MIDDLEBURY — The Vermont Folklife Center will be holding its annual gingerbread house competition and exhibit virtually this year. The contest is open to anyone living in Vermont, and anyone interested should sing up by Nov. 18 via the VFC website at vermontfolklifecenter.org. 
Since the start of the pandemic, “home” has taken some different — and maybe complicated — meanings for many of us. With safety during COVID-19 times being paramount, and with many of us hunkered down at home since March, entrants are invited to explore what “Home for the Holidays” means to them now. 
For example, do they want to be somewhere — anywhere — else? Are they, or people they love, essential workers who won’t be at home? Are they looking forward to the winter holiday season as a chance to reinvent (or rediscover) their home? What does it mean to be “Home for the Holidays” when there’s really nowhere else to go? As always following the theme is not required, but there is a special prize for Best in Theme.
Entrants should bake and build an edible creation at home and submit photos online to participate in the contest. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories and photos from each submission will be included in an online exhibit. Pre-registration is required. Sign up below by Nov. 18 and be ready to upload photos of your House between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4. 
This year the center is waving the $5 registration fee and would be grateful for any donations to support costs associated with the exhibit. More is available at vermontfolklifecenter.org.