OFFICIAL RULES & GUIDELINES

1. Eligibility

The contest is open to all community members, organizations, and businesses. Participants may enter individually or as a team.

2. Entry Categories

Participants must select one category at the time of registration:

• Youth Bakers (Ages 12 & Under)
• Family or Team Entry
• Adult Individual (Ages 13 & Up)
• Business or Organization Entry

3. Entry Fee

A $25 entry fee is required for each submitted gingerbread house.

• Proceeds support Chamber-led community and holiday programs.
• Payment is due at registration.
• Youth entries (ages 12 & under) are free of charge.

4. Theme and Structure

Entries may depict any structure—real, imagined, or inspired by the holiday season. Examples include homes, cabins, landmarks, or creative holiday scenes.

5. Original Creations

Entries must be original designs.

6. Gingerbread Construction

The main elements of the entry must be constructed from gingerbread. 

7. Edible Materials

All visible surfaces must be edible, including frosting, candies, and decorations.

• Foil or plastic-wrapped candies must be unwrapped.
• Perishable or refrigerated items (e.g., dairy, fruit, or meat) are not permitted.

8. Lighting and Decorative Features

Battery-operated lighting and small battery-powered components are allowed and encouraged, provided that battery packs are fully concealed and safely integrated into the design.

9. Construction Date

All entries must be newly constructed in 2025 for this contest.

10. Base and Stability

Entries must be freestanding and securely mounted on a sturdy base.

• The base must not exceed 24” long by 18” wide.
•  The sides may remain uncovered or be decorated with ribbon or trim.

12. Quality and Display Standards

Entries should reflect creativity, quality workmanship, and community spirit. The Chamber reserves the right not to display any entry deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or not of exhibition quality.

13. Drop-Off Instructions

All completed entries must be delivered to:
The Clubhouse at Carmichael Park
5750 Grant Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608
on Tuesday, December 3, 2025 between 9am-2:30pm
Participants will be contacted to confirm  drop-off times and display setup instructions.

14. Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of local bakers, artists, and community leaders based on the following:

• Originality & Creativity
• Overall Appearance
• Craftsmanship & Precision
• Use of Materials
• Holiday Spirit

15. Awards & Recognition

Winners will be announced following judging. Awards will be presented in each category.
Additional overall honors include:

• People’s Choice Award – Selected by community vote
• Grand Prize Winner – Receives the annual Gingerbread Trophy

16. Display & Community Contribution

All entries will be  on display and voted on at the Carmichael Park Clubhouse Tree Lighting  Event. Winning Gingerbread houses will be displayed at local businesses. Entries become property of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce for the duration of the display period.

📸 NAME, BUSINESS & MARKETING RELEASE

By entering the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce Gingerbread House Contest, participants grant permission for the Chamber to use their name, business name, likeness, photographs, and images of their gingerbread entry in promotional materials, press releases, social media, and other marketing communications.

Participants understand that:

• No additional compensation will be provided for use of images or likeness.
• Credit will be given to the creator(s) or business when practical.
• Photos and videos may be taken during drop-off, judging, and display events.
• Entries may be featured on the Chamber’s website, newsletters, and community publications.

By submitting an entry, participants acknowledge and agree to these terms and confirm that they are the rightful creators of the submitted work.