Food - Having a "Ball" with Cheese

Des Moines Cook Named State Fair Cheese Ball Champ

Kathy Poetting of Des Moines won first place and a $100 cash award in the Having a “Ball” With Cheese competition judged Monday, August 14, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Patty Hunt of Ankeny earned second place and Connie Schaffer-Sherman of Pleasant Hill claimed third place.

Entries were judged on taste, creativity and appearance.

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.