Cashiers Historical Society hosts first-ever gingerbread house competition
Gingerbread houses are a beloved Christmas tradition among families across the country, and this year, the Cashiers Historical Society embraced that custom by hosting its first-ever gingerbread house competition in partnership with the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.
“This is just a fun way to bring people to CHS’s campus,” said Lauren Carmichael, the CHS marketing and events director. “It’s a fun way to work with the Chamber of Commerce, and it is a fun way to highlight some local landmarks that are a really big part of our area’s history.”
Entries were judged on overall design and appearance, originality and creativity, use of color, precision and neatness, and consistency of theme. Main structures had to be at least 75% gingerbread and fully edible, with gingerbread visible whenever possible. Up to 25% of an entry could be composed of “machine-produced” parts.
This year’s competition featured three entries: “Peppermint Peak Chalet”; “Iron Bridge”, representing the Old Iron Bridge; and “Santa’s Smallest Letter Depot”, modeled after Grimshawes Historic Post Office. All entries were submitted by an adult.
“People think of history as being serious and boring,” said Ann Mckee Austin, a judge. “This is a way to see how much fun history is. And anybody that comes to see this now will maybe want to go down and see the real Grimshawes Historic Post Office or take a hike at the Old Iron Bridge.”
The gingerbread houses were on display during CHS’s two-day “Holidays at the Historical Society” event on Dec.5 and Dec. 6, where guests voted for their favorite. Winners were announced during the 51st Cashiers Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.
Sarah Steinfeld’s “Peppermint Peak Chalet” won the Adult category. “Santa’s Smallest Letter Depot,” created by Bart Wyatt, Amanda Wyatt, Maggie Elmer and Stephen Julka of “The North Pole Construction Company,” earned the Cashiers Landmark Award. Carson Ellerbrake’s “Iron Bridge” took home the Best Cashiers Landscape award.
Prizes included a CHS membership, branded blankets and surprise items. Event visitors also voted for the “Community Favorite Award”, which was awarded to “Santa’s Smallest Letter Depot”.
The CHS hopes to continue growing the event ahead of next year’s edition.
“We would love to see more entries,” said Carmichael. “We would love to see more participation, particularly from our youngest friends of the historical society. And maybe we could partner with schools a little more.”
This year’s entries set a high standard with their intricate designs and unbelievable creativity, and the competition will only intensify as participation increases in 2026.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com