MARCIE JESSEE - Daily Herald | Posted: Wednesday, November 8, 2006 11:00 pm
Around 100 edible gingerbread creations -- from shacks and cottages to castles -- will be on display and up for auction at the annual Gingerbread House Festival today through Monday.
Founded in 1999 by folk artist Eric Dowdle, all proceeds from the festival will go toward the Boy Scouts of America, Learning for Life ethics program and the Utah PTA Art Education Fund.
"Utah's children deserve our best in developing their skills and character for success in life," Eric Dowdle said in a news release. "The Gingerbread House Festival tradition continues this year in providing much needed support in this effort while providing fun for the whole family."
Festival planning committee member John Pilmer pointed out that the goal of the festival is said best in the tagline, "Build a house, build a child."
"The Gingerbread House Festival is focused on benefiting organizations that help build children's character and promote the arts," Pilmer said.
Pilmer said he enjoys attending and donating his time and money for the event.
"It's a lot of fun and it's a great cause," Pilmer said. "My son is an Eagle Scout and I cannot do enough to pay back the Scouting program for all the good that has done for his character."
Set at Thanksgiving Point's Red Show Barn, festival attendees will be able to wander through aisles of handmade homes while enjoying live entertainment.
A Country Store and Cookie Corner will offer opportunities to buy treats and holiday gifts as well.
Pilmer is also the bass player and lead singer in "Love As It Was," a classic rock-style band that will be performing during the festival.
"We'll be playing everything from Smashmouth and Jimmy Eat World, to Jimmy Hendrix and the Beatles," Pilmer said.
Entertainment also includes "From the Met to Rock City," featuring Italian tenor Antonio Miguellangelo. Various other performing dance and music groups will be showcased throughout the event.
But the true highlight of the festival is the wide variety of unique gingerbread houses created for the auction.
"What's really fun is to just look at all of these houses that Boy Scouts, corporations and even families have done for the event," said festival spokeswoman Nancy Pomeroy.
"It's amazing the creativity we have around here," Pomeroy said. "It's fun to see the little kids in there with their four walls and a roof with little gumdrops on top."
No matter the size, or style, Pilmer said the display is always impressive.
"They're totally edible and incredible," Pilmer said.