Baking Blue Ribbons: Stories, recipes and more about the Iowa State Fair Food Competitions
Schedule
Mon Feb 23 2026 at 06:30 pm to 08:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
4000 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA, United States, Iowa 50265 | West Des Moines, IA
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Have you attended the Iowa State Fair and wondered just how those blue ribbons get awarded? Think your layer cake has blue ribbon-worthy flavor but don't know how to enter the Fair's competitions? Come learn from three experts! Kay Fenton Smith and Carol McGarvey, the authors of Baking Blue Ribbons will talk about their book and what makes the Iowa State Fair Food Department #1 in the nation. Proceeds from their book support the Iowa State Fair Food Contests. They'll then be joined by Cassandra Hyatt to give a workshop on how to enter your favorite recipes into the competitions at the Fair, with specifics on everything from registering before July 1st to filling out your recipe tags and entry forms, best practices and baking/presentation tips. And some blue-ribbon treats to sample (while supplies last)!This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from Kay, Carol and Cassandra! Kay has been entering the food competitions for more nearly 20 years and does some guest judging and bread-baking workshops during the Fair. Carol has more than 40 years of judging experience and Cassandra has extensive experience as both an exhibitor and as a food judge.
Please note: the authors will have copies of Baking Blue Ribbons for sale at this program (cash, Venmo, or checks only, please).
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Where is it happening?
4000 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA, United States, Iowa 50265Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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