Food - Smokin Country Chops

Top Chops Win State Fair Honors

Connie Schaffer-Sherman of Pleasant Hill won first place and a $175 cash award in the Smokin Country Chops competition judged Wednesday, August 16, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Cheryl Rogers of Ankeny earned second place and $75. Jacqueline Riekena of West Des Moines claimed third place and $50.

Entries were judged on creativity, presentation and taste.

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.