ATHABASCA — It’s time to crack out the icing and gumdrops and load up the internet browser: a local real estate group is helping Athabascans get into the Christmas spirit with a renewal of it’s annual gingerbread decorating contest, and readers like you can help determine the winners.
Royal LePage County Realty marked the fifth iteration of its tasty tradition with a Facebook post Dec. 1, declaring this year’s edition of the gingerbread decorating contest officially open.
“We just wanted to do something for the community,” said Tamara Yurchak, associate broker owner of Royal LePage County Realty. “At first it was (for) the kids to do an activity and get into the Christmas spirit, so first we had a youth and junior competition. Then all of a sudden, the adults said, ‘Hey, how about us?’”
The contest consists of three categories: one for entries made by kids 10 and under; one for youth from 11 to 17; and another for anyone above 18. Yurchak said last year, more than a dozen decorated domiciles were submitted, and she said this year 15 edible edifices entered.
“We’re very happy with the community and how much support that we’re getting for the contest,” said Yurchak in a Dec. 6 interview. “Every year we get more and more entries, we run out of space in our front foyer area for displaying them all, and then the whole place smells like gingerbread.
“It’s just amazing, the beautiful smell just before Christmas in the office,” added Yurchak.
Submissions closed at noon Dec. 11, and Dec. 12 marked the start of the online voting process. Photos of the entries have been posted on the Royal LePage County Realty’s Facebook page, and the votes are already rolling in. Participants can cast their votes by liking the photo of their favourite frosted festive fabrication before Dec. 18 at midnight.
First place in each category will win a cash prize of $100, and second place structures will secure $50 cash, courtesy of Royal LePage. The organizers didn’t forget about the voters either — those who like, share the post to their own profiles, and comment “voted and shared,” will be entered into a draw to win $50 cold hard cash.
Make sure to cast your vote and get in on the action before the deadline.
