Food: John McCoy's Potluck Pleasers

Top Potluck Meal Dishes Earn State Fair Honors

Rachel Petersen of Knoxville won first place in the John McCoy’s Potluck Pleasers competition judged Sunday, August 11, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Dawn Osmonson Sturm of Waukee claimed second place, and Olivia Smith of Winterset earned third place.

Entries were judged on taste and appearance.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There were 140 divisions, 726 classes and over 6,400 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center.