Mic’d Up – Will Taylor
Will Taylor
Missouri State Fair – Gilts
In your opinion, what is the most challenging thing when judging shows?
I think judging shows brings immense challenges, but the most challenging part is to know that you are placing/judging something that someone has worked incredibly hard on and has a lot of pride in. It’s truly challenging to honor that work and effort while still accurately evaluating and placing the animal.
What is a nonnegotiable for you when judging?
My nonnegotiable doesn’t have to do with the pigs, but rather the people. It’s a nonnegotiable for me to be around people that are respectful of a judge and positive about the job judges do. We can disagree, but we can always be respectful.
What is the most memorable show you’ve sorted?
I remember in 2019 I had an opportunity to sort the Red River Rivalry in Texas. It was an awesome show, and I’ll never forget that day!
When someone says that’s a “Will Taylor” pig, what qualities does it have?
Genuine and powerful with a good, big hind leg.
Biggest pet peeve in the ring?
My biggest pet peeve is easily inattentive showmen or ring help. I like an efficient and well-run show ring.
Lemonade Shake Up or tea?
Tea
Elephant ear or funnel cake?
Elephant ear
Big slide or Ferris wheel?
Big Slide
Corn dog or hamburger?
Hamburger
Carnival rides or carnival games?
Carnival games
National Show Exhibitor Spotlight
Ty Murphy
Ty Murphy made his trip to the Team Purebred Junior National Show one to remember, taking home Champion Overall Team Purebred Gilt honors. Get to know Ty and a few of his favorites away from the ring.
What is your favorite way to celebrate a win?
Go out to eat.
What’s your dream show to win?
Denver.
Who is another exhibitor that you look up to?
He’s not an exhibitor anymore, but for sure my brother, Cole.
What’s one thing you can’t go without during a show?
Snack and music.
Besides summer shows, what is something else you enjoy doing during the summer?
Fishing.
Pool or Lake?
Lake
Lemonade or Iced Tea?
Iced Tea
Ice Cream or Popsicles?
Popsicles
Washing or Cleaning Pens?
Cleaning Pens
Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Late Nights
Holland Hobbs
Holland Hobbs put together an impressive run this summer, earning Reserve Overall NJSA Barrows at NJSS and Fourth Overall NJSA Barrows at the Team Purebred Junior Show.
What is your favorite way to celebrate a win?
Celebrating with all my friends and family after the show. Then, once we get home, we always celebrate as a family by going to our local ice cream shop.
What’s your dream show to win?
My dream would be to win The Exposition.
Who is another exhibitor that you look up to?
Brayden Lancaster.
What’s one thing you can’t go without during a show?
Hydro Boost for the pigs. Cold Dr. Pepper for me.
Besides summer shows, what is something else you enjoy doing during the summer?
When I’m not in the barn, I spend my extra time working to make money so I can buy more show pigs.
Pool or Lake?
Pool
Lemonade or Iced Tea?
Lemonade
Ice Cream or Popsicles?
Ice Cream
Washing or Cleaning Pens?
Washing
Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Early Mornings
Showpig Foodies – Indianapolis Edition
🍽️ Showpig Foodies — Indianapolis Edition
If there’s one thing Indianapolis does really well, it’s food.
For this edition of Showpig Foodies, Blaine and Katey Evans are sharing some of their go-to favorites across the Indy area — from incredible steaks and fresh sushi to authentic Mexican, breweries, brunch spots, dessert stops, and plenty of places perfect for a group.
Let’s just say they’ve happily spent their fair share of time “researching” the Indianapolis food scene — someone had to do it, right? While this list is far from complete, these are some of their favorite places to eat well while you’re in town.
No matter where you’re staying around Indianapolis, you’re never far from a great meal. 🐷🍴
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Ale Emporium
aleemporiumindy.comMust Order: Hermanaki Wings, The Porky Pig Pizza, and Buffalo Chicken Dip.A local favorite famous for its wings, pizza, and lively sports bar atmosphere.
