Bakers are sought for gingerbread house contest

Date: 10/18/2010

SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield Museums are inviting bakeries, individuals and young people to submit design plans to create gingerbread houses that will be on view at the Springfield Science Museum as part of the fanciful holiday exhibit "Sugar & Spice: The Land of Gingerbread."

Design plans must relate to the theme "Springfield: The City of Homes." Any architectural structure, including historic recreations and original designs, can be eligible.

Applications and design plans must be submitted by Nov. 5. Entrants will be notified about selection decisions by Nov.10. Gingerbread houses that are not pre-registered will not be accepted for exhibition.

Entry forms may be obtained by downloading an entry form from the museum Web site at springfieldmuseums.org, stopping by the Museums Welcome Center, or calling 263-6800, ext. 376.

Entries will be accepted in the following contest divisions:

• Professional division: bake shops and caterers;
  
  
• Adult division: Individuals age 18 and up;
  
  
• Youth division: Individuals, age 8 to 17. School groups wishing to participate should call 263-6800, ext. 376, for further information.

The completed gingerbread houses will be judged on five criteria: overall appearance, originality and creativity, difficulty, precision and consistency with City of Homes theme.

Completed gingerbread houses must be delivered to the Museums on Nov. 22, and will be on display in the Science Museum from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2, 2011. Judging will take place on Nov. 26 and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at 4 p.m.

The Springfield Museums are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards St. in downtown Springfield.

For additional information about the gingerbread contest, please call 263-6800, ext. 376.