Platt Showpigs – Leader
Sawtooth – Leader
McFeeters- Leaderboard
HE Smith Shavings – Leader
Top Cut – FeatureSquare Upperhand Genetics – Feature Square Showtime Sires – Feature Square Stohlquist – FeatureSquare Top Cut – FeatureSquare Upperhand Genetics – Feature Square Showtime Sires – Feature Square Stohlquist – FeatureSquare
Articles & Content

Showpig Foodies

Showpig Foodies – Springfield Edition

🍽️ Showpig Foodies — Springfield Edition

She now calls Rushville, Indiana home, but for years she exhibited at Team Purebred, the Illinois State Fair, and grew up just a short drive from Springfield.

For this edition of Showpig Foodies, we caught up with Jenna Jackman to learn about her favorite places to eat, unwind, and explore while visiting Springfield.

From iconic breakfast spots and local pizza favorites to horseshoes at D’Arcy’s Pint, Jenna’s recommendations cover everything you need for a successful week at Team Purebred. If her list proves anything, it’s that you haven’t truly experienced Springfield until you’ve ordered a horseshoe.

Good luck to all the exhibitors, families, and breeders headed to Team Purebred next week! 🐷🍀

JENNA’S TOP SPOTS
BREAKFAST
  • Charlie Parker’s Diner
    charlieparkersdiner.com
    A Springfield staple that appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
PIZZA
  • Sapori Pizza
    saporipizza.com
    Great carry-out option featuring upscale and unique toppings.
  • Dillon’s Pizza
    dillonspizza.com
    Located on Dirksen Parkway and convenient to the fairgrounds.
PUB FOOD
ITALIAN
MEXICAN
THINGS TO DO IN SPRINGFIELD
SHOPPING
  • Scheels
    scheels.com
    A destination all by itself for sporting goods, apparel, gifts, and more.
HISTORY
  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
    presidentlincoln.illinois.gov
    One of Springfield’s most popular attractions and a must-see for first-time visitors.
VIEW SHOWPIG FOODIE ARCHIVE

Mic’d Up – Josh Campbell

Josh Campbell

Grandview, Texas • Team Purebred – Springfield, IL

What part of the show are you looking forward to the most and why?
I am most excited about the breed and grand drives. I love the anticipation and excitement of when they all come back out there together! I also like working with the youth. Win, lose or draw, I appreciate all of them because I know the dedication and sacrifice it takes to go to one of these shows.

What’s one thing you can’t go without when judging a show?
Caffeine is a must!

Your favorite national summer show memory?
I did not grow up going to summer shows, but I attended the World Pork Expo in 2005 for the first time as part of my junior college team. I remember it feeling surreal. The number and quality of pigs seemed out of this world to me. I was also able to see and interact with all the producers I had looked up to.

Besides shows, what’s something else you look forward to during the summer?
I enjoy being around my family the most. For us, it’s the only time of year that seems a little slower.

Pool or lake?
Pool

Lemonade or iced tea?
Iced tea

Baseball or golf?
Baseball

Ice cream or popsicles?
Ice cream

VIEW INTERVIEW ARCHIVE

National Show Exhibitor Spotlight

Maddox Rodgers

Whether he’s in the show ring, on the baseball field, or spending a day at the lake, Maddox Rodgers enjoys staying busy during the summer months. Following his successful run at The Exposition, he shared a few of his favorite traditions and goals with us.

What is your favorite way to celebrate a win?
Going out to dinner with family and friends.

What’s your dream show to win?
National Western Stock Show.

Who is another exhibitor that you look up to?
My cousins, Reagan and Payton.

What’s one thing you can’t go without during a show?
Ice cream.

Besides summer shows, what’s something else you enjoy doing during the summer?
Fishing, playing baseball, and hanging out with friends.

Pool or Lake?
Lake

Lemonade or Iced Tea?
Lemonade

Ice Cream or Popsicles?
Ice Cream

Washing or Cleaning Pens?
Washing

Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Late Nights

Anna Dahms

Whether she’s chasing banners at summer shows or spending a day at the lake with friends, Anna Dahms knows how to make the most of the season. We caught up with her following a successful run at The Exposition to learn a little more about her summer favorites and show ring goals.

What is your favorite way to celebrate a win?
I love to celebrate my wins with family and friends and cherish the moment with my favorite people.

What’s your dream show to win?
The Exposition.

Who is another exhibitor that you look up to?
My sister, because she is always calm about every outcome, and I can always rely on her to help me.

What’s one thing you can’t go without during a show?
Energy drinks.

Besides summer shows, what’s something else you enjoy doing during the summer?
Tanning and going to the lake.

Pool or Lake?
Pool

Lemonade or Iced Tea?
Iced Tea

Ice Cream or Popsicles?
Ice Cream

Washing or Cleaning Pens?
Washing

Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Late Nights

2026 Spotlights

Page 1 of 2 Next →

2025 Spotlights

Page 1 of 3 Next →

2024 Spotlights

Page 1 of 5 Next →

2023 Spotlights

Page 1 of 5 Next →

2022 Spotlights

2021 Spotlights

2020 Spotlights