A Treasured Holiday Tradition, Festival of Gingerbread Opens November 27
The 24th annual Festival of Gingerbread will be held November 27-December 13, 2009, at the History Center. More than 10,000 visitors come through the History Center every year to view the fanciful gingerbread creations on display during the Festival. Enjoy the wonders of over 100 gingerbread entries created by bakers of all ages!
Build a gingerbread creation for display and competition and you could win cash awards. Entries are accepted in several categories, from Pre-K through Professional. Entry deadline is October 30, 2009. To receive an entry form and rules, call Jamia Alexander at 260.426.2882 x309, or email jamia_alex@comcast.net" Or go to our website to download an entry form and rules, at www.fwhistorycenter.com
Special holiday exhibits during the Festival include: A Wolf and Dessauer display featuring the original Phil Steigerwald Santa-suit; "A Christmas Carol" watercolors that once adorned the Patterson Fletcher Department Store; and a display of holiday photos from years past. Weekend activities include visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie sales, musical entertainment, and more.
The Festival of Gingerbread Preview Party will be held on Tuesday, November 24, at 5:30 pm. Join us for hors d'oeuvres, wine and entertainment, and get the first look at Festival of Gingerbread entries. Cost is $20 per person. Call Julie Miller at 260.426.2882, x308 to RSVP.
Visitors can also get a sneak peak at the gingerbread creations during "Lighting Night" as downtown Fort Wayne kicks off HolidayFest, on Wednesday, November 25, from 5 pm to 9 pm.
On Saturday, December 12, from Noon to 4 pm, Science Central hosts the "Science of Sugary Structures". Explore sturdy (and not so sturdy) structures by making your own creation using graham crackers, candies, toothpicks and icing. Regular admission fee plus $3 per person.
Get creative at the Cookie Decorating Party on Sunday, December 13, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Children can decorate their own gingerbread cookies for $1 per cookie. Regular museum admission applies.
The Festival raises money to support the History Center. Hours during the Festival of Gingerbread are: Monday through Thursday 9 am to 5 pm; Friday 9 am to 8 pm; Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; and Sunday Noon to 5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Admission is $5 adults; $3 seniors and students; free to members and children age 5 and under. School or private groups can received a discounted rate by scheduling in advance--call Jamia Alexander at 260.426.2882, x309.
The History Center is located at 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. For more information, visit www.fwhistorycenter.com or call 260.426.2882.
