Food: Focaccia Bread Creative Topping Challenge

Creative Toppings Challenged in Focaccia Bread Contest

Mary Barr of Iowa City won first place overall and a $100 cash award in the Focaccia Bread Creative Topping Challenge, judged Sunday, August 11, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Ellen Even of Ankeny earned second place overall and a $50 cash award. Lane Rigdon of Mediapolis claimed third place overall and a $25 cash award.

Entries were judged on taste, texture, 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 nearly 6,400 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.