Food - Slabulous Slabs

BBQ Cooks Compete for the Title

Matthew Phoenix of Ankeny won first place in the Slabulous Slabs competition judged Saturday, August 19, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Michelle Melchers of Cedar Rapids was awarded second place, and Jacqueline Riekena of West Des Moines 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 138 divisions, 695 classes and over 6,800 entries at this year’s Fair. Food Department judging was held in the Elwell Family Food Center.