Cothron Collects Honors at Iowa State Fair Dried Fruit Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/23/2010)(readMedia)-- Louise B. Cothron of Afton took second place in the Mariani Dried Food contest judged Friday at the 2010 Iowa State Fair. Neither first nor third places were awarded.

The contest, new to this year's Fair, asked entrants to create a dish that incorporated Mariani Dried Fruit. Entries were then judged on taste, with place winners rewarded with a children's toy.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the recently-renovated Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"Non Stop Fun" at the Iowa State Fair runs through August 22. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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