4-H’ers cooked up some Iowa pride during the 20th annual Pride of Iowa contest on Monday, July 20th at the Washington County Fair. Contestants each prepared a recipe with an ingredient or ingredients representative of Iowa. During the contest, participants handed out samples of their food, showed how to make their recipe, and answered questions from fair goers. Participants could enter as an individual 4-H’er, team of 4-H’ers, or as a 4-H’er and adult team.
Four groups of 4-Hers participated in Pride of Iowa with food items ranging from Bacon Scotcheroos, to Apple Nachos, to a yogurt parfait, to Chicken Enchilada Dip.
Each visitor at the Pride of Iowa event was given a piece of corn to vote for their favorite entry, The People’s Choice award was giving to Emma and Grace Taylor of the Washington Go- Getters for their Chicken Enchilada Dip, the plaque was sponsored by Washington Keokuk County Corn & Soybean Growers. The Judges choice award was given to Mycala Plank of the Wellman Wranglers with her Apple Nachos, this plaque was sponsored by Steve Boman with Edward Jones.
The Pride of Iowa contest helps to make 4-H’ers, adults, and the public more aware of products made in Iowa. Contestants were judged based on taste and flavor of their food, organization, uniqueness of recipe, health aspect, enthusiasm, public’s enthusiasm, display, and following contest rules. Thanks to everyone who participated!