Annual gingerbread competition and display returns for holiday season

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - It's time for the best gingerbread bakers and builders to go head to head in an annual competition.

The 18th Annual Gingerbread Competition is set for Saturday and Sunday at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The contest will allow participants to get creative and come up with holiday designs to win the top prize.

This year, the competition theme is "Inspired By Your Favorite Animated Film" and will be judged by a group of local guests. Participants will be in group in one of three categories including Youth (15 and younger), Adult (16 years and older) and Family or Community Organization.

The first place winner will receive a Conservatory Family Membership, second place will get a $100 Conservatory gift card and the third place winner will receive 4 Conservatory admission tickets.

There will also be a Best of Show award will be determined by Conservatory guests who can vote in person while viewing the display. The entry with the most votes will win $500. Once the contest ends, all gingerbread houses will be shown in the Cardinal Health Gallery from Dec. 4 through Jan. 5, 2025.

Participants can bring in their top creations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 30 or Dec. 1. To sign up for the contest, follow this link.