The Gingerbread Express: A Train Runs Through It...
A Gingerbread Village Display to Support Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity
The 2007 Gingerbread Village Display to support Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity
will be on December 1st and 2nd at All Saints’ Episcopal Church
in Chelmsford, MA.
Last year’s event had over 80 entries and ranged from elaborate professional houses to
the no-less-beautiful graham cracker cottage – check out the
photos. All of the gingerbread builders donated
their time, talent and their houses to help raise over $3,500.00 for Habitat for Humanity.
This year’s theme is the Gingerbread Express: A Train Runs Through it...
We will still display all of the fabulously creative houses entered, but we will
have a Builder’s Challenge to build replicas of buildings in towns with a train
running through it. Our central display will be of these building replicas.
Consider how you might get involved:
- You could build a house for the display with friends and family
- Encourage your business to enter a house or sponsor a team to build a house
- Invite your community group, (book club, scout troop, etc.) to build a house
- Organize a house building party for your school, house of worship, or sports team.
How Do Gingerbread Houses Raise Money for Habitat for Humanity?
When all of the houses are gathered in one place it makes for an amazing display.
We ask for a $5 donation per family to visit the display. Builders also have the
option of donating their house for sale via silent auction.
The Building Codes
We encourage you to be creative and welcome all entries to the Gingerbread Village Display. There is no charge to participate in the display. We ask you to consider the following “building codes”:
- All building materials should be edible
- All buildings should be built on a stiff foundation such as foam core or cardboard so that the house can be moved for display.
- Try to estimate the size of the base of your building and notify the event organizer prior to the event if you need to make modifications to your estimate.
- Notify event organizer if your entry requires electrical outlets or special handling.
The Builder's Challenge
The Builder’s Challenge is to create a replica of an existing building in one of our
towns. The buildings will be used to create a village in the center of the main hall.
All builders are invited to the Builder’s challenge. There are so many beautiful
buildings in our midst. To participate in the Builder’s Challenge you need to register
the building you would like to build with the event organizer. Have Fun!
Silent Auction
Each house that is donated will have a silent auction sheet where visitors can
record a bid for the house. A bid is a commitment to purchase. The Silent Auction will
start at 9am on Dec. 1st and end at 5pm on Dec. 2nd. The highest bid at
that time wins. All houses must be picked up between 6-7pm on Sunday night.
All proceeds from the Silent Auction go to benefit Habitat for Humanity.
Proceeds from admission fees and auction will benefit the
Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity.
Bakers, Professional Chefs, Caterers and Restaurateurs
Why participate?
- Increase regional/local recognition of your business: last year’s event had front page coverage in the Sunday Lowell Sun and in the Chelmsford Independent.
- Contribute to a respected charity benefiting area residents: Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible with the limits of the law.
- Participate in a holiday community event: The Annual Chelmsford Prelude/Tree Lighting is the same weekend and increases visibility of your entry.
Important Dates
Saturday, 24 November 2007
- Gingerbread House Registrations Due
- Late entries are accepted, up until Nov. 29th, but please try to register so that we can plan a beautiful display
Thursday, 29 November 2007, 10:00AM - 6:00 PM
- Builders drop off their Gingerbread Houses at the All Saints' Church back entrance
(double glass doors). Entries will be displayed on covered tables 33¾ inches square.
Larger entries accommodated with prior notification. See Builder’s Code for more information.
- Include a 3x5 index card with your entry listing the names of the builders and
verifying whether or not the house is donated to the Silent Auction.
- Brochures and business cards from participants may be displayed.
Friday, 30 November 2007, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
- Builders’ Preview- all builders and contributors to the Gingerbread Village Display are invited to
come see the display. There is no cost for this event, but please RSVP to the Event Organizer if
you can attend. This is our chance to thank you for all your hard work!
- Remarks from Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity and the Gingerbread Village Planning Board.
- Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, 1 December 2007, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Public showing. Suggested admission donation of $5.00 per family.
- Silent auction begins.
- Visit the Gingerbread Express Café, Whistle-Stop Lunch Counter, Sweet Shoppe,
Train Display and Holiday Shops
Sunday, 2 December 2007, 12:00 PM (noon) - 6:00 PM
- Public showing. Suggested admission donation of $5.00 per family.
- Visit the Gingerbread Express Café, Whistle-Stop Lunch Counter, Sweet Shoppe, Train Display and
Holiday Shops
- Silent Auction Ends 5pm
- House picked up between 6pm-8pm.
Gingerbread House Builder's Permit
To enter a gingerbread construction project submit an on-line
form or print the form below and mail or FAX it to All Saints' Church.
If you have questions,
consult our Gingerbread
House Project Coordinator.
