Secretary Naig Congratulates Beattie's Melon Patch for Winning 2026 “Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food” Contest
Third annual contest celebrates Iowa State Fair foods made with ingredients grown, raised and made in Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 21, 2026) - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today congratulated Beattie's Melon Patch for winning the third annual “Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food” contest during the 2026 Iowa State Fair. Beattie's Melon in a Cup (watermelon) was selected by fairgoers who cast their votes from signage at participating food stands.
The “Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food” contest, an officially recognized competition hosted by the Iowa State Fair, highlights and celebrates fair food menu items made using ingredients sourced from Iowa. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made food, beverages and agricultural products.
“The Iowa State Fair is a celebration of Iowa agriculture, and there may be no better way to experience it than by enjoying great food made with ingredients grown and raised right here in our state,” said Secretary Naig. “Congratulations to Beattie's Melon Patch for winning this year’s contest with their watermelon in a cup. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we’re reminded that agriculture has always been an essential part of Iowa’s contribution to the American story. This contest is a fun way to celebrate that tradition while connecting fairgoers with the farmers and businesses behind the food they enjoy. I encourage Iowans to Choose Iowa at the Fair and all year long by supporting local farmers, food businesses and communities.”
The contest began in 2024, when Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters’ Hot Beef Sundae took home the inaugural title. In 2025, Dairy Zone earned top honors with its Butter Cow Tornado. Now in its third year, the contest continues to showcase the wide variety of Iowa ingredients found throughout the Iowa State Fair. This year, a record 37 vendors entered Iowa-sourced menu items in the competition. Fairgoers were able to identify participating food stands through the Iowa State Fair website and mobile app and cast their votes during the Fair.
The following vendors and their menu item, listed in alphabetical order, entered the contest this year:
Applishus
Sweet Granny’s Apple Delight Sundae
Barksdale’s State Fair Cookies
Milk
Bauder’s Ice Cream
Bauder Peppermint Bar
Beattie’s Melon Patch
Watermelon (Fruit – Melon Cup)
Biscuit Bar
The Regular Biscuit
Carl’s Gizmos
Gizmo Sandwich
Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters
Rib-Eye Steak Sandwich
Chuckie’s
Chuckie’s Pork Tenderloin
Dairy Zone
This Little Piggy Tornado
Destination Grille
Porky’s Parm Gnocchi
Duke’s Poutine
Duke’s Quebec Style Poutine
Fresh American Lamb – Iowa Sheep Industry Association
All Iowa Lamb Burger
Hagars Hoagies
Chopped Ham
HoQ
HoQ Crunchy Lamb Wrap
Iowa Craft Beer Tent
Yield of Dreams – Iowa Corn Lager
Iowa Egg Council / North Central Poultry Association
Jalapeños Popper Egg Salad
Iowa Honey Producers Association
Honey Lemonade
Iowa Pork Tent
Hawaiian Hog
Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association
Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco
Iowa Wine Growers Association
Award Winners Wine Flight
Kinnear’s Steak and Pork Tips
Steak Tip or Pork Tip Dinner
Nitro Ice Cream
Nitro Cup Ice Cream
Old West Roadhouse BBQ
Wafflelicious
Over the Top
Sweet Americana
Pioneer Wagon
Scotch Egg
Poboy
VooDoo Fries
The Bacon Box
Grinder Ball
Smokey’s Grill
All-Beef Hot Dog
Stockman’s Inn
Iowa Bratwurst
The Corn Stand
Mexican Corn in a Cup
The Dairy Goodness Barn
Red, White & Moo Shake
The Nut Farm
Carmel Cheesecake Roasted Pecans
The Snack Box
Ham Salad Sandwich
Whatcha Smokin BBQ
Jalapeño Cheddar Craft Link on a Stick
Winn and Sara’s Kitchen
All-American Scrambled Egg Roll
Wonder Bars
Wonder Bars
Zag’s Popcorn
Bacon Popcorn
Choose Iowa continues to grow as consumers seek more opportunities to purchase local products and support Iowa farmers and businesses. The program now includes nearly 360 members statewide, representing farmers, food and beverage producers, processors, farmers markets, retailers, restaurants and other agricultural businesses.
Learn more about Choose Iowa at ChooseIowa.com.
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