Are you a festive baker? Or just have an overwhelming urge to decorate a gingerbread house?
Now is your chance to shine at this year’s seventh annual Gingerbread House Contest, put on by the West Coast Grill restaurant at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke.
The event begins on Dec. 1 and 2, where contestants bring their gingerbread creations in to the Prestige, where they will be on display until Dec. 20.
Gingerbread houses can be baked from scratch or store bought. The houses just have to be finished and decorated when they are dropped off at the hotel.
Once the houses are displayed in the hotel’s lobby, visitors can go in and vote on which house is their favourite. They are also encouraged to attach a donation to their vote, as all proceeds are donated to the Sooke Food Bank.
Last year, 15 houses were on display, and the favourite house raised more than $600 for the food bank.
“It’s a lot of fun and a great family activity,” said Mandeep Singh, assistant general manager at West Coast Grill and competition organizer.
“Last year we had some incredible confectionery creations, but there is always room for more. This year we want to see even more local people and businesses switching out their winter gloves for oven mitts and getting involved. Whether you are a master baker or a complete beginner, it all goes to help a great cause at a time of year when it is most needed.”
The winner of the contest will be awarded a night’s stay and dinner for two at the Prestige.
If you are interested in joining this year’s competition, contact Mandeep Singh at the West Coast Grill at 778-425-0888. Registrations are due before Dec. 1.