(GINGERB)READY OR NOT, HERE IT COMES! The Chippewa Valley Museum's gingerbread house-making contest is coming up soon, registration open until Nov. 19!

The Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire’s Carson Park is celebrating and continuing its five-year-long tradition of inspiring gingerbread-based creativity in the community. 

This year’s gingerbread house-making contest is influenced by the museum’s latest exhibit, Then & Now: 150 Years of Change in Eau Claire, which celebrates the conclusion of Eau Claire’s sesquicentennial year. People who participate are encouraged to create Eau Claire-themed gingerbread houses that embody the theme of either “Then” or “Now.” A special prize awaits the top-voted fan-favorite entry in the “Then” or “Now” category! 

This entry in last year's contest portrays downtown Eau Claire's State Theatre. (Submitted photo)

The contest will feature four separate age-determined divisions which feature first- and second-place winners in both “general” and “Chippewa Valley history” categories. This contest truly brings people together in a fun family competition.

“I can’t wait to see this year’s entries,” says volunteer contest coordinator Shannon Young. “The local professionals I recruit as volunteer judges are always amazed by the creativity and talent they get to see and celebrate.” 

She continued: “Every year, we see the majority of entries from groups and families. I think people get a lot of enjoyment out of teaming up to create and contribute to this community display.”

Online registration began Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 19 on the museum’s website at cvmuseum.com. A $5 registration fee is required per entry. After applying, registered participants have until Dec. 1 to bring their lovely gingerbread creations to the museum to be prepped for the gingerbread display. 

The museum will host the final Gingerbread Display from Dec. 3-17 both online (at cvmuseum.com) and in person at the museum in Carson Park. “Fan Favorite” voting will be available online to all, allowing out-of-area people to cast votes for creations that “wow” them most.

For more information on registration and contest guidelines, go to cvmuseum.com/get-involved/gingerbread-houses.