2025 Gingerbread House Contest Rules  

5 categories
 

Miniature-sized houses (not larger than 4” L x 4” W)  by Children 3-6 years

Houses made from kits – miniature size – Children 3 – 6 years old

 

Regular-sized houses by Children 7-10 years

Houses made from kits – regular size – Children 7 – 10 years old

 

Original houses not made from a kit by Children (7-10) (11-15) and Adults (16+)

House not made from a kit – Children 7 – 10 years old

House not made from a kit – Children 11 – 15 years old

House not made from a kit – 16+ years old

 

Gingerbread House Rules

1. Only edible items are allowed as decorations - no stickers, no plastic, no paper/cardboard/wood.

2. Non-edible items may be used to stabilize the gingerbread walls and roof. These include plastic forms, foundation, glue in the frosting to hold walls and roof together, etc.

3. The base (the cardboard, plastic, plate, etc., holding the house) of the entry must be no larger than 18” x 24” (the cardboard, plastic, plate, etc., holding the house)

4. Any additional structures – non-house walls, fences, trees, etc. – must be made from edible materials.

5. Entries must be brought to the museum from December 2 to December 11 during regular museum hours.

6. Houses will be displayed from arrival until December 20.

7. No names are allowed on the houses.

8. All entrants are given a number to place with the house entry.

9. The judges’ decisions are final.

10. Winners are announced and prizes given at the Christmas Open House on Dec 13.

• 11:00 a.m. for the miniature-sized houses by children 3 -6,

• 12:00 noon for the regular size houses and original houses by children 7 – 10

• 1:00 p.m. for the original houses by children 11-15

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• 2:00 p.m. for the original house by adults 16+
  11. Entrants may pick up their houses from December 16 to December 20 during regular museum hours.
  12. Houses not removed by December 20 will be discarded.
   

Prizes

1. All entrants receive a Family Membership to the Joplin Historical Society.

2. First-place winners receive monetary prizes.

3. Second and third place winners receive prizes.

4. Every entry receives a certificate.

5. Judges’ decisions are final.

6. Winners are announced and prizes given on December 13 at the Christmas Open House. Winners must claim their prizes in person at the museum by December 20; otherwise, the prize will be forfeited.

Entries will be judged on overall appearance, creativity/originality, neatness/tidiness, and use of materials.
 

Judging

Overall appearance                0 – 10 points

Creativity/originality                0 – 10 points

Neatness/tidiness                   0 – 10 points

Clever use of materials          0 – 10 points

Total possible:                         40 points