This year’s Holiday Port Gingerbread House Contest theme is “Northwest Adventure,” and contestants can compete in this category or in one of many other age-or-group categories. What does “Northwest Adventure” mean to you? And can you re-create it using edible materials? Now in its 21st year, the contest is free and open to all ages and abilities. Entries don’t have to be houses or made of gingerbread, but they must be visibly edible. The main thing is to have fun and be creative!
The Gingerbread Contest is part of the Holiday Port Festival, a free Port of Bellingham event that takes place at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal Dec. 2-4. This family-friendly event will feature performances by local bands, choirs and dance troupes, Alaska ferry tours, horse-drawn wagon rides, art activities for children, Santa Claus, and the gingerbread contest display.
Families, community groups and classrooms of school-age children have all made a tradition out of entering the gingerbread house contest every year, which typically receives more than 100 entries from bakers who range in age from under five to over 65.
Many of the entries are donated to a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Home Port Learning Center. Home Port Learning Center is a transitional alternative school for at-risk youth of Whatcom County. Through hands-on experiences Home Port students acquire academic, vocational, and work readiness skills. The learning center is committed to the preservation of Whatcom County’s maritime heritage, the environment, and the well-being of the community.
Entry forms and rules can be downloaded from www.portofbellingham.com/gingerbreadcontest or by calling the Port at (360) 676-2500.
21st Annual Gingerbread House Contest Dates and Deadlines:
* Deadline to Turn in an Entry Form: Tuesday, Nov. 29
- Enter online at www.portofbellingham.com/gingerbreadcontest
* Date/Location to Deliver Your Edible Structure: Wednesday, Nov. 30,
Bellingham Cruise Terminal second floor between 8am-5pm
355 Harris Ave
Bellingham, WA 98226
*All Entries are on Display at Holiday Port Friday-Sunday Dec. 2-4