Gingerbread contest returns to downtown Longview

The Longview Gingerbread Haus Contest is back for the 8th year, and organizers are hoping for a surge of entries to re-energize the Dec. 7 event. Held downtown every year on the first Saturday of December – the same day as the Longview Christmas Parade, the contest received only four entries in 2018. Organizers attribute that to not enough advance publicity about last year’s contest, and so this year Gingerbread Haus Headquarters is getting the word out early to give bakers ample time to plan, bake and decorate.

The contest will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 at Teague’s Interiors, 1267 Commerce Ave., Longview.

Public viewing is from noon to 7 p.m., with judging at 2 p.m. and awards at 3 p.m. The Longview Christmas Parade starts at 5 p.m.

Prizes are $25 cash per category, plus a gingerbread-themed ornaments/figurine for each winner. An overall Grand Prize also will be awarded.

All entrants must submit a registration form by Nov. 30. Registration forms and contest rules are available for download on Facebook at “Longview Gingerbread Haus Contest” and on the Longview Downtowners web page, http://www.downtownlongview.com. Registration forms and contest rules may be picked up at Teague’s Interiors or the Columbia River Reader, 1333 14th Ave., Longview.

Entries must be dropped off at Teague’s Interiors between 10 a.m. and noon Dec. 7. Entries must be picked up on Monday, Dec. 9 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. unless other arrangements are made.