MIDDLEBURY — The Vermont Folklife Center announces its 17th annual Gingerbread House Competition and Exhibit, which will take place at VFC headquarters at 88 Main St. in Middlebury from Dec. 4 through Dec. 22. The opening reception is Friday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Registration forms are available online at www.vermontfolklifecenter.org or in person at the VFC. Entrants should read the forms carefully for deadlines and construction rules. Prizes of Middlebury Money will be awarded in each category. These certificates are redeemable at over 100 local businesses.
Once again the Vermont Folklife Center is partnering with the Addison Community Action Food Shelf for a food drive to help those in need during the holidays. All visitors and competitors are encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable foods when they register and/or visit the Folklife Center during this exhibit. Each person or group who donates food to this food drive will be entered in a free raffle to win two pizzas from Nino’s Pizza in Middlebury.
Each year the range of new designs continues to amaze visitors with dozens of interpretations of the traditional gingerbread house, using gingerbread or any other edible elements. All are invited to join the competition with their own creative ideas rendered in food format.
Today, folklore thrives online and in text messages. This year’s theme, “Folklore: Emoji, Rainbow Unicorns and Lolcats,” celebrates contemporary, electronic creativity by bringing it off screens and into the real world — as gingerbread.
Participation in the theme is voluntary. Original designs are always welcome, but there is an additional prize awarded for “Best of Theme.”
This competition is open to all ages and abilities. All visitors are invited to vote for their favorite entry to receive the “People’s Choice” award.
Registration forms are due back to the offices by Saturday, Nov. 28. Creations must be delivered on Dec. 1 or 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrants should note that there are specific rules for size and construction materials. The exhibit typically draws nearly 2,000 visitors and has become a local holiday tradition.