Food: The Hesitant Baker Competition

“Storied” Cakes Win State Fair Awards

Susan Jones of Winterset won first place and a $400 cash award in the Hesitant Baker competition judged Saturday, August 17, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Lynn Kumagai of West Des Moines claimed second place and $100. Amy Fuson of Indianola earned third place and $25.

Contestants were challenged to create a sheet cake, with homemade frosting, that included a name on the cake. Each cake was also to be accompanied by a short narrative about the baked good.

Entries were judged on appearance, taste and accompanying story.

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.