Food: Casey's Intermediate Favorite Creations

Youth Cooks Claim State Fair Awards

Aspiring cooks between the ages of 12 and 17 squared off in more than 20 classes in the Casey’s Intermediate Favorite Creations contest judged Thursday, August 15, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Cora Oleson of Des Moines won First Place Overall. Lauryn Paulson of West Des Moines received Second Place Overall, and Claire Tigges of Waukee claimed Third Place Overall.

Mia Frangopol of Mingo was awarded the Sweepstakes award, and Drew Gilbert of West Des Moines received the Reserve Sweepstakes award.

Entries were judged on taste, texture, appearance and creativity.

Additional results follow:

Caseys Intermediate Favorite Creations

Candy & Snacks: Appetizers

2) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Candy & Snacks: Fudge

1) Addison Spencer, Stanton

2) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Candy & Snacks: Party Mix

1) Emerson Hilbert, Urbandale

2) Addison Spencer, Stanton

3) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Cookies & Bars: Chocolate Brownies

1) Drew Gilbert, West Des Moines

2) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Cookies & Bars: Chocolate Chip Cookies, With Nuts

1) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Cookies & Bars: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Without Nuts

1) Hannah Butts, Des Moines

2) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Cookies & Bars: Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

1) Drew Gilbert, West Des Moines

2) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Cookies & Bars: Monster Cookies

1) Drew Gilbert, West Des Moines

Cookies & Bars: My Mom or Dad's Favorite Cookie

1) Mia Frangopol, Mingo

2) Kiley Campbell, Carlisle

3) Emerson Hilbert, Urbandale

HM) Addison Spencer, Stanton

Cookies & Bars: Peanut Butter Cookies

1) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

2) Mia Frangopol, Mingo

3) Addison Spencer, Stanton

Cookies & Bars: Sandwich Cookies

1) Claire Tigges, Waukee

2) Cora Oleson, Des Moines

Cookies & Bars: Snickerdoodle Cookies

1) Kiley Campbell, Carlisle

2) Drew Gilbert, West Des Moines

3) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Cookies & Bars: Sugar Cookies

1) Mia Frangopol, Mingo

2) Lauryn Paulson, West Des Moines

3) Drew Gilbert, West Des Moines

Cookies & Bars: Unbaked Cookies or Bars

1) Addison Spencer, Stanton

2) Mia Frangopol, Mingo

3) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Cookies & Bars: Cookies Other Than Named

1) Mia Frangopol, Mingo

2) Drew Gilbert, West Des Moines

3) Addison Spencer, Stanton

Quick Breads: Banana Bread

1) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Quick Breads: Banana Nut Bread

1) Claire Heuermann, Ankeny

Quick Breads: Corn Bread

1) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Quick Breads: Pumpkin Bread

1) Addison Spencer, Stanton

2) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Quick Breads: Other Quick Bread Loaf

1) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

Other: Two Crust Fruit Pie

1) Cora Oleson, Des Moines

Other: Any Entry Other Than Named

1) Lauryn Paulson, West Des Moines

2) Claire Tigges, Waukee

3) Lily Zabel, Ankeny

HM) Caroline Reeder, Des Moines

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