Pie!

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 228 divisions, 850 classes and over 10,600 entries. Today I'm highlighting the record 179 pies were entered at this year’s Fair.

 

There were competitions for the best fruit pie, cream pie, graham cracker crust pie and the list goes on and on. I’d be happy to sample the apple, blueberry or pumpkin pie but I’m not brave enough to try the gooseberry, mincemeat or sour cream raisin.

 

One contest took more than just talent in the kitchen. For the Pie Story competition, contestants were tasked to bake a pie and accompany it with a short story, either true or believable fiction, and tell it to the judges. The story could describe the pie’s origins, a secret recipe, the contestant’s relationship to the person who made it or even a kitchen disaster. Entries were judged on performance, humor, historical content, personal significance and the story’s connection to the pie. I would consider myselft a lousy baker, so I would definitely be more successful telling a creative story about a pie!

 

The Iowa State Fair wouldn’t be complete without the pie eating contest on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage.  And don’t forget about the Methodist Church stand’s made-from-scratch pies. (They sell 1,200 slices each year.) Did you try the new Apple Pie On-A-Stick? I heard wonderful reviews. 

 

Are you curious what pie has to do with the Blue Ribbon Foundation? I can give you 3 good reasons!

 

1. During the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s annual Corndog Kickoff fundraising event, we had 3 delicious pies in our silent and live auction. These pies were sold for a total of $6,000!

 

2. The prize winning recipes from the 179 pies that were judged during the Fair,  are listed in the Iowa State Fair Cookbook. The Foundation has the 15th, 16th and 17th editions for sale in the State Fair Store. These cookbooks hold some amazing pie recipes from the 2008 – 2013 Fairs. (The 18th Edition Cookbook with recipes from the 2014/2015 Fairs will be available this summer.) 

 

3. In my opinion pie can be a delicious way to finish a meal. It is a staple to have at special family gatherings during the holiday season. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a staple for the Iowa State Fair. With our donors’ support, the Foundation can help preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds for future generations. 

 

I didn’t mention a very popular pie contest. During this year’s Fair, more than 145 contestants tried their hand at hurling cow pies. Now that is something you can only experience at the Iowa State Fair!

 

A record 179 pies were entered in the Food Department. 

 

The 2014 Iowa State Fair Queen helped auction off a pie during the Corndog Kickoff.

 

The 15th, 16th and 17th edition Iowa State Fair Cookbooks are avilable for sale. 

 

Cow Chip Throwing Contest!