PORT TOWNSEND — Anyone with architectural impulses this holiday season has the opportunity to design and build a gingerbread house, and the main boundary is their imagination.
Aldrich’s Market, 940 Lawrence St., has opened the 23rd annual Gingerbread House Contest on Friday.
Owner Milt Fukuda said that it usually takes a few days for the projects to trickle in, but the first entry was on display before noon that day.
That first entry, “Tiny Houses,” was built by Robert Goldberg, Hope and River Brignoli and Hugh and Grace Wentzel, and it portrayed a neighborhood of four cheerily-decorated houses along with walkways and gardens.
“This is a great family project,” Fukuda said.
“It’s something that everyone can do while they enjoy the holiday season.”
All the entries are placed on the bar located on the left as people walk into the store.
Each project must have a name, and no political themes are allowed.
Through the years, entrants have ranged from replicas of local landmarks like the Jefferson County Courthouse or St. Alban’s Anglican Church to less traditional offerings such as a gleefully decorated gingerbread outhouse complete with reindeer droppings.
Gingerbread dough needs to be the basis for all the houses, with extra points awarded to those who use a traditional mixture instead of gingerbread crackers.
The houses should be mounted on a board with a base no larger than 18 inches by 24 inches, but there are no height restrictions.
The entry fee for the contest is one item of food for the Port Townsend Food Bank.
Entry forms are required and are available at the market.
Entries are now accepted now until Jan. 4, with winners in three categories; child 12 and younger, group 12 and younger, and individuals or groups older than 12. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at 1 p.m. Jan. 9.
Prizes will be awarded, though they haven’t yet been determined. Past awards have included cash and gift certificates.
All entries will stay on display until Jan. 16.
The contest usually draws about 17 entries each year, Fukuda said, with participants ranging from primary school students to senior citizens.
For more information, phone 360-385-0500.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
