Houses, churches, and even a football stadium, all made of gingerbread and candies, turned the Stettler Legion’s Dieppe room into a Christmas Village this weekend.
On Saturday, Nov. 15, the first event of the annual Festival of Lights, the third Gingerbread House contest, took place.
People could come in to vote for their favourite Gingerbread creations in various categories. This year there were 16 entries on display, with the seven-and-under age category bringing in the most houses.
The largest of the houses was made by an older age group and was a holiday testament to the devotion many fans have for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. A football field, decorated by icing yard lines and candy posts, was surrounded by gingerbread stands.
Other gingerbread creations included several homes, a church, and a house with a large, decorated yard.
Volunteers had cookies and other home-baked snacks on hand, as well as popcorn, juice, and hot cocoa for the families who came out to vote.
Also on display was a holiday quilt made by the Heartland Quilters Guild. The quilt will be raffled off at the festival’s ending gala, and will be on display all month at the Stettler Community Centre. Tickets are a dollar each.
The winning gingerbread houses will be on display at other Festival of Lights events at the end of the month.
The rest of the Festival of Lights kicks off Nov. 25 with a gourmet breakfast and dessert evening, followed by a Seniors Tea and Christmas Spirits on the 26th. On the 27th, a Sounds of the Season concert will brighten everyone’s holiday spirits, and a Children’s Wonderland on Nov. 28 will give kids several holiday activities to participate in, including a sleigh ride. The last event of the week, the gala, takes place on Saturday, Nov. 29.
All during the week, Tuesday Nov. 25 to Friday Nov. 28, there will be a daily Christmas market from noon until 5 p.m.