Cooking Up the Past to Secure Iowa State Fair Win

DES MOINES, IA (08/17/2017) (readMedia)-- Melinda Huisinga of Mount Pleasant won first place in the Old Thresher's Family Reunion contest judged Tuesday during the 2017 Iowa State Fair.

Second place was awarded to Katherine Rusch of Ottumwa and Susan Schultz of Haverhill claimed third place.

Cooks were challenged to use ingredients found in old-fashioned foods or dishes made during harvest. Entries were judged on taste, appearance and effort put into the meaning behind the dish.

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.