Food - Pizza or Pasta

Non-professional pizza makers and pasta makers were in competition with each other in the Pizza or Pasta competition judged Sunday, August 21, at the 2022 Iowa State Fair.

Competitors were tasked with making either traditional round pizzas or pasta. Entries were judged on taste/flavor, appearance/presentation and story.

Renee Kowlessar of Des Moines won overall first place and $100.

Clarissa Ridgway of Johnston earned overall second place and $60, and Amy Fuson of Indianola claimed third place and $40.

Additional results follow:

Pizza or Pasta - Pizza

1) Renee Kowlessar, Des Moines

2) Matthew Phoenix, Ankeny

3) Jennie Bailey, Urbandale

Pizza or Pasta - Pasta

1) Amy Fuson, Indianola

2) Christina Mccleary, Des Moines

3) Matthew Phoenix, Ankeny

Pizza or Pasta - Dessert Pizza

1) Clarissa Ridgway, Johnston

2) Julie Petersen, Knoxville

3) Ashlyn Derr, Clive

Pizza or Pasta - Dessert Pasta

1) Clarissa Ridgway, Johnston

2) Julie Petersen, Knoxville

3) Ashlyn Derr, Clive

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 128 divisions, 615 classes and nearly 6,300 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Urban Air Adventure Park.