SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Museums are inviting bakeries, schools, individual bakers and young people to submit design plans for the annual gingerbread house competition and exhibit.

This year’s theme is “A Seussian Holiday,” with houses to be unveiled on Nov. 27 as part of the Museums’ “Holiday Happenings” event.

The gingerbread houses will be displayed against a backdrop of murals by artist John Simpson that celebrate the whimsical stories and characters created by Springfield native Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.

Entry forms and design plans must be submitted by November 13. Bakers who commit by the October 23 early registration deadline will receive a free gift. Applications and guidelines may be obtained by downloading the form from the museum website at springfieldmuseums.org, stopping by the museum Welcome Center, emailing dszaban@springfieldmuseums.org, or calling 263-6800, ext. 285.

Gingerbread displays may be based on favorite Dr. Seuss stories, historic locations, or other imaginative holiday designs. Entries will be accepted in the following contest divisions:
• Professional Division: bake shops, caterers, restaurants, or professional bakers
• Adult Division: individuals or groups age 18 and older
• Youth Division: individuals or groups age 8 to 17 (School and youth groups are welcome to apply.)

Applicants will be notified about selection decisions by Nov. 16. Gingerbread houses that are not pre-registered will not be accepted. Completed gingerbread houses must be delivered to the Museums on Nov. 23 and will be on display from November 27 through Jan. 3, 2016.

Visitors on Nov. 27 will vote for their favorite gingerbread entry in each division and prize awards will be presented later that day. Voting will continue for People’s Choice Awards until Jan. 3, and the final winners in each division will be posted on the Springfield Museums Facebook page.

For additional information about the gingerbread competition, please contact Donna Szaban at 263-6800, ext. 285, or dszaban@springfieldmuseums.org.