Ice Cream Toppings Win State Fair Awards

DES MOINES, IA (08/29/2023) (readMedia)-- Original ice cream toppings were the focus of competition in the My Favorite Ice Cream Topping contest judged Thursday, August 17, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Karen Cross of Ankeny won first place and a $100 cash award in the Sauces and Syrups class. Patty Hunt of Ankeny claimed second place and $50. Sharon Lesan of Ankeny earned third place and $25, and Jessica Koller of Des Moines received honorable mention.

In the Other Toppings class, Marianne Carlson of Jefferson won top honors and $100. Sharon Gates of Chariton earned second place and $50, and Paige Hilgerson of West Des Moines took home third place and $25. Caitlin Caffrey of Ankeny received honorable mention.

Entries were judged on originality, taste and presentation.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 138 divisions, 695 classes and over 6,800 entries at this year's Fair. Food Department judging was held in the Elwell Family Food Center.

###

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. Best Days Ever at the Iowa State Fair, August 10-20, 2023. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.