Creativity Leads to Big State Fair Win for Ankeny Cook

DES MOINES, IA (08/20/2018) (readMedia)-- Karen Cross of Ankeny won first place and a $100 gift card in the Bolton and Hay Sheet Pan Meals competition judged Thursday at the 2018 Iowa State Fair.

Geraldine Tait of Humeston claimed second place and a $50 gift card. Jenna Brady of Runnells earned third place and a $25 gift card.

Contestants were challenged to create an entire meal on one 18 inch by 13 inch aluminum or stainless steel sheet pan.

Entries were judged on creativity, ease of preparation, taste, appeal and completeness.

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