Waukee Cook Wins State Fair Traditional Chili Crown

DES MOINES, IA (08/20/2018) (readMedia)-- Susie Jones of Waukee won first place and a $500 cash award in the Mother Podolak's Chili Contest judged Thursday at the 2018 Iowa State Fair.

Kyle Barton of West Des Moines won second place and $150. Denise Andreas of Ankeny claimed third place and $75.

Judges also awarded Honorable Mention of Chris Pike of Johnston.

Entries must contain ground beef and traditional chili spices and were judged on taste, appearance and creativity.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 171 divisions, 727 classes and over 9,574 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 Moments, August 9-19, 2018. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.