Food: For the Love of Cookies

Top Cookies Win Big State Fair Awards

Dana Edleman of Cambridge won first place and a $350 cash award in the For the Love of Cookies competition, judged Saturday, August 17, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Chris Myers of Boone earned second place and $250. Jeni Johnson of Roland claimed third place and $150.

Contestants were challenged to create a plate of eight cookies that contained chocolate or caramel or both as ingredients.

Entries were judged on taste, texture and appearance.

Complete results follow:

1) Dana Edleman, Cambridge

2) Chris Myers, Boone

3) Jeni Johnson, Roland

4) Karen Hardisty, Waukee

5) Pam Van Essen, Ottumwa

6) Olivia Smith, Winterset

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.