IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 26, 2026
AMES, Iowa (Feb. 26, 2026) – Campustown Business District will once again transform into a live cattle show arena as the second annual Campustown Showdown returns April 24–25, 2026, bringing competitive livestock exhibition, entertainment and community celebration to the heart of Ames.
The Campustown Showdown is produced by The Grand Drives and presented by Maxwell United, parent company of MaxAg, MaxTurf, Maxwell Farms, and Roots. The event is supported by Discover Ames and local partners dedicated to celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and the energy of the Campustown district.
“Our mission with Campustown Showdown is to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities by creating an immersive experience that celebrates the cattle industry in a setting people don’t expect,” said Christian Calliham, Founder and Executive director of Campustown Showdown. “Ames has a strong agricultural heritage, and this event allows us to bring producers, students, businesses and families together in a way that is both educational and exciting.”
Competition begins Friday, April 24, at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center with a 6 p.m. showmanship contest. Activities resume Saturday, April 25, at 9:30 a.m. with market beef and breeding heifer divisions. The top exhibitors will advance to the Grand Drive at 6:30 p.m. on Welch Avenue in Campustown, where more than $7,500 in cash prizes will be awarded.
In addition to the livestock competition, attendees can expect live music, a western fashion show presented by Western Edge, and vendor booths lining the district, creating a festival-style atmosphere for visitors and residents alike.
The Campustown Showdown team was recently recognized with the Best of Show – Customer Experience honor for the Missouri and Kansas region at the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Annual Awards. The recognition highlights the organization’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-impact agricultural events that connect producers, exhibitors, sponsors and the public in meaningful ways.
“Campustown Showdown is a unique opportunity to showcase Ames’ energy while honoring the agricultural industry that plays such a vital role in our community and state,” said a representative of Discover Ames. “We are proud to support an event that brings exhibitors and visitors from across the region to experience Campustown in a new way.”
The public is invited to attend both the competitions at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center and the Grand Drive on Welch Avenue. Admission is free.
Additional event details, exhibitor information and schedules can be found at www.campustownshowdown.com.
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About Campustown Showdown
The Campustown Showdown is an award-winning cattle show and community event inspired by the success of the Aggieville Showdown in Manhattan, Kansas. This event brings exhibitors, students, businesses and community members together in the heart of Campustown to celebrate the importance of agriculture.
Participants in cattle shows like the Campustown Showdown gain invaluable skills — confidence, leadership, and responsibility — alongside memories and friendships that last a lifetime. The event showcases the best of Ames’ community spirit while highlighting its agricultural heritage.
For further details on the Campustown Showdown, sponsorship opportunities, or vendor information, please visit www.campustownshowdown.com or contact Christian Calliham, Founder & Executive Director, at (785) 443-1569 or christianc@thegranddrives.com.
Media Contact
Braeden Coon
Marketing Manager, Campustown Showdown
580-861-2433