Creativity shines in gingerbread display

Original interpretations of creativity and "sweet" equity were the driving forces shown off at the Sanders County Historical Society's 21st Annual Gingerbread Contest on Saturday. This year's contest theme was "Christmas in the Old West." Fourteen entries vied for the top prize, the "Auntie A Award," named after long-time supporter of the contest the late Alice Nakamura.

This year the Auntie A Award with the most votes cast was for Pam Peters and Kate Baxter's Family/Group entry, an Old West Main Street, complete with Santa roping a cowboy. Prizes were also awarded to top vote gatherers in the following categories: Adult (19+) Millissa Culver's stagecoach drawn by a six-horse team; Teen 13-18 Carson Rhoades, Church in the Snow; Youth 8-12, Shiann Hall with her Old West Main Street scene; Child (age 7 and under) Cruz Meadows Livery Stable entry.

Thompson Falls kindergarteners displayed their gingerbread creations – 28 unique candy laden masterpieces were displayed throughout the museum. These large-sized cookies were baked by local resident Mona Jacobson, and then decorated by the students.

A fundraising raffle, which included the Teddy Bear Christmas basket, was won by Susie Davis. Other raffle basket winners were James Haan "All Things Theodore Roosevelt," Howard Inks "Rice, Anyone?" and Pat Ingraham "Home Sweet Home."

The gingerbread contest is the museum's Christmas treat to the community – the one time each winter when the museum is open. The volunteers would like to thank all the visitors who came to support the museum during the gingerbread event, and throughout the summer of 2018. The museum is now closed for the winter. The Old Jail Museum will open on Mother's Day, 2019, for the next season, which will highlight treasures from the historical society's archives.