Hinterland wins big at Iowa State Fair

This past Sunday, my son and I headed to the Iowa State Fair to work the Travel Iowa booth and represent Fort Madison. It was our first time experiencing the fair together, so we soaked in every sight, sound, and mouthwatering smell before visiting the famous Butter Cow.
Cool as it was, we were there for Hinterland Dairy’s big wins! Hoppin’ Jalapeño Cheddar and Fresh Spread Quark claimed first place in their divisions, while Original Cheese Curds, Brooks Place, and Garlic & Herb Quark all brought home ribbons.
While in line, I met an award-winning cheesemaker from Wisconsin who was so impressed with Hinterland’s success, he snapped a picture of their label and said he’d be ordering some when he got home. Smart man.

Later, we met up with the Keokuk Tourism Director and convinced him to show off his fiddle skills—he’d placed second in the competition earlier that day. Together, we shared stories of our beautiful corner of Iowa, promoted upcoming events like the Tri-State Rodeo and Mexican Fiesta, and highlighted the Lake Cooper Loop’s 50-mile Great River Road adventure.
We ended the night at my son’s first big concert, “Mr. Worldwide” himself—Pitbull! Tired but smiling, we packed up and headed home. What a day for Fort Madison!
Chi Eastin is the director of the Fort Madison Tourism Board and a regular contributor to Pen City Current.