2020 National Gingerbread House Competition Winners

The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC was host once again for the 28th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition.

Four divisions were judged:
Children Ages 5 to 8
Youth Ages 9 to 12
Teen Ages 13 to 17
Adult Ages 18 & Older

All materials competitors used in creating the gingerbread displays had to be 100% edible above the display platform or board.

Due to the current world-wide health crisis, judging was a bit different this year. Competitors were asked to submit photographs and a video of their entry. From these submission each division was narrowed down to the Top 5. These Top 5 entries were invited to bring their gingerbread creations to the Omni Grove Park Inn to be judged. From the Top 5, 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners were selected by the qualified judging panel.

The 2020 judges were:
Judging in person were:
Chef Nicholas Lodge, Lead Judge, Atlanta, GA
Chef John Cook, Executive Pastry Chef at Omni Grove Park Inn
Chef Aaron Morgan, Executive Pastry Chef at The Biltmore House

Judging virtually, online were:
Chef Carla Hall, Television Personality, New York City, NY
Chef Mark Seaman, Chocolate Products Specialist, Chicago, IL
Chef Geoff Blount, Chef Instructor, Myrtle Beach, SC
Steven Stellingwerf, Author of "The Gingerbread Book," Sioux Falls, SD
Nadine Orenstein, Art Curator at "The MET," New York City, NY

Judging criteria was based on five areas:
1. Overall appearance.
2.Originality and creativity.
3.Level of difficulty.
4. Precision of work.
5. Consistency of theme.
Some entries are worked on by the creator or team for as much as 1,500 (yes, that is correct fifteen-hundred) man hours.

Enjoy viewing the 2020 Top Place Winners in each division.

Awards went to:
Children Division
1st Place - "A Mermaid Christmas" by The Glitter Girls
2nd Place - "Jack is Back" by Vincent Freeland
3rd Place - "Roughing It" by Lucille Gomes

Youth Division
1st Place - "Santa Stop" by The Sugar Squad
2nd Place - "Merry Minions" by Emma Rhinehart
3rd Place - "Christmas...2020" by Perry Reid

Teen Division
1st Place - "Peace, Love, Joy" by The Reinehart Sisters
2nd Place - "Arctic Wonders" by The Toccoa Titans
3rd Place - "The Gingerbread Christmas Pyramid" by Julia Kincaid

Adult Division
1st Place - "St. Nick's Christmas Shop" by The Merry Mischief Bakers
2nd Place - "The Place Called Home" by Ann Bailey
3rd Place - "Sea Questered" by Thomas Blake

Congratulations to all participants and division winners!

To view additional information, photographs and video interviews with the competitors, please visit the Omni Grove Park Inn website at: www.omnihotels.com