect Show: $50 per head, non-refundable after submission. Cattle Breeding Heifer Show: $50 per head, non-refundable after submission. Late entries will be accepted from Friday, April 19 - April 26, (day of show) at 8:00 am with an additional $25 per entry and are non-refundable after submission.
  • Who is eligible to compete in the Campustown Showdown, and what are the rules and guidelines for exhibitors?
    All Campustown Showdown exhibitors must be United States residents and must be at least eight years old and no older than 25 on show day. Please refer to the Exhibitor Handbook for show guidelines.
  • What are the awards or prizes for exhibitors?
    The Campustown Showdown awards $7,500+ to exhibitors. The top four exhibitors selected in Market Beef and Breeding Heifers at the end of all divisions, and at the Grand Drive in Campustown will receive the following cash prizes: 1st: $1,500 2nd: $1,000 3rd: $750 4th: $500 The Premier Showman award will also be awarded at the Grand Drive event. The Premier Showman is the overall showmanship winner from the three age groups. This exhibitor will win a custom belt buckle and banner.
  • What is the schedule of events for exhibitors?
    Friday, April 25, 2025 Hansen Agriculture Center 1:00-5:00 p.m. Early Cattle Check In Hansen Agriculture Center (Market & Breeding Cattle Welcome) 6:00 p.m. Showmanship Livestock Arena Saturday, April 26, 2025 Hansen Agriculture Center 7:00-8:00 a.m. Check In Continued Livestock Arena 9:30 a.m. (approx.) Breeding Heifer Show Livestock Arena - Ring A 10:00 a.m. (approx.) Market Beef Show Livestock Arena - Ring B Campustown Business District 6:30 p.m. Grand Drive Event Campustown Business District Please refer to the Exhibitor Handbook for a full schedule and show guidelines.
  • What facilities are available for exhibitors and their cattle?
    The Campustown Showdown main show takes place at the Hansen Agriculture Center. Exhibitors will have access to an indoor area to show in, bathrooms, and essential amenities. Exhibitors will show “out of trailer”, meaning stalling is not available at the Hansen Agriculture Center. All cattle will be housed at the exhibitors trailers during the Campustown Showdown. Exhibitors are to bring their own feed for their cattle. Water hydrants will be made available for water access. A show supply trailer will be on-site. No feed or shavings will be sold on-site. The Campustown Showdown Grand Drive on Welch Avenue does have limited amenities and will not have a public restroom. For additional information about our facilities please visit, www.campustownshowdown.com/facilities.
  • How does this event benefit the local community?
    The show was developed to celebrate American beef producers while advancing exhibitor’s and the public’s knowledge about the livestock industry. Having the show in the middle of an entertainment district provides a unique experience to exhibitors and attendees alike who will travel from near and far for this event. This event will bring in exhibitors from across the country which will have a positive economic impact to the businesses of Ames.
  • Who sponsors or supports the Campustown Showdown?
    The Campustown Showdown is presented by MaxAg and also in partnership with Discover Ames. The Campustown Showdown staff would like to thank all sponsors and partners for their support. Not only does a sponsorship help with putting on the event, but also goes towards cash prizes and an experience of a lifetime for youth across the nation. For a full list of sponsors, visit www.campustownshowdown.com/sponsors.
  • How can businesses or individuals get involved?
    This event would not be possible without the help of businesses and individuals. There are several opportunities still available to get involved: Become a Sponsor: www.campustownshowdown.com/become-a-sponsor Become a Vendor: www.campustownshowdown.com/become-a-vendor Volunteer: www.campustownshowdown.com/get-involved Please Contact us if you have suggestions of businesses or organizations that may also be interested.

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 christianc@thegranddrives.com  |  (785) 443-1569  |  5100 Zeandale Road, Manhattan, Kansas 66502

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