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Kentucky's 7th Annual
Gingerbread House Competition

December 6th, 2024

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Entries are now being accepted for this beloved seasonal event that kicks off

the Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill festivities.

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Throughout the Christmas season thousands of visitors

will view your pastry masterpieces!

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This year's competition is also sponsored by Ale 8 One

All houses will be on display in the historic Allen House and McIntyre Hall from 
December 6th - December 23rd.

​To Participate Register Online by November 15th

This year we are awarding over $10,000 in prizes for the following categories:

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

Adult (18+)         1st Place  $1,500 / 2nd Place $1000 / 3rd Place $500

Teen (13-17)      1st Place  $300 /   2nd Place $200 /  3rd Place   $100
Youth (6-12)      1st Place  $300 /  2nd Place $200 /   3rd Place   $100

GROUP CATEGORIES

Pastry Chef(s)    1st Place  $3,000  /  2nd Place  $2,000 /   3rd Place $1,000

Family                 1st Place  $500   /      2nd Place  $300  /  3rd Place    $200

Civic/Business    1st Place    $500  /   2nd Place  $300 /   3rd Place    $200

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This Year's Celebrity Judges:

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     Ouita & Chris Michel

                     Owner & Pastry Chef of Holly Hill Inn​

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Lauren Jacobs

The Cheerful Baker on FoodNetwork

 

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Toa Green

Owner of Crank & Boom​

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Team Kentucky

Mona Lewis Juett

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Damaris Phillips
Southern & Hungry,

The Bobby and Damaris Show

on FoodNetwork

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Tamara & Leigh

The KY Taste Buds from FOX56

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Our fabulous judges will evaluate entries based on the following criteria:

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Overall Appearance

Originality & Creativity

Neatness

... and of course,

Completely Edible!!

 

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Displays

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All Gingerbread Houses will be displayed with a front viewing.

We will display with side vantage points and rear views when possible.

 

Winners will be displayed in the Allen House while others will be displayed in McIntyre Hall.

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NEW CATEGORIES

Christmas Nativity*​   $500  Build a unique Gingerbread Nativity and enter to win $500! *Open to all ages & expertise!

 

Spirit of Community Award   This new category inspires our Gingerbread Competitors to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!  (1) Winner will be carefully selected to receive $500, (2) Ben Sollee Concert Tickets, 1 Overnight Stay, & a $100 gift card to the Artisans Market. All Gingerbread Competitors are automatically entered to win!

 

Rules & Instructions

 

Participants are responsible for transporting their Gingerbread Houses

to Mustard Seed Hill once complete. 

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Delivery Dates
 

Monday December 2nd–Thursday December 5th 9am-5pm

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If you need to request a different time, just email us at info@mustardseedhill.events 

 

We will do our best to accommodate your schedule. 

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CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES

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Include 3”x 5” card with the entry including:
Entry Name, Entrant’s Name, Entrant’s Phone Number or Email Address

 


Dimensions & Structure

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  • Must be constructed with 100% edible ingredients - except for the base

  • Purchased components may not include inedible pieces such as sticks and wrappers.

  • The entry should be composed with a significant majority of gingerbread!

  • Structure should be built on a sturdy base -½” or ¾” plywood or foam core recommended

  • Base should not exceed 24”wide x 24“deep and 24” tall or weigh greater than 50lbs

  • The base may be covered in non-edible items such as paint, paper, ribbon or fabric, but should not be included in the gingerbread structure.

  • Feet or risers under the base are encouraged, for ease of moving.

  • Use only non-perishable adhesives! - We cannot accept structures made with egg or butter icings as they quickly turn rancid and soften causing the structure to disintegrate.

  • The houses are on display for an extended period of time. The weight and duration of viewing can cause the display to collapse if not properly supported.

  • No battery or electric components should be included in the structure.

  • If the structure allows visibility inside which may be difficult to see, please contact us and proper internal lighting will be approved.

 


Tips & Best Practices

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  • If baking gingerbread from scratch, bake several days before assembling to prevent shrinkage.

  • Use A LOT of Royal Icing to assemble and decorate. Allow each portion to dry and harden before moving.

  • Youth and Teen categories, parent or guardian assistance or supervision is allowed and encouraged, specifically when operating stovetops, ovens, and other heating elements.

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Royal Icing Recipe

yields 2.5 Cups

 

Ingredients

1 lb. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

3 tbsp meringue powder

 

Directions:

  1. Mix together the above ingredients.

  2. Add 3.5 oz water – just under 1/2 cup

  3. Beat until icing forms stiff peaks – will hold a sharp line when knife drawn through

  4. Keep covered with a damp cloth to keep icing from drying out.

  5. Store unused icing in a tightly sealed container.

Entry Form

For the Display Signage

Choose (1) Category

Individual Categories
Group Categories
NEW Category

We are so excited you have decided to join us for our annual Gingerbread House Competition. Please contact us with any questions by emailing info@mustardseedhill.events

Entry Form
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