Pumpkins, ghosts and goblins, a full moon, and a chill in the air --- yes, then it must be almost time for the gingerbread house extravaganza! Boy! Does the Meridian Episcopal Church of the Mediator, 3825 - 35 Avenue, have a deal for you! Read on as I tell you all of the details of their upcoming Gingerbread House Contest and Silent Auction.

What was that? You can't bake and construct a gingerbread house? That’s not a problem – the staff and other volunteers at the church will offer recipes, simple instructions, and tons of encouragement. To view contest details or download entry forms: www.mediatormeridian.com

As per church officials, Rev. Helen Tester, Rector, and Katie Watkins, Assistant to the Rector for Ministries, and volunteer, Sarah Mutziger, this is a community-building event. Gingerbread house contests are not a new thing, well -- maybe, a tiny bit new for the Meridian/Lauderdale County community, but a new thing can be a good thing, don't you think? Many communities have reaped the benefits of this holiday time of the year tradition. Why not Meridian? Ashville, North Carolina and Lexington, Kentucky are prime examples of successful gingerbread house community events. Now it is time for Meridian and Lauderdale County to take a turn down the Gingerbread Lane. Come along, it will be great fun and will benefit the community as well.

Here’s the thing … the deadline for competition is October 30. That’s right – October 30! Whew! Gotta get busy and register. Then, let the fun begin!

First, there is a $10.00 non-refundable entry fee. You may pick up entry forms at the Mediator office, Meridian Museum of Art, and Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library, per Sarah Mutziger. Space is limited – first come, first serve. Turn all entry forms and the $10.00 entry fee into the Mediator office. Groups and individuals may submit an entry. Children under the age of 9 are required to team with an adult. The Mediator would welcome entries from all communities. It would be an exciting experience (look good on a resume, too) for professional chefs, artists, community celebrities (come on Mayor Cheri and Sheriff Sollie!), and all grandma community cooks, too. Yes, everyone, please get out the large mixing bowl and get started!

The contest has the two divisions. You may create something with gingerbread, or, create a non-gingerbread structure for the challenging “anything goes” division. On a personal note, I have quite a few of those “anything goes” baking creations to my credit, per my husband, but they wouldn't have won any contests, I'll assure you! However, I am encouraged and I hope you are as well.

Contest entries will be displayed at the Meridian Museum of Art from November 3 through December 5. The grand winners will be moved to the front window of the MSU/Riley Center for the Merry Meridian festivities. Wow!

Three independent judges will score each entry. The scores will be tallied and totaled. First, Second, Third place ribbons will be awarded for excellence in creativity and excellence in construction as well. There will also be a “people’s choice” award and viewers of the entries at the Meridian Museum of Art will have the opportunity to cast their votes.

Contestants that give the Mediator permission will have their entries photographed and placed on the silent auction block at the Mediator web site. Funds raised from the sale of entries will be dispersed throughout the community via needed outreach programs and to the Mediator children’s program as well. For more information: (601) 483-3959.

Uh-huh, told you this was a good thing.

So, dig out granny’s apron, make that shopping list – you know, cinnamon, powered sugar, ground ginger, nutmeg, and all of the other yummy ingredients. It’s time to start your very own gingerbread house creation, maybe even make some new friends, and all while participating with a very worthy community project.

Oh, and if you need an impartial “taster/tester” – I'm just a phone call away!



REMINDER:

Fall Storytelling Festival

Saturday, October 24

10 AM -5:00 PM (Many stories by great storytellers.)

Guest storytellers from Mississippi and Alabama, plus local tellers.

7-9:00 PM Scary Stories (An inside activity.)

Meridian Activities Center

3300 32 Avenue, Meridian

Sponsored by Tall Tales & Recollections Storytellers of Meridian

www.msstorytellers.com

For more info: (601) 485-7778, (601) 681-8525, or (601) 485-1812.



Anne McKee is an author and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission, as a dramatic and literary artist, storyteller, and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi.