Pizza and Pasta Makers Compete in Fair Competition

DES MOINES, IA (08/29/2023) (readMedia)-- Non-professional pizza makers and pasta makers were in competition with each other in the Pasta or Pizza & Pairings Championship judged Sunday, August 20, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Competitors were tasked with making either traditional round pizzas or pasta. Entries were judged on taste/flavor, appearance/presentation and story.

Renee Kowlessar of Des Moines won First and Second Place Overall and $400 total.

Alaina Ingebritson of Hubbard claimed third place and $100.

Complete results follow:

Pizza

1) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

2) Don Francois, Des Moines

3) Clarissa Ridgway, Johnston

Pasta

1) Alaina Ingebritson, Hubbard

2) Matthew Phoenix, Ankeny

3) Holly Houg, Urbandale

Dessert Pizza

1) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

2) Jacqueline Riekena, West Des Moines

3) Marsha Kephart, Carlisle

Dessert Pasta

1) Jacqueline Riekena, West Des Moines

2) Samantha Streff, Ankeny

3) Julie Petersen, Knoxville

Pasta/Pizza Partners (Pairings)

1) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

2) Sara Carlson, Des Moines

3) Matthew Phoenix, Ankeny

Overall Winners

1) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

2) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

3) Alaina Ingebritson, Hubbard

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.

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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.