March 28, 2024

State Fair is berry berry good for bakers

DES MOINES — Bridget Lottman, of Norwalk, won first place and a $50 cash award in the It’s a Berry Good Dessert competition, judged Monday at the 2017 Iowa State Fair.

Phyllis Olson, of Newton, claimed second place and Larry Mahlstedt, of Des Moines, earned third place.

Entries 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 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.