With the deadline fast approaching, it’s time for bakers to finalize plans for their entries to the Adams County Arts Council’s 16th Annual Gingerbread Celebration & Holiday Market, sponsored by Kennie’s Markets, Mister Ed’s, and RE/MAX of Gettysburg- Suzanne Christianson. The event will be held December 5, 6, & 7 at the Arts Education Center, 125 S. Washington St, Gettysburg PA.
Presented in conjunction with the Gettysburg Christmas Festival, admission to this perennial favorite holiday event is free for children with a $1 donation requested for adults. Event hours are 3 pm to 8 pm on Friday, 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm on Sunday. Proceeds from the event help support the Arts Council’s year-round enrichment programs for all ages.
The Auction of Houses, when the fabulous creations are up for sale to the highest bidder, is set for Friday, December 5, 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Admission to the auction is free and will feature holiday beverages and nibbles.
The contest is open to all including families, individuals, schools, groups, nonprofits, and businesses. Prizes include People’s Choice ($500), Best School/Nonprofit ($200), and Best Business (Ginger Trophy) which will be awarded by popular vote. Votes cost $1 each. A panel of judges will award the Best of Show prize which has increased to $750 this year, Most Original Concept ($200), and Best Team Effort ($200). Bronze sponsors include Destination Gettysburg, PNC Bank, VFW Post 8896, and Weikert’s Livestock, Inc.
The deadline is November 26 for entry forms which are available online at www.adamsarts.org, by calling (717) 334-5006, or at the center.
The Celebration also features hand-made gifts by area artisans in the Holiday Market, gift basket silent auction, children’s activities, and bake sale. If you’d like to volunteer at the Celebration or help bake gingerbread to sell during the event, contact Lori at finance@adamsarts.org.
The mission of the Adams County Arts Council is to cultivate an arts-rich community.
Photo caption: This house, created by Emily Harte, was one of 25 entries at last year’s Gingerbread Celebration. Harte’s creation, Christmas at the Beach, won the award for “Most Creative Concept”. Entry forms are available at adamsarts.org for the 2025 contest, Dec 5 – 7, at the Adams County Arts Council’s Arts Education Center.