For the hundreds of young people who are showing their prize-winning livestock at this year’s Indiana State Fair, no one may have a busier schedule over the next three weeks than Claire Bishop, who is juggling her livestock shows with her role as Miss Indiana Fair 2023.
“Representing the Indiana State Fair as Queen and showing in it for my tenth year of 4H, there’s nothing better,” says Bishop. The Hancock County native will be going back-and-forth between wearing her crown and sash—and showing her livestock in her boots and jeans.
“I’ll be showing my beef heifer, and then I’ll be showing a couple goats, and I’ll be showing my swine as well,” says Bishop. “It’s been several years since a current 4-H member has won the title of Miss Indiana State Fair, so being that representative brings a really unique perspective to the fair because I have shown there and I have grown up in the fair circuit.”
Aside from showing livestock, what does Claire enjoy most about the Indiana State Fair?
“Obviously the food. I love the pickle pizza—that’s my favorite fair food,” exclaims Bishop. “I’m also excited for the Grand Drive that’s held in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. I love anything in the Coliseum—first of all, I love the air conditioning and I love watching the shows. I’m so excited for all the free stage events in the evenings, especially the Toby Mac concert.”
Claire adds that she’ll have no time to rest once the Indiana State Fair is over.
“The Indiana State Fair ends August 20th and Purdue classes start August 21st,” says Bishop. “I might be a little bit tired coming off of the State Fair, but there’s so much excitement in that fair experience. Yes, it’s work. Yes, it’s my job to represent, but it doesn’t feel like a job because there’s so much fun. I’m not too worried about the transition because I have a wonderful support system of friends and family to help me move in and help me adjust.”
Claire says she plans on studying Brain and Behavior Sciences and Interpersonal Communications at Purdue University. She’ll be entering her freshman year after graduating this Spring at Greenfield-Central High School.
For more information about the 2023 Indiana State Fair, visit IndianaStateFair.com.
Click below for C.J. Miller’s radio news interview with Miss Indiana State Fair 2023 Claire Bishop for Hoosier Ag Today.
