Tasty contest invites entrants, voters and visitors

It is time for creative minds to begin the process from design to construction. The 20th Annual Gingerbread Contest sponsored by the Sanders County Historical Society is inviting candy-construction workers to get a jump on this year's contest to be featured in the Old Jail Museum, Saturday, December 2 for Christmas on Main Street in Thompson Falls. "Although we are not right on Main Street, we will be open at the Old Jail Museum from noon until 6 p.m. when the parade begins," said the historical society's Teri Johnsen.

Those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can explore the museum at their own pace that day, as the numerous entries will be on display. Returning by popular demand will be the gingerbread boys and girls created by the real boys and girls in Thompson Falls kindergarten. "They are always unique and guaranteed to put a smile your face," said Johnsen, "nothing puts people in the Christmas spirit like the smell of gingerbread and the sight of decorated cookies."

Some of the displayed gingerbread people will be involved in the Gingerbread Boy Caper, which has visitors searching the museum for cookie-people who have escaped to find hiding places in the historic building. The entire museum will be open for the hunt, as well as to admire the exhibits and festive décor prepared by the historical society volunteers.

As for the Gingerbread House Competition, it began in 1997 and Sanders County Historical Society has held the contest at a few different venues since then – but they found the best place is always the Old Jail Museum. "This is the museum's Christmas Card to the community, and our way of saying thank you for the support throughout the years," said Johnsen. The former sheriff/inmate quarters will be bedecked with garland, a Christmas tree and, of course, gingerbread. Admission fees will be waived for the day, but donations will be greatly appreciated as the society receive no outside funding from government agencies – just the kindness of visitors who show their appreciation through donations.

Anyone who wishes to enter the gingerbread contest must have their entry at the museum between 10 a.m. and noon during the Christmas on Main Street Saturday. Entries should be on a strudy tray for transportation to, from and within the museum. Bakers are urged to follow this year's theme: "Gingerbread Jubilee – 1997-2017 – 20 Years of Creative History." All entries must be edible – no plastic or inedible enhancements are allowed. Entries can be from a purchased kit, or totally original design. Entries must be picked up immediately after the parade.

There will be five categories to enter this year. Child – under 7 years; Youth 8-12 years of age; Teens 13-18 years old; Adult 19 and up; and Group/Family. Each category will have a first place $25 award (determined by the popular vote), and a special Auntie A Award, in honor of the late Alice Nakamura, will be awarded to the creation garnering the most overall votes – along with a $100 prize.

Organizers noted that last year's turnout for entries and voters was above average, and hope this year the momentum will keep rolling. In addition, a Christmas raffle will be held as part of the event. The museum's gift shop will be open with unique locally tied merchandise available for purchase as Christmas gifts. Visitors are encouraged to place votes for their favorite gingerbread entries before leaving the museum. "This contest is a great way for people to get in the Christmas season, and entering is easy," said Johnsen, noting that entrants need only place a piece of paper on their entry showing their name, phone number and entry category to be dropped off during the designated times.

For more information contact Teri Johnsen at 827-4699 or Helen Meadows at 827-3578.