Need a powerful punch of holiday spirit? Or an imaginative endeavor to get the creative juices flowing?
Stop by the Studer Community Institute building Dec. 16 to check out movie-inspired gingerbread houses crafted by local creatives old and young. Or construct one yourself!
Launched in 2014, the theme for this year’s competition is holiday movies. All proceeds from the event benefit Studer Community Institute’s early brain development initiative.
“We are so excited about this year’s theme,” Katie Player, SCI intern, said. “We think it really gives participants the opportunity to make it their own. Everyone has a different favorite holiday movie, and this theme allows participants of all ages to show that in a unique, creative way.”
In addition to the adult category, with prizes ranging from $2,500 to $1,000, middle and high school culinary academy students will showcase their skills and possibly walk away with prize money as well. The event also includes an elementary showcase.
Gather your team and register by Dec. 8 to transform your favorite holiday film into one of the season’s most iconic treats.
“This event has something for everyone,” Player said. “Not only is there a competitive side through the adult and culinary divisions of the competition, but the display of all the gingerbread houses will bring in the public and spread holiday cheer.
“We will have a wide range of activities for children and adults — games, entertainment, light refreshments and more. We are especially excited to offer photos with Santa and a trip to the North Pole,” Player said, adding that the event is free to the public.
The 1812 fairytale Hansel and Gretel is typically credited with inspiring the gingerbread house phenom. Original versions of the iconic fairytale included this line:
“When they came nearer they saw that the house was built of bread, and roofed with cakes, and the windows of transparent sugar.”
Later versions of the story elevated the bread to gingerbread. Eventually German bakers jumped on board and began to fashion small, decorated houses from honey biscuits.
Gingerbread house architects of 2023 are keeping the tradition alive, and patrons of the SCI event will feast their eyes on the results with the option to cast cash votes for their favorites — with proceeds benefitting the early brain health of area children.
“We can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!” Player said.
Want to Go?
When: Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., with winners announced at 11:30
Where: Studer Community Institute, 220 W. Garden St., Pensacola
What: Gingerbread house competition and display, photos with Santa at the North Pole, light refreshments
Cost: Free
Want to Participate?
How: Register on Eventbrite by Dec. 8
Cost: $50 fee to benefit SCI’s Early Brain Development initiative
Info: eventbrite.com/e/studer-community-institutes-gingerbread-house-competition-registration-722833954817
Up to 95% of brain development occurs before kindergarten
With schools struggling to keep learning levels high, research shows that almost all brain development happens before children reach kindergarten.
Studer Community Institute is pushing back against Escambia County’s low kindergarten readiness rate, which was only 45% in 2022.
Based on data showing that 85% of the brain is built by age three and 90-95% by age five, SCI is targeting parents and caregivers within 48 hours after childbirth via their Building Brains initiative. They educate and support parents and caregivers as well as providing needed resources.
Funds raised from registration fees and voting during SCI’s gingerbread house competition will contribute to providing Escambia preschoolers a stronger start on their path to kindergarten readiness.
