Old Saybrook’s economic development director, Susan Beckman, happened to be staying at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Ashville North Carolina last December during its National Gingerbread House Contest. On display throughout the hotel were winning works of gingerbread: structures of all kinds, from stage coaches to modern architectural designs to iconic Christmas scenes.

“These were incredible creations,” said Beckman. “I really latched onto the idea of the contest as a fun, festive activity in which anyone of any age and ability could participate.”

In January, Beckman spoke to Jill Peterson, owner of Pursuit of Pastry in Saybrook, who had also been considering the idea of a local gingerbread house contest.

Then COVID-19 struck. And the idea suddenly seemed even better.

“As we continue to deal with the pandemic, the Gingerbread House Decorating Contest [is] a great opportunity for people to design and build their own gingerbread masterpieces in the safety of their own homes,” Beckman said.

Saybrook Gingerbread Event

Now through Sunday, Dec. 13, gingerbread builders can register, create structures made entirely of edible materials, and drop off their creations at Pursuit of Pastry. The structures themselves can be homemade or come from a kit. There is no charge to participate. On Saturday, Dec. 19, Peterson and Dagmar Ratensperger, owner of Dagmar’s Desserts, will award ribbons to those they judge as best in each category.

Those categories are child (12 years and under), adult (13 years and older), and business/organization.

The gingerbread structures will remain on display at Pursuit of Pastry and Dagmar’s Desserts through Saturday, Jan. 2, giving the public a chance to choose Fan Favorites in each category. That contest will be conducted online. Each vote requires a contribution of $1, with proceeds going to Old Saybrook CARES, assisting Old Saybrook residents negatively affected by COVID-19.

Fan Favorites will be announced in the first week of January.

The gingerbread event is sponsored by the Old Saybrook Economic Development Commission, Scierka Lang Media Solutions, and the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce.

Registration and further information, including a link to photos of the 2019 National Gingerbread House Contest winning entries, visit www.osgingerbread.com. Questions can be emailed to gingerbread@oldsaybrookct.gov.