Iowa State Fair Exhibit and Contest Winners From Ankeny: Aug. 18

Competitors Buzzing about Blue Ribbons in State Fair Competition

People were buzzing around the Apiary competition which was judged prior to the start of the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Awards and ribbons were handed out in 24 different categories of competition, ranging from beehives to beeswax candle making. Entries will be on display throughout the Fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the John Deere Agriculture Building sponsored by Alliant Energy.

Ankeny winners included:

3) Tom Swegle, Ankeny (Light Amber Extracted Honey)

Best Brownie Bite Wins Blue Ribbon in State Fair Contest

Kids' chocolate expertise was rewarded in the Kids and the King-King Arthur Brownies contest judged Friday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Taylor Conlan of Des Moines won first place. Second place was awarded to Emily Polson of Ankeny, while Courtney Youngers of Urbandale claimed third place.

Entries were judged on taste, texture and creativity.

Bondurant Cook Brews Up State Fair Win

Kathy Ann Gocke of Bondurant won First Place Overall in the Cooking with Coffee competition judged Friday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Karey Meek-Anderson of Ankeny took Second Place Overall, and Deanna Smith of Des Moines earned Third Place Overall.

Entries were judged on taste, appearance and best use of coffee.

Other results include:

1) Karey Meek-Anderson, Ankeny (beverages)

State Fair Chili Champs Crowned

The top chili creators put their most creative concoctions to the test in the Mrs. Grimes Chili Cook-Off competition judged Friday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Jim Roth of Clive won first place in the Traditional Chili class. Anita Van Gundy of Des Moines took second place, and Lisa Alessandro of Winterset claimed third place.

Scott Andreas of Ankeny earned first place in the Non-Traditional Chili class of competition. Ryan Jones Ankeny won second place, and Diane Rauh of Des Moines took third place.

Entries were judged on taste, appearance and originality.

State Fair Cooking with Honey Competition Creates Quite a Buzz

In celebration of 100 years of beekeeping in Iowa, the Iowa Honey Producer's Association challenged cooks to create dishes that feature honey as its sole sweetener in the Honey Recipes of 100 Years competition judged Friday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Penny Murphy of Des Moines won first place in the Bread and Rolls division. Shawn McGuire of Johnston took the top prize in the Quick Breads division, and Marjorie Rodgers of Indianola won first place in the Honey Creations division and the Sweepstakes prize.

Robin Tarbell-Thomas of Centerville won Reserve Sweepstakes honors. Preston Scott Runyon of New Market earned Sweepstakes honors in the 18 and younger age group.

Ankeny winners included:

HONEY CREATIONS (category)

Honorable Mention) Cassedy Clifton, Ankeny (youth entries - under 18)

Horseshoe Champions Battle in State Fair Horseshoe Contest

Horseshoe champions vied for the winning title in the Iowa State Junior Championship, the Iowa State Women's Championship and the Open Singles divisions of the Horseshoe Pitching Tournament held Sunday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

The State Fair hosts both Championship and Open Class competitions every Fair day. Division winners are crowned daily. All Horseshoe Pitching competitions take place on the clay courts just east of Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall.

Ankeny winners included:

IOWA STATE WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS

5) Deb Davis, Ankeny

4) Pam Slippy, Ankeny (class A)

Norwalk Baker Brings Home Big Iowa State Fair Win

Pamela J. Reynolds of Norwalk won first place and a $200 cash prize in the Pillsbury Pie Baking Championship competition judged Saturday during the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Deanna Smith of Des Moines won second place and $100. Pam Washington of Ankeny claimed third place and $50.

Entries were judged on taste, appearance, creativity and ease of preparation.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

Snappy Snack Mix Steals Top Honors in State Fair Foods Contest

Debbie Wise of Des Moines received the First Place Overall title in the Snappy Popcorn Creations competition judged Monday at the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Second Place Overall was awarded to Brenda Becker of Pella, and Kate Barbaglia of Ames took Third Place Overall.

Ankeny winners included:

3) Sierra Lucht, Ankeny (popcorn sculpture)