Preparations underway for Grand Champion Drive competition at Indiana State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The cattle barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds was busy early Sunday morning as Grand Champion Drive participants prepared for the competition.

Dairy steers, market lambs, meat goat wethers, barrows, beef steers and their handlers will compete Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the Indiana Farmer’s Coliseum as well as Monday at 7:00 p.m.

“You walk around the ring and you set them up in different ways so the judge can see every part of the cow that he needs to,” said Miller Smith, 14, who hopes to participate in the competition Sunday.

Across the fairgrounds, the Livestock Nursery was preparing to show off the five calves that have been born at the Indiana State Fair since it started Friday.

“It’s been very busy. We’ve had five calves so far, we’ve even had a set of twins,” said Richie Knebel, “Usually we’ll have about 16 calves here at the state fair.”

The Livestock Nursery runs from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. everyday.

If you would like to stay away from livestock, there are 53 rides to choose from.

“So really there’s something for everyone in the family. We also have a separate section that’s Kiddieland, and that’s where we have rides for smaller kids. It’s a little bit quieter down there, it’s away from some of the thrill rides so that’s great for the families, too,” said Amy Girton, Director of Communications for North American Midway Entertainment.

Wristbands are $20 through Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

For more information on ticket prices, click here.