Grayslake Queens to Hold Gingerbread House Contest

Have you ever wanted to try to make a gingerbread house? Are you a master at decorating one that's just too pretty to eat?

The Grayslake Queens—Miss Grayslake Lindsay Laske, Jr. Miss Kara Ahlemeyer, Little Miss Ella Madrigal and Tiny Miss Brianna Restrepo—invite community members of all ages to particpate in their gingerbread house contest at the Village of Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum on Saturday, Dec. 15, to benefit the PLAN food pantry.

Contestants are asked to build a gingerbread house for display at the heritage center. The houses must be 95 percent edible and not exceed 1 square-foot, including the base. Use as much candy and sweets as you like to decorate your masterpiece!

Entries are to be delivered to the heritage center at 164 Hawley St. in downtown Grayslake on Saturday, Dec. 15, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those who can't make the scheduled drop-off will be permitted to make other arrangements with event organizers.

Space is limited and registration is required. There is no entry fee, but contestants are asked to donate a non-perishable food item or items to the PLAN food pantry, which they should bring to the heritage center when they turn in their entries.

For questions, and to register, e-mail grayslakequeens2012@aol.com, as space is limited.

Contestants' gingerbread houses will be on display Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m., through Dec. 29. Contestants will be able to take their creations back home after the contest, if they like.

The public is invited to view the entries.

"The top three will be named and we are hoping there will be a small prize for the first place winner," Laske told Patch.

The queens would appreciate it if residents would donate a non-perishable food when they come to view the gingerbread houses, but it is not required.