Washington County 4-H’ers ‘Cook Up’ Iowa Pride

Washington County 4-H’ers cooked up some Iowa pride during the 19th annual Pride of Iowa contest on Monday, July 14 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 snow cream dairy treats to berry fluff to pork tacos to protein balls. The Judges Choice award, sponsored by JP’s 207, was given to Emma and Grace Taylor of the Washington Go-Getters for their pork tacos. 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, sponsored by Washington Keokuk County Corn & Soybean Growers, was given to Aspen Siren and Emerson Flynn of the Dutch Creek Flyers for their protein balls.

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!