Food - Seafood Prepared in the Heartland

Superb Seafood Dishes Win State Fair Awards

The best seafood appetizers and soups claimed top honors in the Seafood Prepared in the Heartland competition judged Thursday, August 17, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Entries were judged on taste, appearance and creative use of fish or seafood.

Complete results follow:

Fish or Seafood Appetizer

1) Kyle Barton, West Des Moines

2) Ann Gillotti, Ankeny

3) Dawn Osmonson Sturm, Waukee

Fish or Seafood Soup

1) DeeDee Kennedy, Des Moines

2) Pamela Lang, Johnston

3) Jenna Brady, Runnells

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.