Museums Seek Entries for Annual Gingerbread-house Competition

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums are inviting bakeries, schools, individual bakers, and young people to submit design plans for the annual gingerbread-house competition and exhibit. This year’s theme is “A Seussian Holiday,” with houses to be unveiled on Friday, Nov. 27 as part of the Museums’ “Holiday Happenings” event.

The gingerbread houses will be displayed against a backdrop of murals by artist John Simpson that celebrate the whimsical stories and characters created by Springfield native Theodor Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss).

Entry forms and design plans must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 13. Bakers who commit by the early-registration deadline (Friday, Oct. 23) will receive a free gift. Applications and guidelines may be obtained by downloading the form at springfieldmuseums.org, stopping by the museum Welcome Center, e-mailing [email protected], or calling (413) 263-6800, ext. 285.

Gingerbread displays may be based on favorite Dr. Seuss stories, historic locations, or other imaginative holiday designs. Entries will be accepted in the following contest divisions: professional division (bake shops, caterers, restaurants, or professional bakers); adult division (individuals or groups age 18 and up); and youth division (individuals or groups age 8-17; school and youth groups are welcome to apply).

Applicants will be notified about selection decisions by Monday, Nov. 16. Gingerbread houses that are not pre-registered will not be accepted. Completed gingerbread houses must be delivered to the Museums on Monday, Nov. 23 and will be on display through Sunday, Jan. 3.

Visitors on Nov. 27 will vote for their favorite gingerbread entry in each division, and prize awards will be presented later that day. Voting will continue for People’s Choice Awards until Jan. 3, and the final winners in each division will be posted on the Springfield Museums Facebook page.