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Gingerbread houses shine with Christmas spirit

The fifth annual Gingerbread Contest expected to attract hundreds to Prestige Best Western Hotel lobby
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The Gingerbread House Contest runs through Dec

The ancient and aromatic tradition of building structures from ginger-scented cookies continues this holiday season in Prestige Best Western Hotel lobby, where 12 gingerbread houses covered with candy embellishments went on display this week.

The fifth annual Gingerbread Contest attracts hundreds to the hotel, but the biggest winner is the Sooke Food Bank, where funds from the contest are donated.

“Any age can enter it, and it’s never too late. The earlier they get it in the better chance they have of winning, but if someone was to bring in a house halfway through, the more the merrier,” said Dan Houle, general manager of West Coast Grill, the event’s sponsor.

The way it works is that people come to the hotel and check out the gingerbread house entries which are in the main lobby. They can then bid on their favourite with a donation to the food bank.

The first-place builder takes home a certificate for a one-night stay at the Prestige and a $100 gift certificate to the West Coast Grill. The under 12 winner takes receives a Christmas gift goodie bag.

Each year the Gingerbread House Contest brings in between $450 and $650 for the Sooke Christmas Bureau and Sooke Food Bank.

“It’s something nice and Christmassy for the community, and it’s a way to give something back, especially the food bank and help people who are less fortunate,” Houle said.

The Gingerbread House Contest runs through Dec. 15.

Don’t miss it

EVENT: Gingerbread House Contest

WHEN: to Dec. 15

WHERE: Prestige Best Western Hotel

• INFO: 250-425-0888