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Articles & Content

Mic’d Up – Blake Danner

Blake Danner

Texas State Fair

In your opinion, what is the most challenging thing when judging shows?
A few things come to mind when I think about challenges when stepping into the ring. First, whenever there is not constant hog flow. Second, whenever an incredible animal is not being presented to the highest degree.

What is a nonnegotiable for you when judging?
The pig I am gonna use will have BIG LEGS!

What is the most memorable show you’ve sorted?
I really enjoyed judging Tulsa State Fair!

When someone says that’s a “Blake Danner” pig, what qualities does it have?
An animal that is presented well with an incredible shape to their head and a big back leg.

Biggest pet peeve in the ring?
When people use two whips with their show project! Also, when people show in Dunks.

Lemonade Shake Up or tea?
Lemonade Shake Up

Elephant ear or funnel cake?
Funnel Cake

Big slide or Ferris wheel?
Ferris Wheel

Corn dog or hamburger?
Corn Dog

Carnival rides or carnival games?
Carnival Games

VIEW INTERVIEW ARCHIVE

National Show Exhibitor Spotlight

Reagan Daulton

Reagan Daulton and her Spot gilt, Whitney, earned Champion Purebred Breeding Gilt honors at the Ohio State Fair. Reagan shares what made Whitney special and why she loves competing at the fair.

Tell us a little about your champion.
My gilt’s name was Whitney, and she was a purebred Spot. She was difficult to break at first but ended up being one of my favorite animals I’ve shown. I loved working her hair!

What is one state fair tradition you look forward to every year?
Showing, hanging out with my friends, and watching or participating in the Sale of Champions.

In your opinion, what’s the best part about your state fair?
The competition. We have some of the best showmen and quality of animals of any state.

What was something memorable the judge said about your champion?
She had far-reaching pieces that were unique for any breed.

Anyone you’d like to thank?
Mike Hacker and Greta, who bred the gilt and gave me the opportunity to show her. My mom and dad, Ryan and Lindsay Daulton, for all their support with my pigs at home and at the shows.

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

Parker Elchinger

Parker Elchinger took home Champion Market Hog honors at the Ohio State Fair with Rocky, a light cross barrow. Find out more about Rocky and what Parker enjoys most about the Ohio State Fair.

Tell us a little about your champion.
My light cross barrow, Rocky, was bred by Albright and sired by Clout.

What is one state fair tradition you look forward to every year?
I love watching the final drive.

In your opinion, what’s the best part about your state fair?
The quality of animals in our market hog show.

What was something memorable the judge said about your champion?
One of the judges said, “If I had this one in my barn over the summer, I probably would have installed a camera to keep an eye on him!”

Anyone you’d like to thank?
I’d like to thank my parents and my Uncle Doug Albright.

Pool or Lake?
Lake

Lemonade or Iced Tea?
Lemonade

Ice Cream or Popsicles?
Popsicles

Washing or Cleaning Pens?
Washing

Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Late Nights

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. 🐷🍴

FISHERS
LOCAL FAVORITE
  • Ale Emporium
    aleemporiumindy.com

    Must Order: Hermanaki Wings, The Porky Pig Pizza, and Buffalo Chicken Dip.
    A local favorite famous for its wings, pizza, and lively sports bar atmosphere.
UPSCALE AMERICAN
  • The HC Tavern + Kitchen
    atthehc.com

    Must 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.
COCKTAIL LOUNGE
  • 1933 Lounge by St. Elmo
    1933lounge.com

    Must Order: St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail and an Elmo Cola.
    A sophisticated 21+ cocktail lounge serving St. Elmo favorites in an intimate, speakeasy-inspired setting.
SEAFOOD
  • Tiburón Coastal Cuisine
    tiburonfishers.com

    Must Order: Chilean Sea Bass or Lobster Mac & Cheese.
    Fresh seafood and expertly prepared steaks in an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.
DESSERT
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream
    graeters.com

    Must Order: Double Chocolate Chip or Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.
    Finish the evening with handcrafted French Pot ice cream — Katey’s favorite ice cream!
DOWNTOWN(ISH)
STEAKHOUSE
  • Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
    delfriscos.com

    Must 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.com

    Must Order: World-Famous Shrimp Cocktail and a Filet.
    An Indianapolis institution that’s worth every bit of the hype.
  • Prime 47
    prime47.com

