Food: The Great Cinnamon Roll Contest of 2024

Revered Cinnamon Roll Recipes Honored at State Fair

Anita Van Gundy of Des Moines won first place and a $1,500 cash award in The Great Cinnamon Roll Contest of 2024 competition judged Saturday, August 10, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Marianne Carlson of Jefferson claimed second place and $500. Kim Kietzman of Altoona earned third place and $300.

Additional results as follows:

Traditional Frosted Cinnamon Roll

1. Anita Van Gundy, Des Moines
2. Regina Kennedy, Des Moines
3. Susan Jones, Winterset
4. Marianne Carlson, Jefferson

Specialty Cinnamon Roll

1. Marianne Carlson, Jefferson
2. Kim Kietzman, Altoona
3. Matthew Phoenix, Ankeny
4. Folkert Melchers, Fairfield

Entries were judged on taste, appearance and creativity.

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.