It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Parkside Hotel!
This Saturday, November 16th marks the kick-off of Habitat for Humanity’s 11th annual Gingerbread Showcase.
See also: Victoria’s Fairmont Empress Hotel will be hosting a Christmas lights ceremony this month
The showcase brings people of all skill-levels together to compete against each other in a gingerbread house-making competition.
It will run from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. everyday until January 5th, 2020 in the Atrium of the Parkside Hotel.
In previous years, as many as 30,000 people have walked through the atrium to marvel at these mouth-watering creations.
This year’s theme is ‘Building a Diverse Community,’ which has inspired many different interpretations.
The competition draws in creators of all kinds — professional chefs and bakers, architects, designers and artists. Voting is done by donation and all proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity’s Victoria build program, helping families build strength, stability and independence through affordable home ownership.
The gingerbread house judges are selected from amongst media and baking professionals who judge based on first impressions, theme interpretation, structural integrity, overall concept and design, and creativity.
There are a multitude of opportunities to walk away victorious, as first place prizes are given out for both amateur and professional creations, as well as best first impression, best interpretation of the theme, most creative and original, best use of skill and technique, and the popular People’s Choice award.
Last year’s event raised a record-breaking $93,000 – almost double that of the previous year – to help build a home for a single mom in Central Saanich.
If you want to visit the showcase, simply pay the Parkside Hotel’s atrium a visit, but remember — no touching or eating!
Which is your favourite gingerbread house? Let us know in the comments below!
11th annual Gingerbread Showcase
- When: Saturday, November 16th – Sunday, January 5th
- Where: Atrium of the Parkside Hotel, 810 Humboldt St
