Top State Commodities Take the Spotlight in Cooking Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/17/2017) (readMedia)-- Iowa's four most significant commodities were the star ingredients in the Iowa's Big Four competition, judged Wednesday at the 2017 Iowa State Fair.

Corn, soybeans, pork or eggs were to be featured in an award worthy dish.

Sharon Gates of Des Moines won first place and a $50 gift card in the Savory class. Samantha Hilbert of Urbandale earned second place and a $25 gift card. Gretta Acheson of West Des Moines claimed third place and a $15 gift card.

In the Sweet class of competition, Julie Petersen of Knoxville won first place and a $50 gift card. Quinn Harbison of Ames claimed second place and a $25 gift and Aaron Barker of Des Moines earned third place and a $15 gift card.

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 177 divisions, 769 classes and over 9,856 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 Thrills, August 10-20, 2017. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.