Des Moines Cook Wins State Fair Jalapeno Pepper Cooking Crown

DES MOINES, IA (09/06/2019) (readMedia)-- Rickie Wickersham of Des Moines won first place and a $50 cash award in the Something Hot competition, judged at the 2019 Iowa State Fair.

Russell Place of Norwalk earned second place and Pamela Reynolds of Norwalk claimed third place.

Contestants were tasked with creating an award worthy dish that featured jalapeno peppers.

Entries were judged on taste, originality and appearance.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 166 divisions, 715 classes and over 7,300 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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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 over 160 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. Nothing Compares to State Fair Favorites: August 8-18, 2019. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.