Food - Use Your Noodle

Top Noodle Dishes Win State Fair Awards

Olivia Smith of Winterset won first place and a $100 cash award in the Use Your Noodle competition judged Saturday, August 12, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Sharon Lesan of Ankeny earned second place and $60. Lauren Petersen of Knoxville claimed third place and $40.

Contestants were tasked to create award-worthy main dishes using any kind of store bought or homemade pasta.

Entries were judged on taste and presentation.

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.