Events for December 6, 2019 › General Events

For the past two years, gingerbread houses scattered in windows throughout the downtown area have delighted the shopping crowds. Displays made by all kinds of folks from children’s groups to professional bakers have enlivened the holiday season and added to the Beary Merry fun. The New Bern Historical Society is pleased to do it again this year. Everyone is invited to make their own gingerbread creation and enter it in the contest. Don’t delay, the deadline to enter is November 11, 2019. Completed houses will be displayed at selected downtown merchants November 26-December 20. There will be four categories for contestants: Youth (up to 14), Adults, (age 15 and up), Family (a combination of Youth and Adults) and Professionals (bakers, chefs, caterers, cooks, professional engineers, artists etc.) People can enter as a group, or as an individual. There will be cash prizes up to $150 and all who enter will receive a hand-crafted pottery ornament. In addition to an award in each category, there will be a $200 prize to the entry that best reflects the “Historic New Bern Christmas” theme. That award, the Nancy Chiles Heritage Award, is named in honor of long time Board member and Gingerbread supporter, Nancy Chiles. There is also a People’s Choice Award. The public will be asked to vote on their favorite, and the prize will go to the entry with the most public support. The deadline to enter is November 11th. Information and entry forms are found at GingerbreadNewBern.com.