Food - Gingerbread Houses

Sweet Structures Wow State Fair Judges

Confectionary constructors put their edible edifices to the test in the Gingerbread House competition judged Sunday, August 13, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Alisa Woods of Des Moines won first place and a $100 cash award in the Professional class of competition.

Belinda Myers of Osceola claimed first place and $100 in the Amateur Class. Brenda Klyn of Pella earned second place and $50.

Entries were judged on structural integrity, design and attention to detail.

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.