Food: Beginner's Contest

First Time Fair Cooking Contest Participants Win Awards

Sarah Balvanz of Ames bested the other first time State Fair Food Department competition entrants to win the Beginner’s Contest judged Saturday, August 10, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Erin Moore of Des Moines claimed second place and Kaitlyn Heier of Ames earned third place.

Entries were judged on taste 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.