PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PEE-WEE SHOWMANSHIP … The first round of showings featured the younger crowd showcasing their pigs and skills.
SENIOR SHOWMANSHIP…Another round of showcasing was the senior showmanship, which featured teenagers showcasing their pigs and skills.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The 2026 Battle of the Buckeye Pork Show took place April 17 through April 19 at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, bringing young exhibitors and their pigs together for a weekend of competition, community support and agricultural tradition.
The event is operated by Banister Showstock, which is led by Evan Banister, a Fulton County native, and Taylor Hannan, a Wood County native.
Hannan and Banister met while attending livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair and other local events.
Both grew up showing pigs and have carried that experience into adulthood, putting their time and effort into creating an event that gives area youth a strong opportunity to show their livestock.
Hannan began helping with shows in Wood County as she was aging out of competition herself. She continued taking on more responsibility year by year, and in 2023, the official transition took place, with the shows moving to Fulton County.
What started as one show each year has since grown into three annual events, held in April, September and November.
Each weekend now averages around 1,000 head of hogs, drawing a large number of exhibitors, families and supporters to the fairgrounds.
In addition to the show ring competition, the events also include basket raffles and 50/50 drawings.
In past years, raffle proceeds have been used to purchase banners for the youth competitors. This year, the funds are being directed toward the purchase of new hog pens for the barns and the Fulton County Fairgrounds.
Through the Battle of the Buckeye Pork Show, Hannan and Banister continue working to build an event that not only highlights the hard work of young livestock exhibitors but also gives back to the local fairgrounds and the broader Fulton County agricultural community.