Iowa's Bounty Serves as Main Ingredients in State Fair Cooking Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2018) (readMedia)-- Iowa's top four agricultural commodities were the main ingredients used in the Iowa's Big Four competition judged Wednesday at the 2018 Iowa State Fair.

Corn, soybeans, pork and eggs stared in the savory and sweet dishes prepared by contestants.

Diane Rauh of Des Moines won first place in the Savory class. Martha Burkgren of Ames claimed second place and a Kris Davis Johnston of Altoona earned third place.

In the Sweet class of competition Jamie Buelt of Polk City won first place. Sharon Gates of Des Moines earned second place and Diane Rauh of Des Moines claimed third place.

Entries were judged on taste, creativity and presentation.

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.