Holidays
Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Contest Registration Now Open For 2024
It's that time of year. Time for the Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Contest! There is something magical about Christmas in Asheville. And one of the things that makes the season so special is the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn. The competition, which is the largest of its kind in the world, brings together bakers of all ages and skill levels to create one-of-a-kind gingerbread masterpieces. Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Contest Registration for the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ is open now through November 11, 2024. The official competition will be held on November 18, 2024. Then beginning on November 19, 2024, and lasting through January 5, 2024 guests of the hotel will be able to view the entries as part of the official Gingerbread display. You don't have to be a guest staying at the hotel to view the display. Though if you have a chance to stay there I highly recommend it! There is a minimal charge to park, but in the spirit of the season from October through December, The Omni Grove Park Inn donates a portion of its parking proceeds to the community in support of local nonprofit organizations in Buncombe County, North Carolina. This year's competition will feature two new awards. First the "Community Spirit Award" which "aims to honor the piece that best represents a community or cultural heritage". The other is the "Rising Star Award" which "seeks to spark excitement and encourage participation by recognizing a first-year competitor who shows exceptional promise". "Since its inception in 1992, The Annual National Gingerbread Competition has continuously evolved and grown into the largest event of its kind, inspiring more intricate gingerbread house designs each year," said Isabel Miller, Director of Marketing & Communications at The Omni Grove Park Inn. "This year, we’re setting the stage for another festive competition with the addition of exciting new awards designed to spark fresh creativity and elevate the level of artistry on display. I look forward to seeing how our participants rise to the challenge and bring new magic to our holiday tradition." The official rules and entry form have now been released on the hotel’s website www.OmniHotels.com including information on the competition, specialty awards, prizes, and more.