Community Corner

These Gingerbread Houses Take the Cake

Contest winners named in family, business categories.

The thing about the winners in this year's Gingerbread House contest? They didn't just build houses. 

No, these bakers created cookie firs, candy bedecked trains, gumdrop wreaths, even marshmallow igloos, which they arrayed around their centerpiece gingerbread houses. Not just beautifully constructed and decorated, the entries also are homemade and edible, in keeping with the rules of the contest.

Two winners were named in both family and business categories, said Erin Venezia of the Downers Grove Downtown Management Corp. More than 260 votes were cast during last weekend's "It's a Wonderful Weekend" celebration.

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The Viewers Choice award went to the Venard Family and Dream Interiors. The Elves Choice award was bestowed on Rachel Mahon and Flexco. All the winners will receive $50 gift certificates to downtown businesses.

The second annual Gingerbread House Contest had 24 entries, up three from last year, Venezia said. The houses will be on display at least until Monday in downtown businesses.

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