Contest Information

GINGERBREAD WINNERS AND ENTRIES ARE ON DISPLAY AT WOODLAND LIGHTS

An array of gingerbread houses are on display through December at Woodland Lights as part of the eleventh annual Woodland Lights Gingerbread Art Competition.

Gingerbread creations this year range from a rustic log cabin to an elaborate Queen Anne mansion to an outdoor scene with a church, parsonage, stone paths, winding stream and cluster of fir trees. All entries are made entirely of gingerbread and other edible materials.

 “This year’s display features all sorts of edible materials – from icing and candy canes to pretzels and birdseed. Every entry is creative in its own way,” said Woodland Lights coordinator Linda Madden. Judging took place Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Stolz House in Countryside Park where the gingerbread creations are displayed.

The Kowal family of Beavercreek took first place in the Group/Family Category with an entry that replicates their own family home. Brian, the father, found a basic pattern and modified it to include a garage, morning room and deck. Brian baked the gingerbread while daughter, Anna, 11, added the decorations. The Kowals also have hidden 20 Gummi bears in and around their house so that visitors can enjoy the fun of hunting for them.

Second place in the family division went to returning winners Cassie and Alyssa Moesner, both 12, of Springboro.

When it comes to producing winners, the Snyder family of Miamisburg attained the trifecta of gingerbread. Bridget Snyder took first in the youth category for her Queen Anne Victorian while Ben Snyder earned second for an expansive log cabin with a swing hanging from a gnarled tree in the front yard. Their mother, Sue Snyder, won first place in the adult category for an outdoor scene with a church and cabin.

A Cotswald cottage with a sunflower seed roof earned a second place for Dottie Adkins of Washington Township.

Individuals who placed first received a Physical Express Pass which provides entrance for one year to the recreation center’s fitness center, running track, open gym and climbing wall and to Rec West’s gym, theater and game room. Second place winners received five daily passes. Participants who won as part of a group received two daily passes.

“Our annual gingerbread house collection is one of the most enjoyable displays at Woodland Lights. We’re grateful that families share their creativity with the entire community,” said Madden.

A selection of the Gingerbread house photos is on the township’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WashingtonTwp.