Food - Sunday Dinner at Mom's (Grandma's)

Home Cooking Claims State Fair Honors

Louise Piper of Garner won First Place Overall and a $100 cash award in the Sunday Dinner at Mom’s competition judged Sunday, August 13, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Jacqueline Riekena of West Des Moines claimed Second Place Overall and $50. Emerson Hilbert of Urbandale earned Third Place Overall and $25.

Hilbert also won the Outstanding Youth Exhibit award.

Contestants were challenged to create award-worthy main dishes, desserts, side dishes and snacks that were served at Sunday dinners.

Entries were judged on taste, story to accompany the entry and appearance.

Additional results follow:

Main Dish (Beef or Chicken)

1) Jacqueline Riekena, West Des Moines

2) Sharon Lesan, Ankeny

3) Austin Simmelink, Ankeny

Dessert

1) Louise Piper, Garner

2) Judy Kiburz-Harrison, Tingley

3) Sharon Lesan, Ankeny

Pasta Side Dish

1) None awarded

Vegetable or Fruit Side Dish

1) Emerson Hilbert, Urbandale

2) Rita Cashman Becker, Fort Madison

Snack (youth only, ages 6-17)

1) Emerson Hilbert, Urbandale

2) Lorelei Kowlessar, Des Moines

3) Lane Rigdon, Mediapolis

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.