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IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 19, 2025


MANHATTAN, Kan. (March 19, 2025) – The Aggieville Showdown is proud to announce Cavender’s as the presenting sponsor of its one-of-a-kind Western Fashion Show, set to take place on April 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the heart of the Aggieville Business District. This event blends fashion, agriculture, and culture, bringing together western wear enthusiasts, cattle exhibitors from across the country, and the diverse community of Kansas State University for an immersive experience like no other.


Now in its fifth year, the Aggieville Showdown is more than just a livestock event—it is a platform that bridges the gap between rural and urban communities. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Manhattan’s most iconic business district, the Western Fashion Show offers a rare opportunity to celebrate western heritage and style in a land-grant university town known for its diversity and innovation.


“Cavender’s is proud to be the Aggieville Showdown Fashion Show sponsor,” said Sydney Shepard, Cavender’s Western marketing and events coordinator. “At Cavender’s, we don’t just sell Western wear—we live and breathe the values that built the West. Our extensive selection ensures customers’ wardrobes are as authentic and enduring as their lifestyles.”


The Western Fashion Show will feature Cavender’s, a national leader in western apparel, alongside a curated selection of boutiques from across the country, including Showbox Boutique, Shelby’s Sassy Designs, and The Crystal Boot. Cavender’s, an iconic nationally recognized brand, is joined by a selection of independent boutiques from across the country, each bringing its own distinct style to the runway. Together, they offer a diverse showcase that appeals to seasoned cattle exhibitors, K-State students, and western fashion enthusiasts alike.


While the fashion show is a highlight of the night, the Aggieville Showdown is a full-scale celebration of the cattle industry and western way of life. Attendees will experience elite cattle being selected as champions, an array of western vendors, live music, and an after-party featuring a concert. The event is designed to engage people from all backgrounds in the rich culture and traditions of the western lifestyle.


“We work with some of the best brands in the business to curate collections that reflect the western way of life,” said Brandi Hoch, fashion show manager. “By hosting this event in Aggieville, we’re giving people from all backgrounds—whether they’re from ranches, urban centers, or college classrooms—an opportunity to engage with western fashion and the larger celebration of the cattle industry in an exciting and accessible way.”


The event is free to attend and will include shopping opportunities with apparel vendors along Moro Street throughout the fashion show and Grand Drive cattle exhibition.


Event Details

What: Aggieville Showdown Western Fashion Show, presented by Cavender’s

When: April 5, 2025, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Moro Street, Aggieville Business District, Manhattan, Kan.

Cost: Free admission

Additional: Western apparel vendors on-site during the fashion show and Grand Drive.


For event details, visit www.aggievilleshowdown.com/fashion-show


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About Aggieville Showdown 

Now celebrating its fifth year, the Aggieville Showdown continues to bring exhibitors, students, businesses, and  community members together in the heart of Aggieville to celebrate the importance of agriculture. Participants in  cattle shows like Aggieville Showdown gain invaluable skills — confidence, leadership, and responsibility — alongside memories and friendships that last a lifetime.


For further details on the Aggieville Showdown, sponsorship opportunities, or vendor information, please visit www.aggievilleshowdown.com or contact Christian Calliham, Founder & Executive Director, at (785) 443-1569 or christianc@thegranddrives.com.  


Media Contact 

Reagan Dolan 

Aggieville Showdown 

(563) 608-0628 


 IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 29, 2025 


AMES, Iowa (January 29, 2025) – The Campustown Showdown, presented by MaxAg, a one-of-a-kind cattle show and community celebration, is set to debut in Ames, Iowa, on April 25-26, 2025. Modeled after the successful Aggieville Showdown in Manhattan, Kansas, this inaugural event will bring an exciting mix of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit to the heart of Campustown. 


This unique cattle show starts at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center where exhibitors will compete to have the chance to show their cattle in the streets of the Campustown Business District. 


The first show of its kind, Aggieville Showdown, was developed in Manhattan, Kansas in 2021 to celebrate American beef producers while advancing exhibitors’ and the public’s knowledge about the livestock industry. 


