Creative? Build gingerbread home

Calling all bakers and architects with a competitive edge: The Dayton Holiday Festival is looking for the area’s most creative confectionary decorators to compete in the 12th annual Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays contest on Friday, Nov. 24. Entries will be judged and displayed for public viewing inside the historic county courthouse at Third and Main streets downtown on that day only, during the Grande Illumination and Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights from 4-9 p.m.

All ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this free contest by entering a gingerbread house in the child (12 and younger), teen (13-17), adult (18 and older) or professional category. Entry forms and a complete list of contest rules are available for download at www. daytonholidayfestival.org. Forms may be submitted to the Downtown Dayton Partnership at 10 W. Second St., Suite 611, Dayton, OH 45402, or by e-mail to langenkamp@downtowndayton.org. Entry forms are due by Thursday, Nov. 16.

Traditional houses, replicas of buildings, a purchased kit or even cardboard entries are permitted — as long as all exposed surfaces are covered with edible materials. First place in each category will receive a prize package featuring a variety of items. Award ribbons also will be given to second and third place winners in each category. In addition, one amateur and one professional house will be selected as the “Best Houses on the Block” and each will win a $500 cash prize.

Contest entries are to be delivered to the Old Courthouse between 10 a.m. and noon on Friday, Nov. 24. They will be judged from 1-2 p.m., and the winners will be notified by telephone. All contest winners will have the opportunity to be recognized on the Main Stage in Courthouse Square before the Grande Illumination tree lighting ceremony at 7:45 p.m.

For more informationl, call 937-224-1518 or visit www. daytonholidayfestival.org.