Iowa State Fair Announces 31 New Food Contests

The Iowa State Fair hosts the largest food department of any state fair and continues to grow with 31 new food contests at the Elwell Family Food Center. "MY State Fair" 2016 is August 11th -21st.

Several notable contests will be making an appearance at this year's Fair including The Great Purple Cupcake Project, Flavored Homemade Marshmallows, Best Dry Rub, Neubrands' World's Greatest Steak Contest, and Energy Snacks for the Field.

The Great Purple Cupcake Project, which takes place Saturday, August 13th at 2 PM in the Elwell Family Food Center, is sponsored by Anita Kaufmann Foundation. The contest winner will receive a $300 cash prize, be published in Dessert Professional magazine and featured in the Foundation's marketing materials.

Neubrand's World's Greatest Steak Contest is sponsored by Plymouth Feed Co. and Sioux Cattle Gates in memory of long-time Fair Board Member, Bill Neubrand, and will be held on Friday, August 12th at 2 PM in the Elwell Family Food Center. The contest winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

Food sampling will be on August 21st at 1 PM in the Elwell Family Food Center.
Over 9,925 entries have been submitted to the Iowa State Fair Food Department for judging. They are divided into 203 divisions and 809 classes. More than $72,700 worth of premiums will be given out in this department during the Fair. There will also be 649 exhibitors featured in the food department.

For a list of daily food contests, visit www.iowastatefair.org