The Orange Beach Event Center was buzzing with activity Dec. 5 as competitors toiled away on their gingerbread creations at the third annual Gingerbread Jam.
The two-time returning Gingerbread Jam …
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The Orange Beach Event Center was buzzing with activity Dec. 5 as competitors toiled away on their gingerbread creations at the third annual Gingerbread Jam.
The two-time returning Gingerbread Jam champions in the business category BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets were in attendance to defend their title against the Anchor Bar and Grill team.
The Anchor Bar and Grill team created a scale gingerbread model of Hudson Marina and Anchor Bar and Grill complete with pretzel dock, edible boats, palm trees and poured sugar water. The BuzzCatz team brought Buddy the Elf’s adventure to life using gingerbread, cake, candy and hand painted macaroons. In the end, Anchor Bar and Grill won People’s Choice and BuzzCatz took overall first place.
In the family category, two-time returning Gingerbread Jam champions The Jinglebell Johnsons were prepared to defend their title. According to the judges, the scores were very close this year. While the number of competitors was low, the skill level was high. In the end The Jinglebell Johnsons won first place with their houseboat themed gingerbread display. The people’s choice award went to the Cat Christmas team who’s cat themed display included several houses filled with small handmade cats.
The Gingerbread Jam was the brainchild of Jessica and Jonathon Langston as a fundraiser for the Expect Excellence Culinary Arts Program in 2018.
“Jonathan and I began this holiday tradition because we wanted the community to come together to enjoy one of our favorite activities of the season -- decorating gingerbread houses with family. Some of my fondest Christmas memories include visiting the Grand Hotel in Point Clear with my extended family during our monthly luncheon and seeing the grand gingerbread village and festive spread. We always took a family photo in front of the fireplace and I remember how the sparkling decorations and the smells of gingerbread became a special part of Christmas for us,” said Jessica Langston, creative director for the city of Orange Beach.
The event has become an Orange Beach holiday tradition. This year’s event saw fewer numbers due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Baldwin County.
