Food - Tribute to Bessie: Black and Blue Berry Pie

Anita Van Gundy of Des Moines won first place and a $200 cash award in the Tribute to Bessie competition, judged Saturday, August 13, at the 2022 Iowa State Fair.

Marianne Carlson of Jefferson claimed second place and $100. Joyce Larson of New Market earned third place and $50.

Contestants were tasked with baking a one or two crust pie that featured one or a combination of blueberries, marionberries, blackberries or loganberries.

Entries were judged on taste, creativity and appearance.

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.