Food: Bud Elwell's Old Fashioned Fudge

Pella Confectioner Wins State Fair Old Fashioned Fudge Crown

Dawn Shaw of Pella won first place and a $250 cash award in the Bud Elwell’s Old Fashioned Fudge contest judged Saturday, August 10, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Diane Hartschen Law of West Des Moines earned second place and $100. Robin Tarbell-Thomas of Centerville claimed third place and $50.

Contestants were challenged to create an award-worthy fudge made without marshmallows, marshmallow crème, peanut butter or other flavors.

Entries were judged on taste and texture.

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.