Baking Blue Ribbons - 168 Years of Tradition!

Ever since I was a little girl I have thoroughly enjoyed baking. Whether it was cookies, coffee cake, or chiffon cake, I have always been interested in learning more about baking and how to make the best recipes. When I was old enough to join 4-H there was no doubt that Food & Nutrition would be my favorite project area. So, I started bringing my baked goods to the Fair and I even had several foods make it to the Iowa State Fair! It was here where I became really interested in State Fair food recipes and baking. I walked into the Elwell Family Food Center and was immediately overjoyed by the different sites and smells. There were so many foods that looked delicious and I couldn’t help but wonder what the recipes were or the stories behind those recipes.

Well, I don’t have to be curious any longer and neither do you! For the first time in Iowa State Fair history, Kay Fenton Smith and Carol McGarvey are writing the book, Baking Blue Ribbons, highlighting the history, stories, and recipes from the very first Fair in 1854 through 2021. This book is going to showcase what it means to be a part of the Midwest culinary experience and these stories have helped shape the Food Department at the Fair throughout the years.

Kay has competed and won ribbons at the Fair for more than a decade and Carol has judged and sponsored food competitions for 36 years. Together, these incredible authors have experience from both sides of the judging table that will for sure bring a unique outlook to readers.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is helping bring this book to print by coordinating donations. The Foundation is responsible for raising funds for the renovation and preservation of the historic Fairgrounds and even helped with the development of the Elwell Family Food Center in 2009. If you would like to donate, you still can! No donation is too small and donations are going towards the creation of the book.

Baking Blue Ribbons will also be available to purchase at the 2022 Iowa State Fair and all proceeds benefit the Food Department. The Iowa State Fair’s food competition is the country’s largest state fair food department offering 894 classes and 216 divisions.

I know I personally cannot wait for Baking Blue Ribbons to be brought to life so I can read the amazing stories from individuals and their foods. There are 168 years of food competitions at the Iowa State Fair and I hope you are all as excited to read about them as I am!

Check out the first look at the Baking Blue Ribbons cover below! The third photo is me at the Iowa State Fair with my chiffon cake :)

- Brooklin Border, Public Relations Intern