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Ready to start the holiday season by getting creative? The theme for the annual gingerbread contest, sponsored by the Sanders County Historical Society Old Jail Museum, is “Christmas is Coming.” Think about adding some spice to the holiday season by participating in the 24th annual competition, which will be part of the Thompson Falls Christmas on Main Street celebration December 4 and 5.

“You’ll find a festive escape from the hustle and bustle of the shopping season, exploring at your own pace numerous creations,” museum officials said in a press release. “The gingerbread cookies hand decorated by the Thompson Falls kindergarteners are always unique, and nearly guaranteed to put a smile on your face. 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 1-3 p.m. for gingerbread viewing. Walking through rows of beautiful, delectable, unique cookie and candy creations and smelling the ginger and candy certainly puts one in the Christmas spirit.”

In addition to the gingerbread creations, the entire museum will be available for viewing and will be showing its holiday spirit. The gingerbread contest began in 1997. This is the museum’s Christmas card to the community, their way of saying thank you for support throughout the year. The building will be decorated with garlands, a Christmas tree, and of course, gingerbread. Admission fees are waived for the weekend, in appreciation to the community. The museum is a 501C3 non-profit corporation.

To enter the gingerbread contest, bring your creation to the museum between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, December 4. All entries should be no larger than 12” x 18” at the base and secured on a sturdy base (cardboard or a piece of plywood works great). Bakers are urged to follow the 2021 theme. 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 (age 19 and older) and Group/Family. Cash prizes are awarded to the winners of each category, 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. “Last year’s winner, Aimee Foyil, created a one-of-a-kind original design. We can’t wait to see what this year’s entries will be,” the museum staff said in a press release. “We hope to see returning talent and new entries as we continue to grow. Thank you to everyone who participates in the contest.

“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!” Entering is easy. Simply print your name and phone number on a sheet of paper, along with the category you are submitting, and bring it with your entry to the museum on December 4. More information is available by calling Teri Johnsen at (406) 827-4699.