The magic often associated with gingerbread houses over the holidays comes to life in Half Moon Bay with the annual Gingerbread House Contest at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.
And it’s starting up again, with the sixth annual contest. Amateur and professional local chefs are invited to break out those mixing bowls and white top hats. The submission deadline for contest entry forms is coming up on Nov. 25.
The three contest categories include children (ages 12 and younger), home cooks, and culinary students and professional chefs.
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The contest is open to the public, and entry is complimentary. However, an entry form must be submitted with each creation.
The entry forms may be picked up in advance at the hotel and mailed to Erin Lim, Public Relations, Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, One Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. Forms may also be faxed to 712-7809. The deadline for submission of the forms is Nov. 25.
The actual houses will be accepted at the resort’s main entrance at One Miramontes Point Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 28 to Nov. 30.
Ritz-Carlton’s pastry chef and culinary team will lead a panel of judges. The houses, of all categories, will be on display in the Ritz-Carlton lobby from Dec. 1 to Dec. 5. Contest winners in each category will be announced at the Ritz tree lighting celebration on Dec. 5. There are no cash awards, but there will be prizes such as hotel stays or other experiences at the local Ritz.
The houses will be featured in a silent auction to benefit Coastside Children’s Programs.
Gingerbread houses entered after 3 p.m. Nov. 30 will not be eligible for judging but may still be displayed and entered into the silent auction. All houses not donated to Coastside Children’s Programs must be picked up at the resort by 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 7, or they will be discarded or donated to charity.
For more contest information, official rules and entry forms, call the resort at 712-7007.
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