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The HC Tavern + Kitchen
atthehc.comMust Order: Filet sliders or the Crab Cake.Upscale American dining with excellent steaks, seafood, cocktails, and one of Blaine and Katey’s favorite brunch spots.
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1933 Lounge by St. Elmo
1933lounge.comMust Order: St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail and an Elmo Cola.A sophisticated 21+ cocktail lounge serving St. Elmo favorites in an intimate, speakeasy-inspired setting.
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Tiburón Coastal Cuisine
tiburonfishers.comMust Order: Chilean Sea Bass or Lobster Mac & Cheese.Fresh seafood and expertly prepared steaks in an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.
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Graeter’s Ice Cream
graeters.comMust Order: Double Chocolate Chip or Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.Finish the evening with handcrafted French Pot ice cream — Katey’s favorite ice cream!
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Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
delfriscos.comMust Order: Bone-In Ribeye and Butter Cake.Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an upscale dining experience perfect for a special night out. -
St. Elmo Steak House
stelmos.comMust Order: World-Famous Shrimp Cocktail and a Filet.An Indianapolis institution that’s worth every bit of the hype. -
Prime 47
prime47.comMust Order: Kurobuta Rib Chop and Prime Meatballs.One of Blaine and Katey’s favorite steakhouses for exceptional cuts and impeccable service.
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Taxman Brewing Co. — CityWay
taxmanbrewing.comMust Order: Fish & Chips or Bacon Smash Burger, plus Crispy Brussel Sprouts.Belgian-inspired craft beer paired with elevated gastropub favorites. -
Guggman Haus Brewing
guggmanhausbrewing.comMust Order: Haus Burger or Haus Schnitzel — and a Beer Flight.Laid-back brewery with great craft beer, solid food across the board, and outdoor seating. Located on the old Boyle Racing Headquarters grounds, giving it a cool hidden Indy racing history.
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Tupelo Honey
tupelohoneycafe.comMust Order: Chicken & Waffles and Biscuits for the Table.Scratch-made Southern comfort food with an incredible brunch menu.
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Sam’s Square Pie
samssquarepie.comMust Order: Detroit-style Pepperoni Pizza.Crispy edges, thick crust, and loads of cheese make this one of Indy’s hottest pizza spots.
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Bakersfield
bakersfieldtacos.comMust Order: Short Rib Taco and a House Margarita.Street-style tacos, fresh guacamole, and one of the best margarita menus in town.
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The Garage Food Hall
garageindy.comMust Order: Come hungry and sample a few different vendors!Perfect for groups with 20+ local food vendors, craft drinks, and plenty of variety.Bonus: After dinner, head next door to Pins Mechanical Co. for duckpin bowling, pinball, and a fun night out.
- Mama Carolla’s
mamacarollas.comMust Order: Chicken Parmesan or Fettuccine Alfredo.Cozy Italian dining that’s consistently one of the city’s favorite date-night spots.
- The Cake Bake Shop
thecakebakeshop.comMust Order: Carrot Cake or Gwendolyn’s Famous Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake.Whether you’re stopping for lunch, dinner, or dessert — don’t leave without a slice of cake.
- Condado Tacos
condadotacos.comMust Order: Build-your-own tacos and the Loaded Queso.Fun, energetic atmosphere with endless taco combinations.
- Breadworks at Broad Ripple
breadworksatbroadripple.square.siteMust Order: Fresh donuts, house-made pastries, and locally roasted coffee.A true Broad Ripple local spot — simple, consistent, and exactly what you want on a morning in Indy.
- Anthony’s Chophouse
anthonyschophouse.comMust Order: Dry-Aged Ribeye.Premium steaks, seafood, and classic steakhouse service. Don’t miss the rooftop — one of the best in Carmel!
- Sun King Brewery
sunkingbrewing.comMust Order: Sunlight Cream Ale.Indy’s hometown brewery with a relaxed vibe, great beer, and a full food menu featuring rotating local kitchen partners.
