Food - The Great Cinnamon Roll Contest of 2023

Revered Cinnamon Roll Recipes Honored at State Fair

DeeDee Kennedy of Des Moines won first place and a $1000 cash award in The Great Cinnamon Roll Contest of 2023 competition judged Saturday, August 19, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Susie Jones of Winterset claimed second place and $500. Michelle Melchers of Cedar Rapids earned third place and $250.

Additional results as follows:

4) Alisha Ruffcorn, North Liberty

5) Kay Smith, Des Moines

6) Meredith Willey, Norwalk

Honorable Mention) Jamie Larson, Des Moines

Entries were judged on taste, appearance and creativity.

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.