Dec. 7 is deadline to register for gingerbread house contest – New Jersey Hills

Hosted by the Essex County Environmental Center, the contest has a variety of categories.

The deadline to register is Saturday, Dec. 7 and all entries must be delivered by Monday, Dec. 9.

The entries will be on display Wednesday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 21 during these hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at the environmental center, 621B Eagle Rock Ave.

“Our Sustainable Homes and Habitats Gingerbread Contest is a wonderful event that incorporates our mission to raise awareness about nature with a holiday theme. This hands-on, family-oriented project lets people of all ages learn about the environment in a fun way,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said. “I am amazed at the creativeness and ingenuity of the entries each winter and look forward to another great contest.”

The categories:

• Individual Child: For children ages 14 or younger who work independently on all aspects of their entry.

• Group/Family: For children 14 and younger who work as a group or have adult assistance on any aspect of their entry. A maximum of five people can work on one entry.

• Adult Non-Professional: For individuals or groups of people (no more than five people per group) ages 15 and older who are students of the culinary arts or are not professional chefs.

• Adult Professional: For individuals or groups of people ages 15 and older who are professional chefs or are working in the culinary arts.

The base of all entries cannot be larger than 12 inches by 18 inches. There must be at least three identifiable sustainable building design elements, such as candy glass skylights, rainwater reuse and solar panels and/or a natural habitat component.

Children’s entries may have a cardboard foundation; however, all surfaces, including the base, must be covered with an edible product. All adult entries must be entirely edible, including the base, structure and all decorations.

Entries will be judged on guideline adherence, creative use of nature theme, used of green building design techniques and skill in decoration.

Ribbons and prizes will be awarded in all categories. The decisions of the judges are final. Essex County and the Essex County Environmental Center do not assume responsibility for damage or loss.

For information and to obtain a complete set of contest rules, please call the Essex County Environmental Center at (973) 228-8776 or go online to www.essexcountynj.org.

For people who would like to enter and need a little help getting started, the Essex County Environmental Center staff is hosting a Gingerbread House Making Workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

All gingerbread projects must be completed by 1 p.m. to be considered for the contest. Some materials will be provided, however participants are encouraged to bring their own materials. Registration is required; to register, call (973) 228-8776.