Grab your gumdrop buttons and graham crackers because it’s almost time for the 12th annual Gingerbread Contest and Holiday Bake Sale hosted by Ohio University Catering.

Open to all OHIO faculty, staff and students, the contest challenges teams to showcase their holiday spirit by constructing an entirely edible gingerbread structure that stands out above the rest.

Each entry will be judged based on creativity, complexity and edibility. Ohio University Catering will provide the gingerbread house, icing and some decorative items. Teams may bring additional decorating items.

The Tuesday, Dec. 18 contest, held in the Maggie Davis and West 82 seating area on the first floor of Baker University Center, kicks off at 8 a.m., and construction must be finished by 3 p.m. Judging will begin at 3:15 p.m. and prizes will be awarded.

The deadline to register for this year’s contest is Wednesday, Dec. 11. Early registration at $20 is due by Dec. 1, and the cost is $25 per team after that date.

This year’s Gingerbread Contest will also coincide with West 82’s Holiday Bake Sale. Ohio University Catering is accepting pre-orders until Dec. 7 for holiday sweet treats that include whoopee pies, cupcakes and Christmas cutouts, which can be boxed in bulk or arranged in a decorative container. Order forms are available at West 82 or in Baker University Center 125, and items can be picked up from Baker University Center 125 on Dec. 14, Dec. 17 and Dec. 18.

For more information about the Holiday Bake Sale or to register for the Gingerbread Contest, call 740-593-4035.