2nd Annual Eugene Gingerbread Competition

Entries in last year's Eugene Gingerbread Competition (my office's submission is in the foreground)

Design|Spring is hosting the 2nd Annual Eugene Gingerbread Competition & Auction on Saturday, December 14 at Oakway Center. A jury of local celebrities will judge the entries and award prizes in several different categories. Judging will be based on the creativity of approach, quality of construction, and observation of the rules. The awards may include, but are not limited to: People’s Choice Award, Best in Show, Most Unusual, Most Economical, Most Innovative use of Materials, and Most Accurate Recreation of an Existing Building.

Here’s the schedule of events for December 14: 

• 10:00-11:00 Entry Drop-Off
• 10:00-5:00 Viewing, People’s Choice Voting, Silent Auction Bidding
• 11:00-12:00 Official Judging
• 12:00-4:00 Live Reindeer in the Heritage Courtyard
• 1:00-2:00 Choir in the Heritage Courtyard
• 4:00-4:30 Judging announcement and awarding of prizes
• 5:00-6:00 Tastings
• 5:30-6:00 Auction announcement and wrap up
• 6:00-7:00 Entry Pick Up (entries may be claimed by appointment after the 14th at The Octagon, 92 East Broadway in downtown Eugene)

The competition isn’t limited to only those who are master builders or architects. Everyone is welcome to submit an entry!  Last year’s display featured eighteen colorful confections composed of candy, frosting, and gingerbread. My office—Robertson/Sherwood/Architects—assembled a sweet interpretation of a wintry Rockefeller Center in New York, complete with its iconic Christmas Tree. We had a great time conceiving and executing our design. This year, Design|Spring is hoping for and expecting even greater participation, so start making your plans now and register to enter. Don’t wait too long: you need to submit your completed registration form before the deadline on Friday, December 13. The first 50 entries will be given a space in the competition. To register, go to www.eugenegingerbread.com and fill out the registration form.

As added motivation to participate, the proceeds of this year’s silent auction (featuring those gingerbread creations donated for the cause) will benefit both Opportunity Village Eugene and Design|Spring.

If last year’s competition was any indication, the 2nd Annual Eugene Gingerbread Competition & Auction is sure to be a resounding success. Kudos to Design|Spring for directing its energy and enthusiasm toward the creation of what I am sure will become a lasting and delightful holiday tradition in Eugene.