Food: Piper's Homemade Candies

Sweet Taste of State Fair Victory for Iowa City Confectioner

Pamela Parris of Iowa City won First Place Overall in the Piper’s Homemade Candies competition judged Tuesday, August 13, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Molly Thomas of Centerville earned Second Place Overall and Dawn Shaw of Pella claimed Third Place Overall.

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

Additional results follow:

Classic Candies

1. Robin Tarbell-Thomas, Centerville
2. Rick Halvorsen, Indianola
3. Diane Hartschen Law, West Des Moines

Caramels

1. Pamela Parris, Iowa City
2. Jeanette Cox, Douds
3. Robin Tarbell-Thomas, Centerville

Fudges

1. Dawn Shaw, Pella
2. Pam Van Essen, Ottumwa
3. Brian Keul, West Des Moines

Creative Candies

1. Molly Thomas, Centerville
2. Rick Halvorsen, Indianola
3. Pamela Reynolds, Norwalk

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.