“We are excited for the inaugural Campustown Showdown event in Ames, Iowa to unite exhibitors, students, businesses, and the public to celebrate agriculture in Campustown,” said Christian Calliham, Founder & Executive Director of Campustown Showdown. “Our mission is to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities by hosting engaging livestock show events in entertainment districts, providing consumers with an immersive experience of the cattle industry’s producer-to-consumer journey.” 


The Aggieville Showdown has become a signature tradition in Manhattan, Kansas over the past five years. The staff are excited to expand the tradition to Ames, Iowa, highlighting the shared values of these vibrant communities. 


Exhibitors will compete on Friday, April 25, at 6 p.m. starting with the showmanship competition at the Hansen Ag Center. 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. 


The public is invited to both the Hansen Ag Center, and the Grand Drive event in Campustown on Welch Avenue to watch the competition and enjoy vendor booths. 


The Grand Drive will be at 6:30 p.m. on April 26, 2025 in Campustown on Welch Avenue, between Chamberlin and Hunt Street. The evening will feature the following: 

● Crowning champions on Welch Avenue, with over $7,500 in cash prizes 

● A western fashion show 

● Live music 

● Interviews with the winning contestants 

● Vendors providing a unique shopping experience 


“Campustown has never hosted an event like this before,” said Kevin Bourke of Discover Ames. “It’s a chance to showcase our vibrant community and its rich agricultural heritage to a wide audience. We are excited to support the inaugural Campustown Showdown and welcome cattle exhibitors from across the Midwest.” 

Mark your calendars and join us for the inaugural Campustown Showdown in Ames! Visit campustownshowdown.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for event details and updates. 

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Media Contact 

Reagan Dolan 

Campustown Showdown 

(563) 608-0628 


About Campustown Showdown

The Campustown Showdown is a premier cattle show and community event inspired by the success of the Aggieville Showdown in Manhattan, Kansas. This inaugural 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

IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 17, 2024 


MANHATTAN, Kan. (December 17, 2024) – Mark your calendars for an unmatched agricultural celebration as  the Aggieville Showdown team brings the excitement of their fifth annual event to life on April 4-5, 2025. This  one-of-a-kind event is set to transform the heart of the Aggieville Business District into a showcase of top  breeding and market cattle from across the nation, with exhibitors competing for cash prizes and the honor of  presenting their cattle in the iconic Grand Drive. 


“The Aggieville Showdown event is an experience unlike any other by bridging the gap between rural and urban communities in a vibrant business district,” said Christian Calliham, Founder and Executive Director. “This fifth anniversary is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone involved. Nowhere else can you find a show that merges these worlds quite like we do, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with all who have made it possible.” Last year, the event drew over 100 cattle exhibitors and a crowd of more than 2,500 spectators, creating an electric atmosphere that organizers hope to elevate during this special fifth year. 


The Grand Drive, set for 6:30 p.m. on April 5, promises an evening of unforgettable moments, complete with a  fashion show, live musical performances, unique variety of vendors, and of course, the selection of champion cattle in the streets of Aggieville. 


Festivities begin with exhibitors arriving at the Riley County Fairgrounds on the afternoon of Friday, April 4, to  prepare their cattle for the show. The public is encouraged to join the Friday evening showmanship competition  starting at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Saturday’s activities kick off at the fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m. with prospect  market beef and breeding heifer shows, leading up to the highly anticipated Grand Drive that evening.  Competitors aged 8-25 will compete in divisions such as showmanship, prospect market beef, and breeding  heifers. 


To discover more, visit www.aggievilleshowdown.com.  


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About Aggieville Showdown 

Now celebrating its fifth year, the Aggieville Showdown continues to bring exhibitors, students, businesses, and  community members together in the heart of Aggieville to celebrate the importance of agriculture. Participants in  cattle shows like Aggieville Showdown gain invaluable skills — confidence, leadership, and responsibility — alongside memories and friendships that last a lifetime.


For further details on the Aggieville Showdown, sponsorship opportunities, or vendor information, please visit www.aggievilleshowdown.com or contact Christian Calliham, Founder & Executive Director, at (785) 443-1569 or christianc@thegranddrives.com.  


Media Contact 

Reagan Dolan 

Aggieville Showdown 

(563) 608-0628 

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