AMES, Iowa — From tenderloins and drumsticks to tacos and taquitos, Iowa State Fair enthusiasts have been enjoying turkey raised by Iowa farmers, processed by Iowa companies, for 35 years. The Turkey Grill showcases the versatility of turkey and exposes consumers to new ways of incorporating turkey year-round in their homes.
Gretta Irwin, Executive Director for the Iowa Turkey Federation (ITF) reported, “our farmers, staff and industry partners look forward to seeing our loyal turkey lovers return to the Grill each season, and in the past three years we have seen some new faces as our menu continues to evolve.” Irwin credits the New Fair Food Contest for increasing the Federation’s momentum to offer more exclusive menu items and drawing those looking to try something new. In 2016, The Turkey Grill won the People’s Choice Best New Fair Food Award for Not Your Mamma’s Taco, which they will be offering again this year. In 2017, the Thanksgiving Balls were recognized in the contest semi-finals and 2018 secured the Toasted Turkey Bomber into the New Foods Showdown in July.
“We are grateful for all those who come out to support Iowa’s farm families, while enjoying a quality protein, either by trying a new item or enjoying their favorite staple at the Turkey Grill,” Irwin said. “It is the goal of the Turkey Grill to introduce consumers to convenient and tasty turkey products they can prepare in their own homes when the fair season comes to an end.”
The Turkey Grill has sold over 380 tons of turkey in the past 35 years. Kramer’s Sausage in La Porte City has been smoking the turkey drumsticks since 1983. This item has remained popular with fair-goers, selling on average 1,000+ drumsticks daily. Look for the Turkey Grill (red barns and Sukup grain bin ticketbooth) in the same location, just west of the Anne and Bill Riley stage.
Iowa-grown turkey products can be found year-round in quick service restaurants and major grocery retailers. Visit iowaturkey.org for recipes and more information on Iowa turkey.
— Iowa Turkey Federation
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