- Verde Flavors of Mexico
verdecarmel.comMust Order: Street Corn and Birria Tacos.Fresh Mexican cuisine featuring creative tacos, tequila, and flavorful specialties.
- Bowdie’s Chophouse
bowdieschophouse.comMust Order: Filet Oscar and Au Gratin Potatoes.Classic steakhouse with premium cuts and outstanding service, plus a cool local connection to Graham Rahal Racing.
- Noah Grant’s Grill House & Oyster Bar
noahgrants.comMust Order: Oysters on the Half Shell, Sushi Rolls, or the Short Ribs.Seafood, sushi, and steaks all in one spot.
- Rosie’s Place
rosiesplace.netMust Order: Biscuits & Gravy, Spicy Burrito, and a Gooey Butter Cookie.One of Blaine and Katey’s favorite breakfast and brunch destinations.
- The Italian House
theitalianhouse.comMust Order: Lasagna with Vodka Sauce.Family-owned Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta and classic favorites.
- Birdies
birdiesindy.comMust Order: Smash Burger and Truffle Fries.A fun neighborhood restaurant with elevated comfort food and craft cocktails.Bonus: Stick around afterward for putt-putt golf and a little friendly competition.
- Blacksheep Pizza
blacksheeppizza.comMust Order: Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza.Creative pizzas and sandwiches in a laid-back atmosphere.
- Chiba
chibasushi.comMust Order: Sushi Rolls and Hibachi.Fresh sushi and Japanese favorites that never disappoint.
- Big Woods
bigwoodsrestaurants.comMust Order: Pulled Pork Nachos and Pizza.Great burgers, local beer, and a relaxed atmosphere just minutes from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. - Daredevil Brewing Company
daredevilbeer.comMust Order: Lift Off IPA and Wood-Fired Pizza.Award-winning craft beer with excellent pizza and plenty of room to gather with friends.
Many of these restaurants have multiple locations throughout the Indianapolis area, so be sure to check for the one that’s most convenient to where you’re staying.
If there’s one recommendation Blaine and Katey can make, it’s to reserve your table ahead of time—especially if you’re traveling with a large group. Indianapolis has become a true dining destination, and many of these restaurants fill up quickly during major events.
We hope you enjoy your time in Indianapolis, eat well, and maybe even discover a new favorite while you’re in town. Safe travels, good luck in the ring, and happy eating! 🐷🍴
2026 Spotlights
- Rylee Grinstead June 23, 2026
- Cara Greiner June 23, 2026
- Bryleigh Beyers June 1, 2026
- Mylee Coleman May 28, 2026
- Kanon Dirickson May 27, 2026
- Cooper Buck May 22, 2026
- Cambry Dosh May 21, 2026
- Mason Albus May 20, 2026
- Landry Mabry May 15, 2026
- Cambrey Wilson May 7, 2026
- Avery Throckmorton April 24, 2026
- Emily Beasley April 22, 2026
- Baylor Hebert April 20, 2026
- Ayce Theriot April 17, 2026
- Elaina Hammons April 16, 2026
- Addison Stevens April 15, 2026
- Maci Lynn April 9, 2026
- Paislee Oglesby April 7, 2026
- Makenna Oliver March 24, 2026
- Alice Nors March 13, 2026
- Zane Beyers March 12, 2026
- Jadyn Sanford March 11, 2026
- Luke Sullivan March 11, 2026
- Mya Holderly March 9, 2026
- Harper Fordice March 9, 2026
2025 Spotlights
- Holland Hobbs November 6, 2025
- Gentry Ward November 5, 2025
- Collin Nebuda November 4, 2025
- Adam Alfs November 3, 2025
- Mason Morris November 1, 2025
- Payten Kienholz October 31, 2025
