Decade of Gingerbread

Sarah Komatsu • October 15, 2025

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

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Bethel Park Farmers' Market #1

By Kim Weightman • December 2, 2025

The Bethel Park Farmers Market, heading into its 20 th year in 2026, has been named the region’s top farmers market in the “Observer‑Reporter’s Best of the Best Awards,” earning the #1 spot after two rounds of community voting and a gala announcement at the Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe in Canonsburg last month. The award program, organized annually by the Observer-Reporter, celebrates the businesses, organizations, and people the local community believes deserve recognition. The top three vote‑getters in each category are honored at an invite‑only gala, where winners are announced live. “This recognition reflects years of dedication from our staff and volunteers,” said Recreation Director Jason Mentel. “The staff has dedicated considerable effort toward earning this award over the past several years. Sarah’s contribution was instrumental in elevating Bethel Park Farmers Market to achieve this recognition.” Farmers Market Coordinator Sarah Komatsu attended the gala and said, “I was fully shocked and thrilled. It’s been such an honor to steward the Market as it enters its 20th year. I’m grateful to the community who has shown up for two decades, to our incredible vendors, and to all the Market managers before me.” The Bethel Park Farmers Market, sponsored by the Bethel Park Community Foundation and St. Clair Health, continues to grow in accessibility and community impact. This past season featured: Fifty-two vendors , including nearly 20 rotating vendors for variety and six new vendors. Weekly attendance averaging 1,000–1,500 visitors , with peak weeks exceeding 2,000. Record sales reported by multiple vendors throughout the summer. Expanded accessibility through the Food Assistance Match (FAM) program, which doubled SNAP benefits up to $100 weekly, and senior vouchers that increased purchasing power for fresh produce and farm goods. On‑site doctors from St. Clair Health offering blood pressure checks and health conversations, elevating the Bethel Park Farmers’ Market experience. Highlights from the 2025 season included a new food court area, themed events such as National Bee Day and Cow Appreciation Day, musical entertainment, a special cooling tent complete with fun activities such as hula hoops and bubble machines, Market scavenger hunts for children, and partnerships with local organizations for a school supply drive. Assistance for those needing support in transporting their Market goods to their vehicles was also available. Looking ahead, Komatsu plans to expand vendor variety - including food items for those with specialized diets (such as gluten free) and continue building a welcoming, family‑friendly atmosphere. The 2026 season will open Tuesday, May 5, 2026 , and run weekly through September, from 3–7 p.m. at the same location (South Park VIP parking lot off of Corrigan Dr. near the ice-skating rink). Any new vendors interested in participating during the 2026 season can add their name to the waitlist by visiting https://www.bethelparkpa.gov – “Recreation” – “Farmers Market.” 2025 vendor fees were $400 for a full season, $250 for half season, and $150 for once‑a‑month vendors; food truck fees were $500 for a full season and $250 for half season. Komatsu also credited her summer assistant, local Bethel Park High School student Bane Stalder, for his support with the Market and also in managing FAM and troubleshooting. “I couldn’t do it without him,” she said. “He’s already looking forward to returning next season.” For more information, vendor applications, or volunteer opportunities, contact the Bethel Park Farmers Market at farmersmarket@bethelparkpa.gov .