Gingerbread house competition kicks off

Dec 1, 2017 | 4:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s the sweetest competition in town.

The first annual ‘Uptown Chefs Gingerbread House Competition’ kicked off Friday morning at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre.

From the traditional candy cottages, to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and out-of-this-world planets, dozens of gingerbread pieces are on display for the public to vote on at Romeo’s Kitchen and Spirits inside the hotel.

Organizer Nicole St. Godard says she’s been overwhelmed with gingerbread submissions and had no idea the level of baking creativity in the city.

“When Romeo and I decided we were going to go ahead and launch this competition we were going to be happy with three or five houses being donated,” said St. Godard. “We have 40 that have been donated so it’s an amazing turnout, way more than we expected.”

Brock and Arthur Hatton Elementary students made a large portion of the pieces, with daycare kids also making a few.

The competition includes an ‘Under 5’ and ‘Under 13’ category, with the winner receiving a carnival themed party.

Uptown Chefs is donating $15 from every house entered into the competition to the Kamloops Food Bank.

St. Godard says she hopes the event becomes a Christmas tradition.

“It’s something different to bring your family to. You can come in here, enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate and cookie and view all of the gingerbread houses with your family.”

The competition runs until Christmas Eve.