Vegan Cooking Honors Awarded at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2015)(readMedia)-- The best in vegan cooking was on display in the Vibrant Vegan competition, judged Sunday at the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

In the Main Dish class, Terry Heinichen of Marengo won first place and a $100 cash award. Meredith Hodges of Des Moines earned second place and $75. Sheryl Davis of Slater claimed third place and $50.

Rebecca Howe of Des Moines won first place and $100 in the Vegan Dessert class. Brenda Becker of Pella claimed second place and $75. Meredith Hodges of Des Moines earned third place and $50.

Contestants were challenged to create an award winning dish that did not include any animal product as an ingredient.

Entries were judged on taste and appearance.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 228 divisions, 850 classes and over 10,600 entries at this year's Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Wells Blue Bunny.

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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 the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.