Decade of Gingerbread
It’s Our 10th Anniversary – And We’re Building Something BIGGER!
For ten wonderful years, our community has filled the Bethel Park Community Center with the sweet smell of gingerbread and the joy of holiday creativity. Families have gathered every year to show off their edible masterpieces, making this a cherished holiday tradition.
This year, we’re celebrating a decade of gingerbread magic by dreaming bigger – literally!
🏰Introducing the NEW Great Gingerbuild-Off
Alongside our beloved Gingerbread House Contest, we’re launching an exciting new challenge: build a life-sized cardboard creation!
Think gingerbread house… but BIG. Up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide – something a Christmas elf could stand inside.
✨ Imagine a cardboard castle.
✨ A winter wonderland cottage.
✨ A North Pole workshop.
We'd LOVE to build a replica of Bethel Park, but we won't put you in... a box. 😉
The only limit is your imagination (and the size of your garage while you’re building it)!
🍬 Two Contests, Twice the Fun
Edible Gingerbread House Contest (Classic!)
- Create a gingerbread masterpiece up to 12" x 12".
- Age categories: Youth (0–18) and Adult (19+).
- Perfect for families, kids, and candy lovers.
Cardboard Creation Contest (NEW!)
- Build a holiday-themed cardboard structure up to 5 ft tall in a 3' x 3' footprint
- Multiple sections from one group are allowed, but each must remain stable independently.
- Must be movable through doorways without falling apart.
- Open to all ages together
- Great for businesses, families, or creative individuals ready for a big challenge
📅 Important Dates
- Registration Deadline: November 21 (in-person at the Community Center)
- Gingerbread Delivery: December 2 from 9 AM - 4 PM and December 3 from 9 AM - 12 PM
- Cardboard Drop-off: December 3 from 9 AM - 4 PM and December 4 from 9 AM - 12 PM
- Tree Lighting Holiday Event (Display & Vote): December 6, 3 PM - 7 PM
Both contests will be displayed at the Tree Lighting, with winners announced that night.
📏 Contest Rules & Details (*Full rules and details will be given at registration!)
Gingerbread Houses:
- Max size: 12" x 12" base, 12" tall
- Must use Royal Icing (no egg or butter icing)
- Decorations must be mostly edible
- $5 suggested donation
- First 50 registrations accepted
Cardboard Creations:
- Max size: 3' x 3' footprint, 5 ft tall
- Must be sturdy enough to move and display by someone unfamiliar with the structure
- Battery-powered components allowed; no noise/music and no electrical outlets guaranteed
- Must be at least 60% cardboard; non-edible materials allowed
- $5 suggested donation
- First 30 registrations accepted
🏆 Judging & Awards
Community Judged!
The community will be the judges during the Tree Lighting event on
December 6. Winners will be announced
prior to Santa lighting the tree.
Judging will consider:
- Creativity & Originality
- Complexity & Craftsmanship
- Visual Appeal & Holiday Spirit
- Structure Stability & Adherence to Rules
Gingerbread Houses:
Youth and Adult categories
Cardboard Creations:
All ages compete together
🎄 After the Tree Lighting
Gingerbread Houses:
- Displayed in the Community Center lobby through December 31st
- Must be picked up by December 31st (unclaimed entries will be disposed of)
Cardboard Creations:
- Best viewed on December 6 at the Tree Lighting
- For safe keeping, pick up your creation that night (after 7 PM). Unclaimed entries will be disposed of at the Recreation Department’s discretion.
✨ Ready to Build?
Register in person at the Bethel Park Community Center (5151 Park Avenue) by November 21. Receive your full info packet with detailed rules, restrictions, and helpful tips..
⏳ Space is limited: 50 gingerbread entries and 30 cardboard entries only!
💡 Let’s Make This Anniversary Unforgettable
Whether you’re a gingerbread veteran or trying something new with cardboard, this is your chance to be part of 10 years of community creativity.
Grab your family, rally your friends, and start building your masterpiece!
📍 See you at the Community Center – and at the Annual Tree Lighting on December 6.
Questions?
- Email recreation@bethelparkpa.gov
- Stop by the Community Center (5151 Park Ave)
- Call us for details at (412) 831-1328
