Big Cheese Named in Fair Velveeta Cooking Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/17/2017) (readMedia)-- Rebecca Howe of West Des Moines won First Place Overall and a $100 gift card in the Kraft Kreations With Velveeta competition, judged Tuesday at the 2017 Iowa State Fair.

Byron Preminger of Runnells claimed second place and a $75 gift card. Bridget Lottman of Norwalk earned third place and a $50 gift card.

Entries were judged on taste, best use of Velveeta, appearance and originality.

Results follow:

Entrée

1) Bryon Preminger, Runnells

2) Rebecca Howe, West Des Moines

3) Jenna Brady, Runnells

Side Dish

1) Rebecca Howe, West Des Moines

2) Rita Johannsen, Des Moines

3) Belinda Myers, Osceola

Soup

1) Bridget Lottman, Norwalk

2) DeeDee Kennedy, Des Moines

3) Rebecca Howe, West Des Moines

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 177 divisions, 769 classes and over 9,856 entries at this year's Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny Ice Cream.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to State Fair Thrills, August 10-20, 2017. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.