2009 Gingerbread Build-Off
Hosted by Caroline Collective & C2 Creative in association with the Architecture Center Houston (ArCH)

Ever wanted to make the most out of your gingerbread? Do you dream of pushing the structural limit of frosting and peppermint? Maybe you just enjoy playing with food? This December 19th, Caroline Collective and C2 Creative, in conjunction with the ArCH, will host the First Annual Gingerbread Build-off. Bring your kids, bring your ideas, and your sweet-tooth – we’re havin’ a build-off!

What: First Annual Gingerbread Build-off.

Where: Caroline Collective - 4820 Caroline St. Houston, TX 77004

When: Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 - 10am to 2pm.

Winners on Exhibition:  Dec 21- 23   9am - 5pm at the ArCH, 315 Capitol, 77002

How Much: 25$ per team (3 people maximum per team)

Register Starting December 9th: gingerbreadbuildoff.eventbrite.com
 
Them’s the Rules: The build-off will feature competition in three categories (Children, Adults, and Architecture/Design Professionals). Teams of up to three people will compete in their respective categories. Gingerbread Buildings will be judged by an independent panel of food, design, and architecture experts. Buildings will be evaluated for structural soundness, decorative quality, innovative use of materials, and overall design. The top three structures in each category will be shown at the Architecture Center Houston downtown following the competition.

The entrance fee will provide each team with access to a 2'x2' foil-covered base and basic gingerbread structural materials, including: six 8"x10" gingerbread sheets, graham crackers, frosting, red-hots, peppermint candies and canes, gumdrops, toothpicks, etc. Teams may bring their own gingerbread and/or extra edible materials for their design - NOTE: ALL EXTRA MATERIALS MUST BE EDIBLE! Formwork, adhesives, etc. cannot be incorporated into the design. Spectators will be allowed to watch for free. Heckling will cost ya.

Design preparation prior to competition day is encouraged! Sponsorships are available. Tickets may be purchased in advance through gingerbreadbuildoff.eventrbrite.com. Payments may be made via paypal. Please contact Ned Dodington at ned@carolinecollective.cc for questions and sponsor information. All proceeds go to C2 Creative - Houston’s non-profit incubator for the creative community.

For some gingerbread house inspiration check out this link on Treehugger.
Also, our very own Houston-based Hometta has a really cool gb-house on their site (watch out! they use cardboard which is not allowed in the rules above).

(All teams are responsible for cleanup and recycling of materials after judging. If you break it, you eat it!)