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Writer's pictureOaklea Mansion

Gingerbread House Competition

Updated: Nov 14


Official Rules and Procedures

Submission Dates

December 4th, 2024


Display Dates

December 5-7 & 12-14, 2024

(from 5-8 pm, during the Oaklea Mansion House Tours)

* Judging to take place on Saturday, December 14


General Guidelines

The following rules and procedures have been set forth and established by Oaklea Mansion Bed and Breakfast for the purpose of The 2024 Gingerbread House Competition. You are encouraged to submit your entry form ahead of time via e-mail if possible. Oaklea Mansion reserves the right to refuse any entry deemed inappropriate. For additional questions, please contact oakleamasnionbb@gmail.com

To be eligible for the competition, a completed Entry Form must be submitted with your entry before or during the designated drop- off window. The competitor registered will receive all correspondence, notifications, and updates regarding Oaklea Mansion’s Gingerbread House Competition via email. If the individual entering is under 18 years of age by the date of the competition, consent from a parent or legal guardian is required in addition to disclosing the minor’s age.

 

Entry Categories

The following categories are available for entry into Oaklea Mansion’s Gingerbread House Competition:

  • Adult Category – Individuals age 19 and older

  • Youth Category - Individuals between 5 and 18 years of age

  • Traditional

  • Non-traditional

 

Judging and Criteria

All entries will be judged on five criteria:

  1. Overall Appearance

  2. Originality and Creativity

  3. Difficulty

  4. Precision/Craftsmanship

  5. Consistency of Theme

 

There is no overall theme for the competition. Entries are not limited to the structure of a house – any type of building or structure is acceptable. Competitors are welcome and encouraged to uniquely design their entry for the competition. Theme should be competitor’s own and consistent throughout the entry. Decorative elements that are handmade will carry more weight than similar prefabricated items. All rulings by the judges are independent and final.

 

Size Limitations

Entry must be placed on a board base. Entries combined with a base must not be larger than 24 inches high, 24 inches wide, and 24 inches long. Weight is not to exceed 50 pounds.

 

Materials and Construction

Everything above the base of your entry must be composed 100% of edible materials. The main structure of your entry must be constructed of at least 75% gingerbread or cookie, some of which should be exposed.

 

Edible materials are not limited to candies and icings. Use of gum paste, fondant, chocolate, modeling chocolate, royal icing, gelatin and pressed sugar is encouraged.

 

Any entry with non-edible components or using unapproved techniques will be automatically disqualified from placing in the competition. No artificial display materials, such as Styrofoam, interior lighting or other electronic components are to be used in the construction or decoration of the entry. Candies must be unwrapped and free of any non-edible materials, for example: lollipop sticks.

 

Entries must be solely constructed by the individual(s) entering the competition. Youth and Child competitors may be supervised, for safety precautions, by a parent, legal guardian, or classroom teacher. Example: assistance with operating a stovetop or oven.

 

Drop Off & Entry Registration Process

  • UNLOAD YOUR ENTRY at Oaklea Mansion Bed and Breakfast at 407 S. Main St. Winnsboro, Texas 75494. A completed entry form must accompany your entry.

  • Prior to judging, competitor entries are not to be handled by anyone other than the submitting individual(s). Please be certain that any designee(s) delivering an entry is capable of moving the piece without the assistance of anyone at Oaklea Mansion.

  • There will be table space and display areas inside Oaklea Mansion and will be available on a first come first serve basis.

  • Gingerbread Houses must be dropped of by or on December 4th, 2024.  They will be on display December 5-7, 2024.  Judging will take place December 13th and awards given December 14th.

 

Placing and Prizes

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three submissions in each age category. Prize amounts start at $50 and go up to the Grand Prize of $150. Prize amounts are subject to the number of entries and may include a stay at Oaklea Mansion Bed and Breakfast for the Grand Prize Winner.  Additional awards may be added, depending on the number of entries, to include awards such as but not limited to: Best Christmas Movie Theme, Most Colorful Entry, Most Outside-the-Box, Most Comedic Entry, etc.

 

Post Display Entry Pickup

For competitors that wish to keep their gingerbread entry after the competition display has ended; entries must be picked up between the hours of 12 pm and 2pm on Sunday, December 15, 2024 or after the competition concludes on Saturday. Entries remaining after the designated pickup window will be discarded after this time unless other arrangements are made with Oaklea Mansion staff.  If you need to make other arrangements, please call (903) 342-6051 or email oakleamansionbb@gmail.com


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