Competitors from 20 States Battle for Gingerbread Glory

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Hundred of entries from 20 states were scrutinized by a panel of 10 elite judges, with winners in four categories emerging in the 17th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition that took place at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in scenic Asheville, North Carolina (www.groveparkinn.com).

“This was one of the most exciting and competitive National Gingerbread House Competitions to ever take place at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. The judges truly had a difficult time and these winners deserve gingerbread glory for the beauty and creativity they put into their works of holiday culinary art,” said Ronald E. Morin, Executive Director of Operations at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. “We had contestants from as far away as Texas, Kansas, Wisconsin and New York enter the event this year. And since the gingerbread houses have to be transported and dropped off at the Grove Park Inn, you know we had some very serious competitors.”

The gingerbread creativity featured themes running the gambit from castles to barnyards and country inns to windmills.

There were depictions of the North Pole, the Grand Canal in Venice, toy trains and even the movie Star Wars. Traditional holiday favorites such as The Nutcracker Ballet and the Grinch Who Stole Christmas made appearances in gingerbread, as did President Barack Obama and the First Family.  Photographs of the winning entries can be seen at www.groveparkinn.com.

Winners in this year’s National Gingerbread House Competition are:

Grand Prize Winner: Jodie Stowe of Polkville, N.C.

Adult (18 years and older): First Place, Ann Bailey of Cary, N.C.; Second Place, Billy Mochow of Burns, Tenn.; and Third Place, Tracy Navin of Franklin, Tenn.

Teen (13-17 years old): First Place, Lilli McFerrin of Black Mountain, N.C.; Second Place, Courtney Gentry of Hendersonville, N.C.; and Third Place, Skyla Delerme of Asheville, N.C.

Youth (9-12 years old): First Place, Lydia Gentry of Hendersonville, N.C.; Second Place, Karley Tenberg and Danielle Tenberg of Mooresville, N.C.; and Third Place, Emily Spafford of Maryville, Tenn.

Child (5-8 years old): First Place, Amanda Spafford of Maryville, Tenn.; Second Place, Carley Cantrell of Cookeville, Tenn.; and Third Place, Rachel Malmin of Brevard, N.C.

Entries were judged on overall appearance, originality/creativity, difficulty, precision and consistency of theme. Except for the base, the entries must be constructed entirely of edible materials. The maximum size of gingerbread houses in the competition cannot exceed two feet wide, two feet long and two feet high. The National Gingerbread House Competition awards more than $12,000 in cash and prizes. The grand prize winner receives a $3,000 cash prize, plus a two night Club Floor stay at The Grove Park Inn & Spa Resort, complete with dinner for two and breakfast daily at the historic hotel. All contestants receive a personalized certificate.

“This is a special time of year at the Grove Park Inn and the gingerbread houses attract thousands of visitors who come to marvel at the craftsmanship and soak in the holiday spirit,” said Heather Brannan, Special Events Manager at The Grove Park Inn. “All of the holiday decorations are up throughout the resort and families come back year after year. It’s a real tradition in the southeast.”

All of the entries in the National Gingerbread House Competition will be on display at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa from Nov. 18th to Jan. 3rd. The public is invited to view the displays any Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Groups and bus charters are asked to call ahead for reservations. Guests at the resort and those dining at one of the award winning restaurants on the property may view the displays at any time. Additionally, a group of entries will be placed on display at the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville.

-------

To learn about a gingerbread replica of George Washington's mansion, Mount Vernon, created by White House Chef Roland Mesnier, click here.