- Baylee Weeks October 30, 2025
- Chance Hager October 29, 2025
- Breckon Hirschfeld October 28, 2025
- Jaxon Kimbles October 28, 2025
- Amanda Miklaszewski September 30, 2025
- Kylsee Jaworski September 23, 2025
- Colt McComb September 5, 2025
- Baine Clark August 29, 2025
- Claire Bobell August 6, 2025
- Deegan Sheldon August 4, 2025
- Marek Taulman August 1, 2025
- Breckyn Bloomberg July 29, 2025
- Ty Murphy July 28, 2025
- Laynie Greene July 28, 2025
- Bella Herrera July 27, 2025
- Ella Bobell July 25, 2025
- Taylor Blubaum July 23, 2025
- Brenna Dryer July 22, 2025
- Keelee Price July 21, 2025
2024 Spotlights
- Kyle Odell January 26, 2025
- Brantley Platt December 28, 2024
- Adleigh Greene December 14, 2024
- Hayden Everhart December 11, 2024
- Max Heimer December 9, 2024
- Laynie Greene December 7, 2024
- Anna Franke December 4, 2024
- Savannah Cantrell December 2, 2024
- Kali Kimbler November 29, 2024
- Lindsey Dore November 27, 2024
- Tate Welch November 24, 2024
- Colton Evinger November 22, 2024
- Breckyn Bloomberg November 20, 2024
- Brynlee Newcomb November 14, 2024
- Jada Dent November 11, 2024
- Savannah Cantrell October 29, 2024
- Claire Voss October 26, 2024
- Calla Higbie October 9, 2024
- Kanon Dirickson October 4, 2024
- Travis Oliver October 2, 2024
- Thatcher Werning September 30, 2024
- Layton Schroeder September 27, 2024
- Ella Bobell September 25, 2024
- Kade Goedeken September 24, 2024
- Emma Ott September 12, 2024
2023 Spotlights
- Kami Moore October 10, 2023
- Will Sipes October 9, 2023
- Brynn Younge October 8, 2023
- Alyssa Moore October 4, 2023
- Isaiah Gamez October 4, 2023
- Jenna DeRouchey October 3, 2023
- Corbin Coyle October 2, 2023
- Cruz Malena October 1, 2023
- Layton Schroeder October 1, 2023
- Noah Schaefer September 30, 2023
- Karlina Tanin September 29, 2023
- Renee Conklin September 12, 2023
- Hunter Shike September 5, 2023
- Brayden Peter September 1, 2023
- Addison Neshem August 31, 2023
- Bostyn Bailey August 31, 2023
- Sydney Hanson August 30, 2023
- Leyton Elmquist August 30, 2023
- Jillian Woodruff August 29, 2023
- Gavin Branderhorst August 29, 2023
- Owen Hege August 27, 2023
- Rilynn Buesing August 26, 2023
- Delaney Runner August 25, 2023
- Emma Hartman August 25, 2023
- Macy Norton August 24, 2023
2022 Spotlights
- Abi Lillard – Grand Champion Market Hog, 2022 American Royal October 4, 2022
- Deegan Sheldon – Supreme Champion Breeding Gilt, 2022 American Royal October 2, 2022
- Drake Fletcher – Grand Champion Barrow, 2022 IL State Fair September 4, 2022
- Brayden Bowers – Grand Champion Gilt, 2022 WI State Fair September 4, 2022
- Abi Lillard – Grand Champion Market Hog, 2022 Kansas Junior Livestock Show August 4, 2022
- Brayden Bowers – Supreme Breeding Gilt, 2022 Aksarben June 4, 2022
- Deegan Sheldon – 3rd Overall Purebred Gilt, 2022 NJSS June 4, 2022
2021 Spotlights
2020 Spotlights
- Jancy Rippetoe – Reserve Grand Champion Barrow, 2020 American Royal June 4, 2020
- Drake Fletcher – 3rd Overall Team Purebred Gilt, 2020 National Junior Show June 4, 2020
- Drake Fletcher – Supreme Champion Breeding Gilt, 2020 American Royal June 4, 2020
- Brantley Platt – Grand Champion NJSA Gilt, 2020 National Junior Show June 4, 2020
- Brantley Platt – Reserve Supreme Champion Breeding Gilt, 2020 American Royal June 4, 2020




