Creative Toppings Challenged in Focaccia Bread Contest

DES MOINES, IA (09/17/2024) (readMedia)-- Mary Barr of Iowa City won first place overall and a $100 cash award in the Focaccia Bread Creative Topping Challenge, judged Sunday, August 11, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Ellen Even of Ankeny earned second place overall and a $50 cash award. Lane Rigdon of Mediapolis claimed third place overall and a $25 cash award.

Entries were judged on taste, texture, creativity and presentation.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 140 divisions, 726 classes and nearly 6,400 entries at this year's Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.

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The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country and the single largest event in the state. The Fair began 170 years ago and is now considered one of the best events in the nation, attracting more than one million Fairgoers every year from all over the world. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University, just off the interstate and minutes from Downtown Des Moines. Catch Fair Fever at the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18, 2024. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.