    Must Order: Kurobuta Rib Chop and Prime Meatballs.
    One of Blaine and Katey’s favorite steakhouses for exceptional cuts and impeccable service.
BREWERY / PUB
  • Taxman Brewing Co. — CityWay
    taxmanbrewing.com

    Must Order: Fish & Chips or Bacon Smash Burger, plus Crispy Brussel Sprouts.
    Belgian-inspired craft beer paired with elevated gastropub favorites.
  • Guggman Haus Brewing
    guggmanhausbrewing.com

    Must 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.
BRUNCH / SOUTHERN
  • Tupelo Honey
    tupelohoneycafe.com

    Must Order: Chicken & Waffles and Biscuits for the Table.
    Scratch-made Southern comfort food with an incredible brunch menu.
PIZZA
  • Sam’s Square Pie
    samssquarepie.com

    Must Order: Detroit-style Pepperoni Pizza.
    Crispy edges, thick crust, and loads of cheese make this one of Indy’s hottest pizza spots.
MEXICAN
  • Bakersfield
    bakersfieldtacos.com

    Must Order: Short Rib Taco and a House Margarita.
    Street-style tacos, fresh guacamole, and one of the best margarita menus in town.
GROUP FAVORITE
  • The Garage Food Hall
    garageindy.com

    Must 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.
BROAD RIPPLE
ITALIAN
  • Mama Carolla’s
    mamacarollas.com
    Must Order: Chicken Parmesan or Fettuccine Alfredo.
    Cozy Italian dining that’s consistently one of the city’s favorite date-night spots.
DESSERT
  • The Cake Bake Shop
    thecakebakeshop.com
    Must 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.
TACOS
  • Condado Tacos
    condadotacos.com
    Must Order: Build-your-own tacos and the Loaded Queso.
    Fun, energetic atmosphere with endless taco combinations.
BREAKFAST / COFFEE
  • Breadworks at Broad Ripple
    breadworksatbroadripple.square.site
    Must 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.
CARMEL
STEAKHOUSE
  • Anthony’s Chophouse
    anthonyschophouse.com
    Must Order: Dry-Aged Ribeye.
    Premium steaks, seafood, and classic steakhouse service. Don’t miss the rooftop — one of the best in Carmel!
BREWERY
  • Sun King Brewery
    sunkingbrewing.com
    Must Order: Sunlight Cream Ale.
    Indy’s hometown brewery with a relaxed vibe, great beer, and a full food menu featuring rotating local kitchen partners.
MEXICAN
  • Verde Flavors of Mexico
    verdecarmel.com
    Must Order: Street Corn and Birria Tacos.
    Fresh Mexican cuisine featuring creative tacos, tequila, and flavorful specialties.
ZIONSVILLE
STEAKHOUSE
  • Bowdie’s Chophouse
    bowdieschophouse.com
    Must Order: Filet Oscar and Au Gratin Potatoes.
    Classic steakhouse with premium cuts and outstanding service, plus a cool local connection to Graham Rahal Racing.
SEAFOOD & SUSHI
  • Noah Grant’s Grill House & Oyster Bar
    noahgrants.com
    Must Order: Oysters on the Half Shell, Sushi Rolls, or the Short Ribs.
    Seafood, sushi, and steaks all in one spot.
BREAKFAST / BRUNCH
  • Rosie’s Place
    rosiesplace.net
    Must Order: Biscuits & Gravy, Spicy Burrito, and a Gooey Butter Cookie.
    One of Blaine and Katey’s favorite breakfast and brunch destinations.
WESTFIELD
ITALIAN
  • The Italian House
    theitalianhouse.com
    Must Order: Lasagna with Vodka Sauce.
    Family-owned Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta and classic favorites.
COMFORT FOOD
  • Birdies
    birdiesindy.com
    Must 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.
PIZZA
  • Blacksheep Pizza
    blacksheeppizza.com
    Must Order: Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza.
    Creative pizzas and sandwiches in a laid-back atmosphere.
SUSHI
  • Chiba
    chibasushi.com
    Must Order: Sushi Rolls and Hibachi.
    Fresh sushi and Japanese favorites that never disappoint.
SPEEDWAY
BREWERY & PUB
  • Big Woods
    bigwoodsrestaurants.com
    Must 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.com
    Must Order: Lift Off IPA and Wood-Fired Pizza.
    Award-winning craft beer with excellent pizza and plenty of room to gather with friends.
ONE LAST TIP

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! 🐷🍴

VIEW SHOWPIG FOODIE ARCHIVE

2026 Spotlights

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