The Springfield Museums are inviting bakeries, schools, individual bakers and young people to submit design plans for the annual gingerbread competition and exhibit. This year’s theme is “Holiday Magic,” with houses to be unveiled on November 25 as part of the Museums’ “Holiday Happenings” event.

The gingerbread creations will be displayed against a backdrop of murals created by Museums staff to celebrate the adventures of the world’s most famous boy wizard. Participants are invited to submit designs based on this year’s theme or an original design of their choosing. Entry forms and design plans must be submitted by Friday, November 11, 2016. Bakers who commit by the October 21 early registration deadline will receive a free gift. Entries will be accepted in the following contest divisions:

• Professional Division: bake shops, caterers, restaurants, or professional bakers
• Adult Division: individuals or groups age 18 & up
• Youth Division: individuals or groups age 8-17 (School and youth groups are welcome to apply.)

Those interested in participating can visit SpringfieldMuseums.org for more information and registration form; the form is also available by contacting Donna Szaban at dszaban@springfieldmuseums.org or 413-314-6485. Applicants will be notified about selection decisions by November 14 – entries that are not pre-registered will not be accepted. Completed gingerbread creations must be delivered to the Museums on November 21 and will be on display from November 25 through December 31.

Visitors on November 25 will vote for their favorite gingerbread entry in each division and prize awards will be presented later that day. Voting will continue for People’s Choice Awards until December 31, and final winners in each division will be posted on the Springfield Museums’ website.