Members of the OHIO community decked the halls with icing and gumdrops on Dec. 18 at Ohio University’s 12th Annual Gingerbread Contest. In the spirit of teamwork and holiday cheer, teams set out to build anything they could imagine only using edible items.

The wintery contest, sponsored by OHIO Catering and Culinary Services, was held in the Maggie Davis Room and West 82 seating area on the first floor of Baker University Center. Teams began construction of their gingerbread wonderlands at 8 a.m. with some treats provided by Culinary Services at their disposal, but most being brought by the teams themselves. 

“It was amazing, the teams were so enthusiastic,” said Deeana Bruce, senior catering manager. “All of the teams brought their own items and everything had to be edible. One team even brought and used all Rice Krispy treats - they must have been watching a lot of Food Network.”

After hours of getting the frosting just right, the teams were judged by OHIO executive chefs Tim Bruce and Erik Keller, based on complexity, creativity and edibility of construction. The winners were announced at 3 p.m., with awards honoring: Best in Show, Winter Wonderland, Most OHIO and the People’s Choice, which was decided on by the participants. For the winners, rather than bringing home a physical award, each winning team received some type of edible treat from Culinary Services to share.

Taking Best in Show was the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (HCOM) Student Affairs team which created not one, but three of HCOM’s campuses.

“Our entry is a whimsical interpretation of our three campuses, one college HCOM theme,” said Marie Barone, a member of the HCOM team. “It was all of our idea, but with so many other great entries, we were surprised and really honored to claim the top prize. We plan to treat our whole office when we receive our macaroni and cheese bar for winning.”

Receiving the Winter Wonderland Award and three dozen catering cookies was the Patton College Student Services Office with a Gingerbread house that included a downhill skier.

Claiming the Most OHIO Award was the Haning Hall Holiday Creators, showing their OHIO pride with an elaborate OU OH Yeah! on the Graffiti Wall. They’ll be celebrating this win with a continental breakfast for 10.

Finally, this year’s People’s Choice Award, and a pizza party, went to the Office of Global Opportunities for their take on the Athens Swimming Pool taken over by elves.

“We had so much fun today, it’s one of our favorite days of the year,” said Keely Davin, a member of the Global Opportunities team who included that she has participated for eight years in this tradition. “We enjoy spending time together as an office and all agreed with the pool being new this year, it could be a good idea. Everyone’s creativity was great in helping us get that pizza party!"

undefinedThis year's gingerbread houses on display in the Maggie Davis Room in Baker University Center.

undefinedPatton College of Education Student Affairs staff members, Heidi Mullins (left) and Melissa Toretch (right) begin to decorate their Winter Wonderland award-winnning gingerbread house. 

undefinedThe Learning Community Elves, aka the LC Elves, (from left to right) Carene Shipley, Wendy Rogers and Kris Kumfer pipe together the roof of their gingerbread house.

undefinedRoxanne Male-Brune of the Graduate College intricately cuts gingerbread to add to her house. 

undefinedWinning Best in Show was the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (HCOM) Student Affairs team, which created not one, but all three HCOM campuses.

undefinedDeeana Bruce, senior catering manager, hands out certificates to the award winners.

undefinedThe Winter Wonderland Award was awarded to the Patton College of Education Student Services Office. Their gingerbread house included downhill skiers.

undefinedClaiming the Most OHIO Award was the Haning Hall Holiday Creators, showing their OHIO pride with an elaborate OU OH Yeah on the Graffiti Wall. 

undefinedThis year’s People’s Choice Award went to the Office of Global Opportunities for their take on the new Athens City Swimming Pool being taken over by elves. 

undefinedHCOM's Best in Show team, (left to right) Marie Barone, Heather Binnig, Jill Harman and Noelle Gaston pose behind their whimsical creation.