Soo Line: Come Showcase Your Talent! National Cattle Congress Bread, Cookies, Pies and Chili Cooking Contests Want You to Enter This Week

By Soo Greiman

During last year’s National Cattle Congress, my family and I earned a little place in the history books by doing well in several contests held at its Waterloo fairgrounds. But instead of showing  you the photos my grandsons entered that won prize money, or my sons’ huge second-place  pumpkin—or even my bumpy gourd that won its class during the Flower & Garden Show  judging—I want to give you the scoop on how you can enter this year. It’s simple, fun, and easy  to participate in the Cattle Congress competitions. And don’t forget—your efforts could be  rewarded with prize money. 

I really should have told you about this opportunity weeks ago. I looked through the many classes—each with prize money and ribbons for youth and adults—and got so excited, I forgot to  share the info. I was inspired by memories of the gorgeous vegetables Anne and Mark Meyer entered, the Lego art their grandkids made, and how Lisa Kruse did exceptionally well in the  Mayor’s Cookie Jar Contest. So did Pat McIntosh. I also couldn’t forget the near-perfect flowers  entered by Margaret Wolfe and Ellen Rogers. Other locals who brought dazzling fruits,  pumpkins and veggies included Chris Van Aukin, Joe Lichty and Louis Beck. 

My unfortunate oversight? Many of the entry deadlines passed yesterday—Wednesday, Sept. 17. But here’s the good news: 

Not all entries are closed. You still have time to enter home-baked goods like pies, pumpkin muffins, filled cookie jars, breads or decorated cookies. Just bring them to the fairgrounds between 8 and 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Judging will take place that same day. 

Still thinking about it? You can find the rules in the 2025 National Cattle Congress Fair Creative Arts/Foods, Horticulture/Show Premium Book, under the heading: 

115th National Cattle Congress Applications and Contest Info 

And for all the chili champions out there… 

Chili-Cooking Contest entries are still open too. 

Bring your crockpot of fully prepared chili to the fairgrounds between 12 and 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Judging begins at 1 p.m. 

More info is available at: 

nationalcattlecongress.com/2025-fair 

(Click on the Applications & Contest Info page.) 

Just do it. Grab your recipe books and put your baking or cooking creativity into action. Entering the National Cattle Congress will make you feel like you’re part of the fair and the fun.

And while you’re at it, don’t miss one of the greatest perks of the fairgrounds: Tom Thumb Donuts are back—just like they’ve been for decades. 

With competitions, entertainment, rodeos, dairy cattle shows and the beloved “Discovery” agriculture program attended by hundreds of elementary students, the old saying still rings true: 

Cattle Congress is Fair Enough.