First place and Best of Show gingerbread contest award was won by ‘Hometown Giving’ by the Petter Family at the annual Carson Valley Museum
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
The holidays are just around the corner, and the Douglas County Historical Society is already getting into the spirit of the season.
Preparations are underway for the DCHS annual Holiday Gala, which takes place Dec. 3 at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 1477 Main St. in Gardnerville. The celebratory event transforms the museum’s main hall into a winter wonderland and includes the festive Gallery of Trees, selfies and letters with Santa, family friendly activities and games, and the popular gingerbread house decorating contest.
Anyone who’d like to participate in the gingerbread house competition is invited to pick up an application at the Gardnerville museum. The contest has four categories: Family Project; Children ages 12 and younger; Adult/Teen; and Club, Organization, Group, or Church.
Regarding the actual construction of the gingerbread house entries, DCHS Special Events Coordinator Dennis Little said that almost anything goes. Traditional structures made out of edible, nonperishable foods are welcome, as are more non-traditional builds out of materials such as Play-Doh, crochet, origami, or LEGOs.
Houses made from a store-bought kit are also accepted, though additional flair and embellishments beyond what comes with the kit are strongly encouraged. LED or low-wattage lighting is allowed, though it’s up to the entrant to keep batteries replaced and functioning for the duration of the contest.
Little said that every year, the gingerbread house entries “exceed what you see on magazine covers,” and that he’s always inspired by the creativity shown by the community.
Entries must be brought to the Carson Valley Museum between Nov. 25 and Dec. 2.
The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
There is no fee to participate.
The gingerbread house exhibit debuts at the Dec. 3 Holiday Gala and runs through December 17. Ribbons will be awarded at a special artisan’s reception on December 17.
Applications for the gingerbread house decorating contest can also be mailed via USPS or emailed to entrants. Contact the DCHS at 775-782-2555 or via email at DCHS@HistoricNV.org for more information.
DCHS hosts Family Day this weekend
Don’t miss Family Day at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
This month’s Family Day is held in honor and recognition of local U.S. veterans, and the first 24 visitors will receive an Armed Forces rubber ducky. Participants can complete a picture search and will have an opportunity to write thank-you notes that will go to the Veterans’ Hospital.
Through the end of 2022, each Family Day visit earns attendees a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to the museum’s bookstore. This year’s final DCHS Family Day is the De. 3 Holiday Gala, and the drawing takes place Dec. 5.
DCHS Family Day events are held the first Saturday of each month except for January and July.
Volunteers needed
DCHS is looking for volunteers and docents to assist with special event programs, tend to the front desk, and help with DCHS publications. Please call 775-782-2555 for more information.
The nonprofit DCHS “seeks to enrich lives by preserving local history and making it accessible to our communities and visitors.”
Learn more at HistoricNV.org.
Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.
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