Food: Iowa Orchards Creations

Fresh Fruit Is the Featured Ingredient in State Fair Dessert Contest

Olivia Smith of Winterset won First Place Overall and a $75 dollar gift certificate in the Iowa Orchards Creations contest judged Friday, August 9, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Andrea Oleson of Des Moines earned Second Place Overall and a $50 gift certificate.

Entries were judged on taste, creativity and appearance.

Contest results follow:

Fruit Dessert (Adults)

1) Olivia Smith, Winterset

2) Amy Mertes, Carson

3) Jennifer Goellner, Altoona

Fruit Pie (Adults)

1) Andrea Oleson, Des Moines

2) Karen Steggerda, Urbandale

Fruit Dessert (Kids)

1) Juniper Oleson, Des Moines

2) Cora Oleson, Des Moines

3) Natalie Hunter, Waukee

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.