The Great Conway Gingerbread House Challenge

December 10, 2024
5:00pm - 7:00pm

Are your holiday gingerbread house creations architectural masterpieces?  Do you search high and low for the perfect confections to style a cottage fit for the Sugar Plum Fairy...then this is the contest for you!   Conway Downtown Alive is proud to present The Great Conway Gingerbread House Challenge 2024 presented by the William & Sallie Goldfinch Family.  Work your magic solo or gather a highly skilled team and register today.  Entries compete in one of four categories: Professional, Iconic/Historic Conway Structure, Wacky & Whimsical and Traditional Gingerbread House.  The winner of each category will take home a prize of $250.  All amateur entries are eligible to compete in the People’s Choice voting which also comes with a $250 prize.  Gingerbread House drop off is December 10 from 5:00-7:00 PM.  The houses will remain on display at Black Water Market at 1019 4th Avenue through December 19, when the grand prizes are awarded at 8:00 PM.

It is free to register for the event; however, participants must register in advance so Conway Alive can appropriately prepare for the event. Registration closes December 4. Please read all rules carefully below!

The Great Conway Gingerbread House Challenge 2024 Rules

1. The Great Conway Gingerbread House Challenge 2024 Rules

2. Bakers/Food Industry professionals must register in the Professional Category.
3. Only amateur participants may participate in the themed categories.  Professional bakers/food industry not permitted.
4. Entries must select one participation category: Professional, Historic Conway Structure, Wacky & Whimsical or Traditional Gingerbread House.
5. All entries, except the Professional category, are eligible for the People’s Choice Award.
6. An entry may not win the People’s Choice Award and the category award.  In the event that an entry wins the People’s Choice and the category award, the second-place finisher in the themed category will receive the category award.
7. All parts of the entry above the base must be edible.
8. Entry must be constructed on a solid base no larger than 24”x24”.  Plywood is recommended.
9. Entry cannot exceed 30” in height.
10. Entry cannot exceed 24” in width.
11. Entry weight cannot exceed 30 pounds.
12. The main structure of the entry must contain some visible gingerbread that is exposed and not covered with decoration.
13. Advance registration is required. 
14. Drop-off is Tuesday, December 10 between 5:00-7:00 PM.  No exceptions.
15. Drop-Off location is 1019 4th Avenue in Downtown Conway.
16. The judging will be Wednesday, December 11.
17. Entries will remain on display December 11-19, 2024.
18. Awards will be presented on Thursday, December 19 at 8:00 PM.
19. Participants must pick-up entry on Thursday, December 19 at 8:00 PM or the entry will be discarded.
20. Should an entry “crumble” before December 19, Conway Alive will dispose of the entry and materials.
21. No political signage or political endorsements are permitted.  Entries must be decorated in the spirit of the season, family friendly and in good taste.
22. Failure to comply with the rules will result in immediate removal from the event.

Drop-Off
Tuesday, December 10 from 5-7 PM
Black Water Market 1019 4th Avenue Conway

Location