Food - Mine is the Best BBQ Sauce

Best BBQ Sauces Claim State Fair Honors

Jacqueline Riekena of West Des Moines won first place in the Mine is the Best BBQ Sauce competition judged Friday, August 11, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Jeffrey King of Newton earned second place and Kyle Barton of West Des Moines claimed third place.

Judges also awarded Honorable Mention to Jim Maixner of Ankeny.

Entries were judged on taste, originality 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.