Does anyone know where I can find wooden dowels 24inches or longer? I have been searching with no luck!

I think the ones I buy at Lowe's are 36" or 48" long.

Any home improvement store, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, they will have have them.

But can you use those?? Are they "food safe" or do you have to cover them with something??

I bought roasting sticks at Xmas tree shop. 36 inches long and they were even sharpened. 12 for $1.99.

Hummmm This sounds like it become one of those good debates! They are the same wooden dowels that everyone uses. If I am doing a very tall cake I screw the dowel into the base - then cover it with a plastic dowel. I think it looks better when you cut the cake. HTH