Submitted by the Funhouse Commons.

Housebound and bored? Sad having to limit visits from loved ones over this holiday season? Well, here’s a great, fun project anyone can do! The Funhouse, with Island Market and Orcas Center’s help, is sponsoring a Gingerbread House Contest for ALL AGES (COVID-friendly, of course) with cash prizes! Just think of it as our local version of The Great British Bakeoff.

There will be 4 categories: LITTLES (ages 6 and under); KIDS (ages 7-11); TEENS (ages 12-16); and ADULTS (ages 17-99+). For ages 16 and under, only the individual entrant is allowed to design and make their creation, though help with baking and materials prep is permitted.

For the Adult “Open” category, however, it may be the work of either an individual OR a group (family, friends, etc. – no pros please). It may also – though not required – have up to 1 battery powered element (lights, turning device, etc.) but, otherwise, must be 100% edible.

There will be three awards given per age group – “Best in Show”, the “Creativity Award” (based on playful, unique and magical thinking), & the “Architect’s Award” (observing complexity, construction detail, and precision), for a total of 12 prizes, which will range from $25 to $500, all privately donated. Our judges range from culinary experts to professional designers and there will also be matching donations made to Orcas non-profits, designated by each of our 4 Best in Show winners.

There are no entry fees, but you must register at www.funhousecommons.org by 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 to participate. One entry per person only, although households may submit multiple entries. Once registered, all entries will be dropped off at the Orcas Center on Sunday, Dec. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. Winners will be announced the next day, and displayed at Island Market from Dec. 15-23, along with photos of all participants’ good works!

Go to www.funhousecommons.org for rules, information on drop-off and pick-up procedures, prize descriptions, tips, and the registration form – one required for each entry. Help us get into the holiday spirit during this tough year and make a delicious gingerbread house for all your neighbors to enjoy!

Información en español está disponible en nuestra página web.