A lot of holiday traditions this year have been adjusted, redefined and reinvented as all of us are eager to enjoy the season in spite of restrictions. One local event I look forward to each December is the Gingerbread Jubilee, held at our Craterian Theater, a local performing arts center. The entry fees and the auction to purchase the entries go toward bringing in national touring productions and supporting the theater’s programs. Individuals and groups representing all ages and skill levels submit creations built out of gingerbread and all kinds of other edible construction materials, with cash prizes going to Best of Show  and top winners in each category. I’ve always delighted in checking out the results. 

This year’s 18th Jubilee entries could not be experienced indoors. In the past viewers could get up close to each fanciful scene as they crowded together in a slow-moving queue snaking through several cramped rooms. No, instead this year the entries sat on display inside a former furniture store, and viewers could check them out through the large exterior display windows stretching around the building.     Benefits of this arrangement were that there was no viewing fee to be paid, and viewing times were unrestricted and extended for more than a week, whereas usually the displays are up for just three or four days. We were outdoors, and “audience” members were asked to wear masks and observe proper distancing. We could still admire the techniques   and clever use of everything from shredded wheat and rosemary to Neccos and starlight mints and M&Ms to create scenes loosely following the “Fairy Tale” theme.   Folks could vote for their favorites or submit a bid online in order to take home one of the creations.

This was the first time I was able to share the fun of the gingerbread entries with my grandson, and he was also delighted at the clever way everything was put together. I pointed out to him that there were categories for creations by students, family groups and individuals, floating the idea that maybe some day he might want to make a gingerbread house himself. I didn’t detect an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm, but he’s only 6. I’ll give him a few years . . . .

I’ve shared here photos of a few of the more than 40 entries, but because of the reflected glare from the windows, these don’t really do justice and fail to convey the attention to detail and skill the gingerbread artists incorporated in their works.  I hope you’re finding ways to experience some of your holiday traditions, even if in new ways, and perhaps new traditions will evolve and become part of future holiday celebrations.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor