DANVILLE — The Hendricks County Fair wouldn't be the same without the annual cheerleading competition. So it was no surprise this year when parents, friends, and spectators left standing room only in the horse arena to watch the high school squads battle it out for first place.

Amanda Corbin of Cloverdale came out to support her three grandchildren - two from Ben Davis and one from Danville - as they competed.

"The best part is getting to see the kids compete," she said.

This year's competition featured 12 varsity squads and four junior varsity squads.

The varsity category included Avon, Brownsburg, Cascade, Danville, Tri-West, Lebanon, Ben Davis, Green Castle, South Putnam, North Putnam, Mount Vernon, and Mooresville. The junior varsity category consisted of Mount Vernon, Brownsburg, Ben Davis, and Avon.

Each squad put on their best game face as they battled it out against other area schools. In the end, there could only be one winner in each category.

Mount Vernon placed first in the junior varsity category, with Brownsburg taking second and Ben Davis placing third.

Danville took first place in the varsity competition, with Avon in second and Brownsburg taking third.

In the overall category, Danville placed first, Mount Vernon placed second, and Avon placed third.

Kim Jones, a Ben Davis parent, said she loved watching the competition and acknowledged that the reigning varsity/overall champs deserved the win.

"Danville was very good this year," she said.

wendy.gould@flyergroup.com