Food - Anything Hot

Jalapeno Competition Spices Up the State Fair

Ann Gillotti of Ankeny won first place and a $50 cash award in the Anything Hot competition judged Saturday, August 12, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Cyndy Erickson of Des Moines earned second place and $30. Sarah Olson of Des Moines claimed third place and $20.

Contestants were challenged to create an award-winning entry using jalapeno peppers.

Entries were judged on overall taste.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 138 divisions, 695 classes and over 6,800 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.