LAKE HAVASU CITY – McCulloch Boulevard was filled with the aromas of gingerbread during a Gingerbread House Contest last week. Local tax accountant Carol Coleman along with Scoops Ice Cream owner Jan Susak teamed up to make this competition happen. This was the first gingerbread house contest in Lake Havasu.
Participants could either build their own house or use gingerbread starter kits.
From December 11 through 15, participants delivered their uniquely designed gingerbread houses to the ice cream parlor. Houses have been on display ever since for the season.
As long as the decorative additions were edible, anything went design-wise for the sweet homes. Entry categories were generous as businesses, clubs, families, and students 17 years or younger, all had a chance of winning best gingerbread house.
Businesses and clubs had a $50 entry fee while families groups or teams could enter for $25.
Youth participants could enter for only $10. Judging criteria were based on appearance, skill, originality, and difficulty.
Final judging took place on Friday, December 22 at Scoops Ice Cream Parlor.
The third runner up went to Frozen Castle and Children’s House. Tinyville House won second runner up, and first place went to gingerbread house Christmas on the Lake.
But none could beat Best of Show winner Betty Johnson who took home $1,000. It was a double win for Johnson who also won the people’s choice category.
It was a sweet night for the community to remember but the real icing of the event was that all proceeds went directly to Clothes Closet and Havadopt Children’s Christmas Project. Clothes Closet provides free clothes to families and individuals in need of clothing.
Havadopt Children’s Christmas is an organization that helps families who need assistance providing gifts to their children for Christmas. Each volunteer of Havadopt adopts a child and will purchase a gift provided on the child’s wish list.
Because of this fundraiser, both organizations will be able to carry on their missions in assisting those in need, and that is the real treat.
Surprised by the high level of interest the community showed in this fundraiser, Coleman is wishing this will be the beginning of an annual occasion. “Hopefully this will be the start of a Havasu tradition.”
Phaedra Veronique
