Food - Anything Goes, Everything Goes

Kitchen Free-For-All Earns State Fair Awards

Brian Keul of West Des Moines won first place and a $100 cash award in the Anything Goes, Everything Goes in the Kitchen competition judged Sunday, August 13, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Sharon Gates of Chariton earned second place and $50. Jenn Goellner of Urbandale claimed third place and $25.

Judges also awarded Honorable Mention to Ann Gillotti of Ankeny and Maria Monahan of West Des Moines.

Contestants were challenged to create an award-worthy dish that exemplifies the phrase “anything goes.”

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 were 138 divisions, 695 classes and over 6,800 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging was held in the Elwell Family Food Center.