Join us for a workshop and go home with a completed gingerbread house! Then enter it in the contest and exhibition!
Saturday, October 17
2:00-5:00 pm
Gingerbread House Construction
co-sponsored with Tinkerhaus
location: 3 Graf Road
Newburyport, MA
$85.00
Learn tips and tricks for successful assembly of a sturdy gingerbread house! Each participant will assemble and decorate pre-baked pieces, using no-fail royal icing and piping bags. Bring your own candies to finish off your creation. Plan to share it with the world (optional) by entering it in the Port Gingerbread Festival Contest & Exhibition (December 11-13)!
Instructors:
Jessica Murphy is a veteran cake and cookie decorator who in 2024 took home top prize in the Port Gingerbread Festival contest.
Mary Dissette is founder and president of the Port Gingerbread Festival who in 1999 became smitten with piping bags, started competing in gingerbread contests, and loves to get everybody involved in this form of folk art!
Register here.
Saturday, November 14
1:00-3:00 pm
Gingerbread House Decorating
co-sponsored with The Artists’ Playground
location: 50 Water Street, at The Tannery Marketplace
Newburyport, MA
$90.00
Dive right into decorating! Create a one-of-a-kind gingerbread house with veteran gingerbread artists Mary Dissette and Myra Suraci of the Port Gingerbread Festival! They provide you with a locally baked, pre-assembled gingerbread house (5”x5”x6”), royal icing, piping bags & tips, and candies. (You're welcome to bring additional.) Decorate according to your own theme, style or whim, then take your finished house home. Decorative purposes only; not intended for consumption.
Instructors: Myra Suraci and Mary Dissette
Register here.
CREATE! Enter the Contest
Open to all ages and skill levels, the gingerbread contest is a chance to let your imagination soar! Explore the amazing creative potential of such humble ingredients as flour, butter, sugar and molasses…and don’t forget a touch of spice! We can’t wait to see your showstopper!
All gingerbread creations should be delivered in finished form. (This is not a “live build” event where the contestants create on site before an audience.)
IMPORTANT DATES for Gingerbread Makers
Sunday, December 7
Contest Registration Deadline
Thursday, December 11
4:00 - 7:00 pm: Deliver your gingerbread to Central Congregational Church. Please plan to linger for a very informal gathering for contestants! (Definitely come as you are…we know you’ve been busy!) Enjoy a snack and some time to unwind, schmooze, take pictures and talk shop with your fellow gingerbread builders.
Sunday, December 14
4:00 - 5:00 pm: Retrieve your gingerbread! (any left behind are donated or composted)
GOOD NEWS for GINGERBREAD BUILDERS
First problem solved!
Do you need a good sturdy board to build your creation on? Yes, you do! Scout Troop 251 of Newburyport is at your service. The Scouts will build you a 15” x 15” plywood platform, the maximum size allowed in the contest. Each board will be nicely sanded with rounded corners and have “feet” that raise it about an inch above the table, making it easy to lift and set down. You’ll be able to use it year after year.
With this project, the Scouts are helping gingerbread makers, supporting the Festival, and also raising money for their troop activities. The price for each board is $15. Payment by cash or check payable to Salvation Army Troop 251. Available from October 20 while supply lasts; pickup at Gordon Rug, 149 State Street (near the traffic circle). To order, please send your name, phone, and the number of boards you need to: info@portgingerbread.org. (A limited number of boards may be available on a walk-in basis.)
Contest Themes
Five themes are offered here, only to inspire you but never to confine you! You are free to go your own way in choice of theme and subject.
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art, history & architecture
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seafarers & travel
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fiction & fantasy favorites
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sports or the great outdoors
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creatures great or small!
Categories for Competition
I. Families or multi-generational groups which include children under 13
II. Youth Groups
III. Teens (ages 13-19) individuals or groups
IV. Adults (ages 20 & up) individuals or groups
V. Adult Organizations (businesses, nonprofits, municipal agencies and departments)
VI. Masters (professionals & amateurs who choose to compete at this level)
No entry fee is required
but donations are appreciated!
Social Media Challenge
Post to Facebook and Instagram and tag Port Gingerbread Festival! Let’s see backstage photos of you, your team, your work in progress - but you don’t need to give away any secrets about what you’re making!
Contest Registration Form
PORT GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL
Questions? Call 978-270-1278 or email contest@portgingerbread.org