A gingerbread-house competition at the Stettler Recreation Centre last Saturday kicked off local Christmas festivities.
The contest attracted 43 entries for the first of a series of fundraisers that make up the Festival of Lights in Stettler.
The competition was divided into three categories, with the public given the opportunity to do the judging, by purchasing ballots for $2.
The winning gingerbread creations announced Saturday afternoon were: youth — Emma Werbowesky; teen — Devin Niehaus; and adult —Stacey Benjamin.
One of the event organizers, Suzanne Bond, said she was happy with the participation in the first year for the contest in several years.
“I hope we can have twice as many entries next year,” Bond said.
Niehaus and Benjamin donated their winning handiwork to the Festival of Lights.
Their gingerbread-houses will be put on display in the front window of Ware’s Jewelers, and then will be put up for auction.
All proceeds go to the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre.