Food: Slabulous Slabs

BBQ Rib Cooks Compete for the Title

Jacqueline Riekena of West Des Moines won first place in the Slabulous Slabs competition judged Sunday, August 11, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Folkert Melchers of Fairfield was awarded second place, and Matthew Phoenix of Ankeny received third place.

Entries were judged on appearance, flavor and texture.

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.