Cooking Creativity Preserves State Fair Victory for Waterloo Cook

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2018) (readMedia)-- Michelle Westphal of Waterloo won First Place Overall and a share of the Reserve Sweepstakes award in the Canned Preserves competition, judged August 7 prior to the start of the 2018 Iowa State Fair.

Julie Coy of West Des Moines earned Second Place Overall and a part of the Reserve Sweepstakes Award she shared with Westphal.

Rod Zeitler of Iowa Iowa City claimed the Sweepstakes award.

Entries were judged on flavor, consistency, appearance and food safety.

Results below:

Apricot

1) Rod Zeitler, Iowa City

Cherry

1) None awarded

Peach

1) Michelle Westphal, Waterloo

2) Rod Zeitler, Iowa City

Pineapple

1) None awarded

2) Rod Zeitler, Iowa City

Plum

1) None awarded

Raspberry

1) Rod Zeitler, Iowa City

Red Tomato

1) Rod Zeitler, Iowa City

Strawberry

1) None awarded

2) Ileen M. Wallace, Council Bluffs

Yellow Tomato

1) None awarded

2) Rod Zeitler, Iowa City

3) Ileen M. Wallace, Council Bluffs

Preserves Other Than Named

1) Julie Coy, West Des Moines

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 171 divisions, 727 classes and over 9,574 entries at this year's Fair. Due to the large number of classes, Food Department judging begins prior to the Fair in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny Ice Cream.

###

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 Moments, August 9-19, 2018. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.