Initial Bites Earn State Fair Honors for Ankeny Cook

DES MOINES, IA (08/20/2023) (readMedia)-- Ann Gillotti of Ankeny won first place and a $60 cash award in the Appetizers competition, judged Saturday, August 12, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Lauren Petersen of Knoxville earned second place and $30. Rita Cashman Becker of Fort Madison claimed third place and $10.

Judges also awarded Honorable Mention to Amy Fuson of Indianola.

Entries were judged on appearance and taste.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 138 divisions, 695 classes and over 6,800 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 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.