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As we enter the month of November, the holiday season will begin to fill the air. Add some Gingerbread spice to the holiday season by participating in the 21st Annual Gingerbread Contest sponsored by the Sanders County Historical Society Old Jail Museum. Once again, it will be part of Christmas on Main Street, scheduled for December 1, and will be held at the Old Jail Museum located at 109 Madison Street in Thompson Falls. 

“Although we are not on Main Street, we will be open from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday for voting and viewing, and again on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. for Gingerbread viewing,” stated Teri Johnsen, event coordinator.

  “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,” museum officials said.  “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 Gingerbread Boy Caper 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 began 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 generous support throughout the year.  The building will be decked with garland, a Christmas tree, and of course, gingerbread. 

There are five categories for entries this year: Child (7 and under), Youth (8-12), Teens (13-18), Adult (19+) and Group/Family.  Prizes of $25 will be 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 garnering the most overall votes, along with a $100 prize. 

“What a wonderful turn out we had for our 2017 Gingerbread Contest, 23 entries.  We hope to see returning applicants and new entries as we continue to grow. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest,” event organizers commented.

A Christmas raffle will be part of the festivities at the museum.  We’ll be drawing the winners on Saturday at 6 p.m.  The gift shop will be open, so Christmas gift purchases can be made.  Don’t forget the final stop for the Christmas on Main Street Scavenger Hunt is at the Old Jail Museum.  Scavenger Hunt forms are due on Saturday by 6 p.m.

“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!”

Anyone desiring to enter the gingerbread contest should bring their gingerbread creation to the museum Saturday, December 1 from 10 a.m. to noon.  All entries should be on a sturdy tray to allow for easy transportation and must have a paper label including the creator’s name and phone number, along with the category you are entering.  Bakers are urged to follow the 2018 theme, “Christmas in the Old West.” All entries are to be edible, meaning that enhancements made from plastic, metal, etc. will not be allowed.  Entries can be from a purchased kit or your own design. 

Admission fees will be waived for the Christmas on Main Street celebration weekend, in appreciation to the community.  The museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and receives no government funding.  It relies on donations from the community to operate. If you have any questions, contact Teri Johnsen at 827-4699 or Helen Meadows at 827-3578.