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, frosting bags in hand, to construct edible masterpieces that have become a cherished holiday tradition.
This year, we’re celebrating a decade of gingerbread magic by dreaming bigger – literally!
🏰Introducing the NEW Cardboard Creation Contest
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 4 feet tall and 4 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 4 ft tall in a 4' x 4' space.
- All ages compete together in this one!
- Great for families or creative individuals ready for a big challenge.
📅 Important Dates
- Registration Deadline: November 21 (in-person at the Community Center)
- Gingerbread Delivery: December 2–3
- Cardboard Drop-off: December 3-4
- The Big Night: December 6 – at the Annual Tree Lighting!
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)
- Must be mostly edible decorations
- $5 suggested donation (cash only please)
- First 50 entries accepted
Cardboard Creations:
- Max size: 4' x 4' footprint, 6 ft tall
- Must be sturdy enough to move
- Can be battery powered (no noise/music, no outlets)
- No edible parts
- $5 suggested donation (cash only please)
- First 25 entries accepted
🏆 Judging & Awards
- Gingerbread Houses: Youth and Adult categories.
- Cardboard Creations: All ages compete together.
Judges will consider creativity, craftsmanship, visual appeal, and holiday spirit.
🎄 After the Tree Lighting
- Gingerbread Houses: Displayed in the Community Center lobby through December 17. Pickup by December 19. (Those not picked up will be disposed.)
- Cardboard Creations: Best viewed on December 6 at the Tree Lighting! For safe keeping, pick up your creation that night (after 7 PM -- those not picked up 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. Bring $5 cash and receive your full info packet (with detailed rules and restrictions).
⏳ Space is limited: 50 gingerbread entries and 25 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
