Gingerbread competition countdown begins, a look at past winners

ASHEVILLE - It’s crunch time for gingerbread artists entering the 31st annual National Gingerbread House Competition, presented by The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville.

“They’re gearing up and we’re very excited about the submissions that are coming in,” said Senior Marketing and Events Manager Isabel Miller. “We have some long-time competitors coming back with us and a lot of new competitors as well that we’re looking forward to.”

The National Gingerbread House Competition challenges “gingerbreaders” to craft edible masterpieces for a chance to win a piece of the pie ― more than $40,000 in cash and prizes.

On Nov. 20, the artists will compete at The Omni Park Grove Inn in a private awards ceremony with opportunities for the public to view the entries and winners through the holidays.

“It is not just gingerbread houses you are seeing,” Miller said. “You would not believe that when you’re looking at this piece that it is indeed 100% edible and 75% gingerbread.”

Gingerbread winners

Hundreds of creations come in from across the U.S. from teams and individuals ages 5 and up who compete in four categories: adult, teen, youth and child.

In the past three years alone, the winners have won over judges with their impressive original ideas, intricate decorations, and skillful execution of their gingerbread creations.

“Every year they continue to be so innovative,” Miller said. “Year after year, we think, "'Oh, they can’t raise the bar any further,’ then they do.”

In 2020, the Grand Prize winner was Merry Mischief Bakers for their creation, “St. Nick’s Christmas Décor Shop,” which provided exterior and interior views of children and their parents visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus while others took a stroll down Kris Kringle Lane past the shop.

In 2021, Merry Mischief Bakers returned for another grand prize win for “Christmas ‘Round the World,” which depicted playful elves taking a ride on animals on a whimsical carousel.

In 2022, Ann Bailey took home the grand prize for her entry, “When Dreams Have Wings,” of a reader who’s dozed off and dreams of a magical scene starring characters like Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and Santa Claus.

The People’s Choice: Best in Show winner was Jessica Frost for “Engine of America,” a structural collage of popular landmarks, including Wrigley Field, the Statue of Liberty, the White House and The Omni Grove Park Inn.

“These gingerbread artists put hundreds of hours into these pieces, and it really shows,” Miller said. “It’s a beautiful thing we get to cherish here on the property, and we’re grateful to be able to put on each year.”

Top awards will be presented in each age category, as well as Chef Nicholas Lodge Awards for Best Use of Sprinkles, Most Unique Ingredient, Longest Standing Competitor, Best Use of Color, Pop Culture Star and Most Innovative Structure.

New celebrity judge

Celebrity cake artist Yolanda Gampp will make her debut as judge at this year’s event, replacing Food Network celebrity chef Carla Hall, who served on the panel for five years.

“She was unable to make it this year for the competition, and we still have a wonderful relationship with her, and we’re so excited to continue to see what she does,” Miller said. “I know she’s going to be following along very closely with the competition, as well.”

Gampp’s resume includes co-judge of Fox’s “Crime Scene Kitchen,” and she’s a two-time best-selling cookbook author and co-founder of the leading international baking education company, “How To Cake It.”

“She’s bringing such a wonderful expertise to this competition, and she’s going to really motivate our competitors to bring their best,” Miller said.

Gampp and will be joined by returning judges Mark Seaman, culinary applications chef for Barry Callebaut; Cheryl Forberg, James Beard Award-winning chef and dietitian; Geoff Blount, pastry chef and teacher; John Cook, executive pastry chef at The Omni Grove Park Inn; Steven Stellingwerf, pastry chef, author and teacher; Aaron Morgan, executive pastry chef at the Stable Café on The Biltmore Estate; and Season 19 “Top Chef” alum Ashleigh Shanti.

Gingerbread days at Grove Park Inn

Grove Park Inn will open the gingerbread display in the hotel from Nov. 27-Jan. 2.

Dec. 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and Jan. 1 and Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for overnight resort and dining guests with reservations.

“Everyone should come check it out,” Miller said. “We like to say that life happens in front of the gingerbread display, and that’s so true. We’ve seen couples get engaged there, or family reunions take place during the gingerbread season. It’s such a magical holiday tradition that I encourage so many to enjoy and take part in.”

The 31st National Gingerbread House Competition

Where: The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville.

Competition date: Nov. 20.

Exhibition dates: Nov. 27-Jan. 2.

Info: For more, visit  OmniHotels.com/Gingerbread and follow on social media Facebook facebook.com/omnigroveparkinn and Instagram @omnigrovepark.

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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: National Gingerbread House Competition brings holiday treats to town