The Springfield Museums are inviting bakeries, schools, individual bakers and young people to submit design plans to create gingerbread houses that will be on view at the Springfield Science Museum as part of the holiday exhibit “Gingerbread Fairy Tales.”

Entry forms and design plans must be submitted by November 9. Bakers who commit by the October 31 early registration deadline will receive a gift for entering. Any structure, including designs based on fairy tales, recreations of historic homes or buildings, and magical make-believe creations, will be eligible.

Applicants will be notified about selection decisions by November 12. Gingerbread houses that are not pre-registered will not be accepted.

Completed gingerbread houses must be delivered to the Museums on November 19 and will be on display from November 23 through December 30.  

Applications and guidelines may be obtained by downloading the form from the museum website, stopping by the museum Welcome Center, emailing lscott@springfieldmuseums.org, or calling 413-263-6800, ext. 387.

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 groups wishing to participate should call 413-263-6800, ext. 387, for further information.)

Visitors on November 23 will vote for their favorite gingerbread entry in each division and awards will be presented that day at 3:45 pm. Voting will continue for People’s Choice Awards until December 30, and the final winners in each division will be posted on the Springfield Museums Facebook page.

For additional information about the gingerbread competition, please call Laura Scott at 413-263-6800, ext. 387.