Super Salsas Take Top Iowa State Fair Honors

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2010)(readMedia)-- Top salsa cooks from across the state put their unique creations to the test in the Salsa Sensations competition, judged Wednesday, prior to the start of the 2010 Iowa State Fair.

In the Vegetable Salsa division, Deana Wright of Colfax won first place with Sensational Corn Salsa. Diane Rauh of Des Moines took second place with Amazing Aztec Salsa, and Daphane Trevillyan of Urbandale claimed third place with Cucumber Salsa.

Karen Brockelsby of Ankeny won top prize in the Fruit Salsa division with Watermelon-Tomato Salsa. Phil Dicks of Knoxville claimed second place with Iowa Full Summer Fruit Salsa, and Erin Kramer of Nevada earned third place with Peppery Pear Salsa.

Entries were judged on the basis of taste, originality, uniqueness of flavor and appearance.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Due to the large number of classes, Food Department judging begins prior to the Fair in the recently-renovated Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"Non Stop Fun" at the Iowa State Fair runs through August 22. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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