Farm to Fair
Win a Seat at the Table: Farm to Fair - America's Picnic
Enter to win a free dinner brought to you by Iowa’s farmers
From Iowa fields to the Iowa State Fair, every meal has a story. On Sunday, August 16, 2026, join Iowa farmers for an evening of food, family and farming at the Farm to Fair – America’s Picnic meal while enjoying a special four-course meal featuring Iowa-grown ingredients prepared by acclaimed Iowa chefs Grant Gillon, Aaron Holt and Andrea Love. Tell us why you want a seat at the table by July 15, 2026. One hundred lucky winners will be selected at random to win a pair of tickets (2 seats) for the meal. Fair admission is not included.
Iowa State Fair Farm to Fair Dinner
Sunday, August 16, 2026
6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Alliant Energy Landing
Menu includes a four-course meal including drinks and dessert featuring Iowa chefs
Chef Grant Gillon, 2023 MasterChef Winner, Private Chef, Altoona
Chef Grant Gillon is an Iowa-based private chef and passionate advocate for local agriculture. Known for his bold flavors and refined technique, Grant rose to national recognition as the winner of MasterChef Season 13, showcasing his ability to blend creativity with heartland ingredients. At the core of his cooking is a deep commitment to farm-to-table sourcing. Grant partners closely with Iowa farmers, dairies and producers to build menus that celebrate the season and tell the story of the land. Each dish reflects his belief that great food starts with great relationships — from pasture to plate.
Chef Aaron Holt, Owner and Operator of Catering by Doolittle Farm, Story City
Chef Aaron Holt, owner and operator of Catering by Doolittle Farm. Winner of the 2018 Iowa Restaurant Association’s Chef of the Year award, 2019 Morsel Combat People’s Choice award and 2022 Taste of Elegance award. The Doolittle Farm is a 61-acre Iowa century farm located in Story City, Iowa. The farm was established in 1905 by Chef Aaron’s great-grandparents on his mothers side, William and May Doolittle. In 2018, Aaron took over ownership of the property and started growing produce to support his chef career. He now operates Catering by Doolittle Farm, a farm to table catering and personal chef business. Aaron’s goal is to turn his families farm back into what it was over 100 years ago. The type of farm our great grandparents would recognize by practicing “Regenerative Agriculture” and working to provide a sustainable food future. Catering by Doolittle Farm takes the best of what Iowa has to offer and provides memorable and delicious dining experiences.
Andrea Love, Owner and Operator of Dinner Delights, Des Moines
Andrea Love, founder of Dinner Delights, launched her business in 2017 with a mission to make mealtime easier and more meaningful for Iowa families. What began as a small meal‑prep service has grown into a trusted provider of meal preparation, freezer meals, and custom catering for everyday dining and special events in the Des Moines metro area. Andrea brings both heart and practicality to her work, creating food that brings people together. In November 2025, she was honored with the Choose Iowa Award for Most Innovative Use of Local Ingredients at the Iowa Restaurant Association’s culinary competition. It is a recognition that reflects her commitment to creativity, community, and Iowa‑grown products.
Deadline to enter is Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Farm to Fair is presented by Choose Iowa in partnership with Midwest Dairy, the Iowa Beef Industry Council, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Egg Council. For more information about the chefs and the meal or to enter, visit www.iowastatefair.org.