Food: Pasta or Pizza - Anything Goes

Pizza and Pasta Makers Compete in Fair Competition

Non-professional pizza makers and pasta makers were in competition with each other in the Pasta or Pizza – Anything Goes competition judged Sunday, August 18, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Competitors were tasked with making either traditional round pizzas or pasta. Entries were judged on taste/flavor, appearance/presentation and story.

Natalie Hunter of Waukee won First Place Overall and $150.

Chris Pike of Altoona earned second place and $60. Matthew Phoenix of Ankeny claimed third place and $40.

Complete results follow:

Pizza

1) Natalie Hunter, Waukee

2) Matthew Phoenix, Ankeny

3) Julie Petersen, Knoxville

Pasta

1) Chris Pike, Altoona

2) Olivia Smith, Winterset

3) Jacqueline Riekena, West Des Moines

Overall Winners

1) Natalie Hunter, Waukee

2) Chris Pike, Altoona

3) Matthew Phoenix, Ankeny

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.