Food - Favorite Book Dessert

Literary Inspiration Leads to State Fair Award-Winning Desserts

Young cooks were challenged to create an award-winning dessert inspired by a favorite literary work in the Favorite Book Dessert competition judged Wednesday, August 16, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Emerson Harshbarger Reis of Waukee won first place and a $25 gift card.

Whitney Marske of Clive claiming second place and a $15 gift card. Paige Hilgerson of West Des Moines earned third place and a $10 gift card.

Entries were judged on taste, design and creativity.

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.