After more than a month of displaying the drool-worthy creations, Habitat for Humanity Victoria has announced the winners of the 12th annual Gingerbread Showcase.
Baked to the theme of Coastal Living, the record 33 submissions included seaside cottages, lighthouses, marine life and ships. Adhering to COVID-19 restrictions, viewers were able to admire the displays through the windows of 10 businesses across Victoria and Sidney and make their votes and donations online.
| Almost Home by Selena Oliveira. (Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity) |
More than 500 people submitted votes for the People’s Choice Award in what Kelly King, director of giving at Habitat for Humanity Victoria, described as “a very close race.” In the end, the winner was Jude Somers who is known as a previous contestant on the Great Canadian Baking Show. Her creation, The Santa Train, represents the E&N Railway of the 1920s and is inspired by the idea of bringing friends and family together.
Somers said it took her more than 200 hours to complete and that the most challenging part was building a tunnel that wouldn’t cave-in on itself. She added that all the details on the steam engine were “quite tricky to create and assemble.”
Professional judges also voted on five different awards:
- Best first impression: Almost Home by Selena Oliveira
- Best use of skill and technique: We wish you a Beachy Christmas! by Jen Dumont
- Best interpretation of the theme: At Home on the Ocean by Sheena Wells
- Most creative and original: On the Back Deck by Jesika Edison
| At Home on the Ocean by Sheena Wells. (Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity) |
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