LOVELAND, Ohio — The city is inviting residents to build miniature tributes to their favorite local businesses out of gingerbread, with the winning creation to be honored during Loveland’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival next month.
The City of Loveland is asking entrants to recreate a local restaurant, shop or landmark “using gingerbread and edible decorations,” the city said in a social media post. Completed entries must be dropped off at City Hall, 120 W. Loveland Ave., by 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.
Once submitted, the gingerbread creations will go on public display, and community members will vote on their favorites. Prizes will be awarded to the top entries, with winners recognized during the city’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on Saturday, Dec. 5, in Historic Downtown Loveland.
The tree lighting festival, held along the Little Miami Scenic Trail, draws crowds each winter for the lighting of the city’s towering Christmas tree alongside live music, food vendors and other holiday activities. Folding the gingerbread contest into that evening gives the newer tradition a stage alongside one of Loveland’s longest-running holiday events.
City officials framed the contest as a way to spotlight the small businesses that give Loveland’s historic downtown its character, encouraging both experienced bakers and first-time entrants to take part. Participants are not required to be professionals — the city said it welcomes “seasoned gingerbread architects” and casual hobbyists alike.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the City of Loveland.