The Studer Community Institute’s Gingerbread House Competition presented by Winn Dixie is back this year. The holiday event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the SCI building, 220 W. Garden St. Local residents and judges will choose the winner of the gingerbread competition, which includes over $5,000 in prize money awarded to local bakers, artists, or anyone with gingerbread, frosting, and creativity. Also, this year’s competition will include participation from local high and middle school’s culinary arts academies.
“Making gingerbread houses as a child was always so much fun and this competition, to raise funds for the children in our community, evokes such happy memories and brings people together during the festive season.” Said Rachael Gillette, President of SCI. “We want as many entries as possible, to showcase the talent of all the bakers in our area, from novice to professional. Organizations can submit joint entries and there is real prize money to be won! So come on Pensacola, let’s build houses to build babies brains!”
Interested participants may register to compete on Eventbrite by Monday December 5th. A $50 individual registration fee to benefit SCI Early Learning is required to compete. To be eligible for the cash prizes, participants must be at least 18 years old. Contest rules and design requirements are listed at the registration link.
The festivities will include a visit from Kazoo, the Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s mascot, photos with Santa, live music with the Emerald Coast Honors Orchestra, hands-on activities provided by the Mess Hall, and refreshments. Guests will be able to view the gingerbread houses and vote for their favorite choice by making small cash donations to SCI Early Brain Development. Winners will be announced during the event on Saturday, December 17.
The following prizes will be awarded:
Judges Prizes
1st Place: $2,500
2nd Place: $1,500
3rd Place: $1,000
Culinary Arts Academies
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $100
Elementary Students Showcase:
All students will receive a $25 gift card for their Gingerbread house being displayed.