24th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition

The winning creations for the 24th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ will be on display from November 27th through January 5th at The Omni Grove Park Inn.

The 2016 grand prize winner is Beatriz Müller’s “Dream House,” a gravity-defying display of technical marvel which features Gothic spires and arches.

To see the winners from this year’s competition and to read more about the selection process, please visit Citizen-Times’s coverage of the event.

It all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year. There was no possible way to know that more than two decades later The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events.

As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Our panel of judges represents nationally renowned food, arts, and media professionals and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by ABC’s Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.

The gingerbread display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same – one of wonder, awe and delight. As a means to provide our guests the best experience possible, a minimum $10 outdoor parking charge will be in effect for all drive on guests, beginning November 27 through January 5, 2017.

HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM

Since inception in 2013, the Omni Grove Park Inn has been honored to contribute over $190,000 to six local not-for-profit partners in Western North Carolina through its Holiday Parking Program. Below is the list of not-for-profit partners that will benefit from this year’s donations.

Asheville City Schools Foundation – November 27 through December 1
The Asheville City Schools Foundation is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to educational success for all city schools students. ACSF believes that public education is a vital part of a successful democracy and a key element in breaking the cycle of poverty.  ACSF is committed to supporting excellence and innovation in teaching and ensuring the success of every student.

Children First / Communities in Schools – December 2 through December 8
Children First’s mission is to empower children and their families to reach their full potential through advocacy, education and services. The mission of Communities in Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County – December 9 through December 15
Together with donors, volunteers, and partners, we are building a caring community where each person has the opportunity to achieve the aspirations we all share: a good education for our kids, a roof over our heads, food on the table and the security that comes with financial stability. Our primary goal is to reduce the impact of poverty in Asheville and Buncombe County. We bring partners from the business, government and nonprofit sectors together to do what no single organization can do alone: create solutions that transform individual lives and drive systemic change that impacts entire communities.

Homeward Bound – December 16 through December 22
Homeward Bound’s mission is working with others to end the cycle of homelessness. Through demonstrated commitment to collaborating with other community agencies and partners, Homeward Bound makes a sustainable impact on homelessness in Asheville every day. Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved 800 people into homes of their own and 89% of them remained housed today.

American Legion Baseball Post #70 – December 23 through December 29
The American Legion is the largest organization in the United States for wartime veterans. Since its inception by an act of Congress in 1919, the Legion has worked hard to improve the lives of veterans, their families and communities. There are four pillars on which the organization is based: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.  Asheville’s Francy-Burdett Post #70 sponsors a youth development program through its association with the NC American Legion Baseball organization. The program develops lifelong skills for participants as it fosters healthy competition, teamwork and wholesome character.

Meals on Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County – December 30 through January 5
The mission of Meals on Wheels of Asheville-Buncombe County is to provide hot, nutritious meals to the elderly home bound, thus allowing them to live in their own homes, among familiar surroundings and maintain their dignity while aging. MOW-ABC operates Monday thru Friday with a 11-member staff and a network of over 300 volunteers.  Meal delivery is available to Buncombe County seniors.

Please visit www.omnihotels.com for additional information.