Gingerbread Challenge

Warm smells of cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, and all-spice waft from the cozy home, encrusted with candy and icicles made of sugar. A flat gingerbread man stands stiffly outside sporting gumdrop buttons and an icing smile. Gather the family – it's time to get messy and creative.

Even if you don't win the cash prizes, you have a great excuse to hang out and eat candy!

Forms of gingerbread have been associated with holiday making in the Eastern and Western world from at least 999 AD. Cakes made of ginger and honey have even been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. Ginger was first domesticated in Southeast Asia (today’s China), likely by the Austronesian peoples, who later brought it into the Indo-Pacific and as far as Hawaii.

The earliest written record of the plant is from Confucius, who purportedly ate it with every meal. It was one of the first spices to be transported out of Asia with the spice trade and was quickly adopted by the Greeks and Romans. Its use and association with breads and cookies are expansive, nearly every Western (and Eastern) country has a specific ginger treat associated with holiday making.

Are you ready to create a masterpiece?

Find grandma's fail-safe recipe and let's get baking!

We are pleased to announce the 5th Annual Christmastown Gingerbread Challenge is underway!

Anything goes. The only rule is that the entry's major components (such as walls, roof, etc) be made of ginderbread. The rest of the display can be decorated with any edible material.

Businesses, organizations, families, teams, individuals, and kids are invited to submit imaginative gingerbread displays. Any structure is eligible, whether the design is based on a Christmastown or a traditional holiday scene. Gingerbread houses will be on display in shop windows along Railroad Ave through December.

Contest Details

• Drop of entries NOV 27- Dec 1 Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce 215 W Railroad Ave, Shelton

• Gingerbread entries will be on display in shop windows in Shelton through DEC 21.

• Entry’s major components (such as sides, roof) must be constructed of gingerbread. Display can be decorated with any edible material. All visible must be edible.

• Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Overall Appearance (25%)

  • Originality and Creativity (25%)

  • Difficulty and Precision (25%)

  • Use of Materials (25%)

    Sponsored by Hanson Motors, Neils Pharmacy, Jalisco Tortilla Factory and Bowers Dental Group. Thank you!