There was plenty to see (and taste!) at the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library on Saturday for the annual Simcoe County Gingerbread House Contest.
Former Innisfil resident and well-known baker Beatriz Muller was the special guest, announcing all the winners.
Muller has won many coveted baking competitions in Canada and the USA, including the Food Network’s “Holiday Gingerbread Showdown” in 2018.
“I just came back from North Carolina from the National Gingerbread competition — I got second,” Muller said after sharing photos of her breathtaking piece that took about 300 hours to create, “which was not too bad compared to other pieces I’ve made."
Though the gingerbread season usually starts in September or October, Muller and her team assembled in May to create six pieces for the movie, “A Gingerbread Christmas,” which is available now on Crave.
“Once you get into the craft of gingerbreading, you can’t stop,” Muller said with a knowing smile.
She wanted to remind local bakers that there’s no need to be a professional to compete — there are many hobbyists who enter gingerbread house contests, especially husband and wife teams who tend to have complementing skill sets.
“I just love it,” Muller said of the county's annual contest. “I hope I can get really involved in the years to come.”
If artists like Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and The Group of Seven had one failing, it is that their masterpieces are a feast for the eyes alone. In creating art that is good enough to eat, the bakers of Simcoe County share no such oversight.
Notes of ginger and cinnamon hung in the air at the Alcona branch of the Innisfil IdeaLAB & Library for the Gingerbread House Contest that was proudly presented by the Rotary Club of Innisfil.
“The Rotary Club of Innisfil is really pleased to host an event that offers something for everyone. Whether it’s the chance to see some amazing gingerbread creations, our life-size gingerbread house, the craft and bake sale, or a visit with Santa, there is sure to be some part of our event that appeals to every one of our visitors,” event chair and Rotarian, Anne Kell, said.
Bakers were divided into three groups for the competition: kids, youth, and adults.
Iris won first place in the kids’ category, while Eden was awarded second place and the People’s Choice award. Taya won first place in the youth category.
In the adult category, Christina Braun was awarded first place for her piece titled, “Jolly St. Nick Nutcracker”; Janet Heard won second place, Annette (no last name provided) was awarded the People’s Choice, and Diane Caron earned an honourable mention.
“I’m so happy,” Braun exclaimed after it was announced that she won first place. “It feels incredible! Looking at all the other showpieces, I didn’t think I was going to win. Even though I love my piece, and I am so proud of it, I just saw the calibre of the other entries and I thought, maybe this is not my year.”
A certified chef with a cake business on the side, Braun said that it took over 100 hours to create her gingerbread house entry. Braun entered the contest for a chance to win the Grand prize — a class with Beatriz Muller. Braun continued, “[Beatriz Muller] is basically the Godmother of gingerbread, and is my idol. I’ve been watching her throughout her competitions on the Food Network for years… I thought if I could win a class that would be so cool. And on top of that, I won a KitchenAid mixer, which is out of this world.”
In addition to the contest, there was also a holiday vendor market and bake sale happening inside the library on Saturday in support of the Rotary Club.
“We’re excited that we were able to have so many vendors and people who [were] willing to donate their products towards a good cause. The Town of Innisfil has been hungry for events like this — that really showcase the artistry and the talent that we have within, and it’s wonderful to be part of this,” Tim Norton, president of the Rotary Club of Innisfil said.
With over 15 vendors in attendance, creativity and craftsmanship were on full display at the Innisfil IdeaLAB & Library. “We are excited to have the Gingerbread House Competition back in our space,” said Erin Scuccimarri, CEO of Innisfil ideaLAB & Library. “The Library is a space for the community to gather. Partnerships with organizations, like the Rotary Club of Innisfil, allow us to bring so many more experiences and events to the community.”
“It is wonderful to be able to offer our community this wonderful event (for the second time) again this year. These gingerbread houses require so much time and talent to make, and Rotary is pleased to provide this opportunity again this year,” Rotarian, Barb Baguley said.
Whether local bakers and artisans aspire to hone their craft and compete in front of international audiences or inspire a feeling of holiday cheer closer to home, this time of year is meant to be shared.
