Potatoes Claimed the Limelight in State Fair Cooking Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/21/2017) (readMedia)-- Cindie Robinette-Anderson of Berwick won First Place Overall and a $50 cash award in the Spotlighting Spuds competition, judged Saturday at the 2017 Iowa State Fair.

Rita Johannsen of Des Moines earned Second Place Overall and Renee Gibson of Waukee claimed Third Place Overall.

Entrants were judged on appearance, texture and flavor.

Results follow:

Convenience Potatoes

1) Rita Johannsen, Des Moines

2) Amy Fuson, Indianola

3) Julie Petersen, Knoxville

Main Dishes

1) Renee Gibson, Waukee

Side Dishes

1) Cindie Robinette-Anderson, Berwick

2) Sharon Gates, Des Moines

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 177 divisions, 769 classes and over 9,856 entries at this year's Fair. Food Department judging was held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny Ice Cream.

###

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 Thrills, August 10-20, 2017. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.