What's New

Check out what's new at the Iowa State Fair!

Iowa Ag Radio Network Heart of the County Fair Award

The Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network is launching a County Fair Award in 2025 to honor individuals, families, exhibitors, or board members who have shown exceptional dedication and passion for their county fair and community. Six awards will be presented—one for each district in Iowa. District winners will be recognized at the county level and receive a prize package, along with special recognition at the 2025 Iowa State Fair during the County Fair Day Dinner on Friday, August 9, 2025.

Nomination Criteria and Deadlines

All About Pies – Basics & Beyond Class with Blue Ribbon Baker Cristen Clark

Ever wondered what it takes to enter and win state fair food competitions? Get expert tips and tricks from a veteran Iowa State Fair Food competitor, Cristen Clark. Cristen will guide you through the entry process, from understanding the competition rules to perfecting your entries.

Learn insider tips about the judging process and try a sample or two of Cristen’s own winning recipes. Then, roll up your sleeves and learn the art of making fruit pies. You’ll learn tips for measuring, ingredient choice and methods – the perfect recipe for a delicious pie!

All About Pies—Basics & Beyond

Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6 p.m.

(Two-hour class; limit of 30 participants per class)

$60

Participants will need to bring the following:

A standard size (8- or 9-inch) pie plate (not deep dish)

Register Today!

Watch Iowa State Fair social media and iowastatefair.org for information about the April Kitchen class. Check iowastatefair.org for registration details.

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About Cristen Clark:

Cristen Clark is an Iowa farmer whose family raises corn, soybeans and pigs. She loves cooking, writing and sharing contest-winning recipes with others. You can find heirloom recipes, recipes she’s entered in cooking and baking contests and more on her blog at www.FoodandSwine.com.

About the Iowa State Fair Kitchen:

During the Fair, The Kitchen, located in Maytag Family Theaters, is a popular demonstration kitchen for anything from cuts of meat to barbecue, cake decorating, charcuterie and cooking with honey. From November through April, stay tuned for interactive, educational and fun cooking classes for all skill levels. Learn from local experts, using local products. Look for special events throughout the year until the 2025 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.