Top Pumpkin Cookies Win State Fair Honors

DES MOINES, IA (09/03/2024) (readMedia)-- Entrants in the Scenic Valley Pumpkin Patch competition judged Friday, August 9, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair, were challenged to create winning Halloween or pumpkin-themed cookies.

Phyllis Olson of Newton won first place.

Olivia Smith of Winterset earned second place and Brenda Klyn of Pella claimed third place.

Entries were judged on taste, texture and appearance.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 140 divisions, 726 classes and over 6,400 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 170 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. Catch Fair Fever at the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18, 2024. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.