Food: Wild Game Contest

Natural Resources are the Star Ingredients in State Fair Cooking Contest

The fish and wild game of Iowa were the star ingredients in the in the Wild Game competition judged Tuesday, August 13, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Entrants were challenged to create an award-winning entrée made with wild game or fish found in Iowa.

Cinnamon Weigel of Altoona won first place and a $150 cash award.

Jacqueline Riekena of West Des Moines earned second place and $75. Ileen M. Wallace of Council Bluffs claimed third place and $25.

Entries were judged on taste, uniqueness, appearance and best use of wild resources.

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.