Don’t even think about eating all that Halloween candy. Instead, think about saving some of it for trimmings on a gingerbread creation to enter in the 25th annual gingerbread contest. The contest will be held on Saturday, December 3, at the Old Jail Museum in Thompson Falls. The theme this year “Silver bells, silver bells…it’s Christmas time” coincides with the 25th anniversary of the annual contest. Sponsored by the Sanders County Historical Society, the contest will once again be part of the Christmas on Main Street events December 3 and 4.

“You’ll find a festive escape from the hustle and bustle of the shopping season while exploring at your own pace through numerous creations,” museum officials said in a news release. “The gingerbread cookies that have been hand decorated by the Thompson Falls kindergarteners are always unique and nearly guaranteed to put a smile on your face.”

While not directly located on Main Street, officials say the Old Jail Museum will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday for voting and again on Sunday, December 4, from noon to 2 p.m. for entries to be picked up and added Gingerbread viewing. “Come and check out all the beautiful, delectable, unique cookie and candy creations,” officials said. “Smelling the ginger and spices certainly puts one in the Christmas spirit.”

In addition to the Gingerbread Creations, the entire refurbished museum will be available for browsing and will be showing off its holiday spirit. A unique feature added this year will be a photo display of the museum’s contests throughout the 25-year history. “You will want to see if you recognize any old timers,” officials said. “This is the museum's Christmas card to the community. It’s our way of saying thank you for generous support throughout the year.”

The building will be decorated with garlands, a Christmas tree and of course, gingerbread creations. Admission fees are waived for the weekend in appreciation to the community. The Museum is a 501C3 nonprofit corporation.

The Flat Iron Quilting Guild has donated a Christmas gift bag of assorted handmade items for a door prize. Everyone is welcome to enter for this giveaway which will be drawn on December 4.

Anyone wishing to enter the contest should bring their gingerbread creation to the museum on Saturday, December 3, between 10 a.m. and noon. All entries should be no larger than 18 by 24 inches at the base and secured on a sturdy surface. Museum officials say cardboard or a piece of plywood works great. Bakers are urged to follow the 2022 theme “Silver bells, silver bells…it’s Christmas time.” All entries are to be “edible” – metal or plastic enhancements are not allowed. Entries can be from a purchased kit or by your own design.

Once again, there are five categories for entries, child (7 and under), youth (8-12), teens (13-18), adult (19+) and Group/Family. $25 Prizes are awarded to the winners of the five categories that will be decided on 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, a returning champion, Aimee Foyil, created a one-of-a-kind original design,” the news release said. “Museum volunteers love to see what talent the community has and we can’t wait to see what will turn up for this year’s 25th Anniversary. We hope to see returning talent and new entries as we continue to grow. Thank you to everyone who takes part 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.”

To enter, print your name and phone number on a sheet of paper, along with the age category you are submitting to and bring it with your entry to the museum on December 3. If you have any questions on the Old Jail Museum Gingerbread contest, contact Teri Johnsen at (406) 827-4699 or Helen Meadows at (406) 827-3578.