Food - Board Fun

Charcuterie Board Creators Claim State Fair Honors

Alissa Puffett of West Des Moines won first place in the Board Fun competition judged Thursday, August 10, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Mary Ann Nielsen of Des Moines claimed second place and Rita Cashman Becker of Fort Dodge earned third place.

Entrants were challenged to create award winning charcuterie boards in three divisions of competition.

Entries were judged on uniqueness, taste and appearance.

Complete results follow:

Traditional Board

1) Rita Cashman Becker, Fort Madison

Theme Board (savory, sweet, holiday, etc.)

1) Alissa Puffett, West Des Moines

2) Pamela Reynolds, Norwalk

3) Olivia Smith, Winterset

Jarcuterie - Anything Goes

1) Mary Ann Nielsen, Des Moines

2) Mary Burr, Iowa City

3) Sara Carlson, Des Moines

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.