Voting still open for People’s Choice award in Pittsburgh’s Gingerbread House Display and Competition
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There are 14 more days remaining to vote for the People’s Choice award in the City of Pittsburgh’s Gingerbread House Display and Competition.
The recognition is new for the 18th annual event, which went virtual this year because of the pandemic.
More than 1,500 votes have been cast for the 180 gingerbread houses in the competition.
“We are excited to get that many votes so far since this is the first year for the People’s Choice award,” said Melissa Culbertson, the city’s special events coordinator. “At this point the competition is pretty close between a few of the displays.”
The last day to vote is Dec. 31. Voting is conducted online; click here to participate.
The winner will be announced in early January.
The online gallery showcasing the gingerbread dwellings is available for online viewing here through Jan. 8. The houses were created by individuals, families, organizations, students and chefs from throughout Western Pennsylvania.
“We know it has been a tough year for everyone,” Culbertson said. “We hope that this competition gave some holiday spirit to the city.”
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The judges have already recognized 60 recipients in 16 categories based on creativity and construction.
Winning entries include tributes to “Sesame Street,” “Star Trek” and “The Wizard of Oz.” The edible structures range from houses and huts to castles and cottages. Pittsburgh landmarks made of gingerbread include Market Square, Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School and Kennywood’s Kangaroo, a nod to the 1962 Kennywood ride that the West Mifflin park recently retired.
“The detail and use of so many different materials was amazing,” Culbertson said.
The People’s Choice award is open to any of the 180 entries.
The Gingerbread House Display and Competition launched in 2002 when Downtown hotels held a competition to benefit the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund.
The competition has attracted thousands of entries displayed at PPG Place before moving to the City-County Building lobby in 2019.
“We are so happy we were able to have the competition this year,” said Culbertson. “And we hope it inspires people to do it next year, and hopefully we can have an in-person event next year.”