Old Jail Museum plans annual gingerbread contest

How creative do you feel these days? The theme this year is “I’ll be home for Christmas” for the annual gingerbread contest at the Old Jail Museum in Thompson Falls. This is the 22nd year for the contest, sponsored by the Sanders County Historical Society. Once again, it will be part of the Christmas on Main Street events on December 7. “Although we are not on Main Street, we will be open from noon until 6 p.m. on Saturday for voting, and again on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. for gingerbread viewing,” museum staff stated.

“You’ll find a festive escape from the hustle and bustle of the shopping season, exploring at your own pace our numerous entries. The gingerbread boys created by the Thompson Falls kindergarteners are always unique and nearly guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Walking through rows of beautiful, delectable, unique cookie and candy creations, and smelling the ginger and candy certainly puts one in the Christmas spirit,” the museum said in a press release

The “Gingerbread Boy Caper” contest has proved so popular in past years and will be repeated. Museum visitors are encouraged to find the kindergartners’ gingerbread boys, who escaped and hid somewhere in the museum. In addition to the gingerbread creations, the entire museum will be available for viewing and will be decked in holiday finery.

The gingerbread contest was created in 1997, and the historical society has offered many different venues during that time. “This is the museum’s Christmas card to the community, our way of saying, thank you for the generous support throughout the year,” museum staff said. The building will be decked with garlands, a Christmas tree and of course, gingerbread. Admission fees will be waived for the weekend, in appreciation to the community. The museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and receives no government funds. It relies on donations from the community to operate.

To enter the contest, bring your gingerbread creation to the museum between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, December 7. All entries should be on a sturdy tray to allow for easy transportation. Bakers are urged to follow the 2019 theme, “I’ll be home for Christmas.” All entries are to be “edible” – no enhancements that are plastic, metal, etc. Entries can be from a purchased kit or your own design.

There are five categories for entries this year: Child (7 and under), Youth (8-12), Teens (13-18), Adult (19+) and Group/Gamily. Prizes are awarded to the winners of the five categories, determined by popular vote. The “Auntie A” award, in honor of the late Alice Nakamura, will be awarded to the creation garnishing the most overall votes, along with a $100 prize. Museum officials said, “last year’s winners, Kate Baxter and Pam Peters, were a dynamic duo on their first Group/Family entry. We can’t wait to see what this year’s entries will be. We hope to see returning talent and new entries as we continue to grow. Thank you to everyone who participates in the contest.”

Don’t forget, the final stop for the Christmas on Main Street Scavenger Hunt is at the Old Jail Museum as well. Entry blanks are due to be dropped off by 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.

In addition, a Christmas raffle will also be a part of the festivities at the museum. Winners will be drawn December 7 at 6 p.m. The gift shop will be open, so Christmas gift purchases can be made. There is no better place to celebrate this special Christmas season, than to participate in a traditional gingerbread event. Nothing brings out the kid in someone more than a gingerbread contest! To enter, simply write your name and phone number on a sheet of paper, along with the category you are entering, and bring it with your creation to the museum on December 7. If you have any questions on the display/contest, contact Teri Johnsen at 827-4699 or Helen Meadows at 827-3578.