Food: Anything Goes, Everything Goes in the Kitchen

Lauren Petersen of Knoxville won first place and a $100 cash award in the Anything Goes, Everything Goes in the Kitchen competition judged Sunday, August 11, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Holly Houg of Urbandale earned second place and $50. Brian Keul of West Des Moines claimed third place and $25.

Contestants were challenged to create an award-worthy dish that exemplifies the phrase "anything goes."

Entries were judged on taste, creativity and presentation.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 140 divisions, 726 classes and over 6,400 entries at this year's Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.