Presented by The City of Auburntown

it's a small world

​Gingerbread House Christmas Tree Challenge

2024 GUIDELINES

The focus isn't on perfection; it's on creating memories through giving. Your efforts in bringing happiness to visitors during the showcase and to Gentiva Hospice patients, who receive the Gingerbread Houses and Christmas Trees by their bedsides, are deeply valued.

Please note the following guidelines

• Participation is open to all, with no age restrictions and no entry fee required.
• The Gingerbread House Christmas Tree Challenge will showcase all entries on December 7, 2024, from 5:30-8 pm during the annual Christmas In Auburntown event. The display is open to the public and free of charge.
• Following the Gingerbread House Christmas Tree Challenge, all Gingerbread houses and tabletop Christmas trees will be delivered to the bedside of Gentiva Hospice patients.
• Entries for Gingerbread Houses and tabletop Christmas Trees may be submitted either for judging or for display purposes only. 
• Participants may submit multiple entries; however, each is limited to one Gingerbread House and one tabletop Christmas Tree per division for judging. Additional entries will be displayed but not judged and will be included in the Gentiva Hospice delivery. (Refer to Judging Guidelines).
• The 2024 theme, "It's a Small World," guarantees that all gingerbread houses and tabletop Christmas trees will fit comfortably on bedside tables post-event. (Please note the size and weight limitations.)
• No electricity is provided. 
• Your creative imagination or kit are permitted.
• Please ensure that each entry is clearly labeled with your name and contact information beneath it.
• Advertisements are permitted within your display as long as they complement your design. Each entry must be easily transportable by a single individual, which means the weight should not be excessive, ensuring that it can be transported by one person to the Gentiva location.
• Entries should be finalized upon arrival; however, you may make quick adjustments to your entry after it has been placed on the display table.​
• Pre-registration streamlines the check-in process and ensures your table space is prepared upon your arrival.
• Every individual who submits an entry will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize. For entries submitted by two or more individuals (such as families or groups), each person's name will be included in the drawing.​

Dropped off: 
Choosing Pre-Registration guarantees a reserved spot for your display. Pre-Registration is currently available and will remain open until noon, December 5th or until the cap on entries is met. While not obligatory, Pre-Registration will reduce paperwork on the event day and secure your display location is ready when you arrive.  

Drop-off for entries will be at the Auburntown Community Center during these times: Friday, December 6th, from 6 PM to 7 PM, and Saturday, December 7th, from Noon to 3:30 PM (You may also schedule a requested drop-off day and time that better fits your schedule in advance during pre-registration.).

Special drop-off locations and pick-up times are available in Murfreesboro and surrounding areas. Questions: th@auburntown.org

Gingerbread House Guidelines

• This year the design must be a house or building. 
• Gingerbread House Size Specifications: The gingerbread house or building should be small or miniature, with dimensions not exceeding 11 inches in length, 19 inches in width, and 9 inches in height. A single or a group of mini structures is permitted within the display, provided they are all situated on a single base. The base must not exceed the dimensions of 22 by 28 inches.
• Materials are not mandatory. Although your creation doesn't need to be made entirely of gingerbread, it should include a gingerbread element, whether that's a gingerbread cookie, the scent of gingerbread, or something similar. Feel free to construct your house or building using cardboard, graham crackers, candy, frosting, fabric, or any other materials.  Appropriate signage within or in front of the house is welcome. Let your imagination run wild!​​

Christmas Tree ​ Guidelines

• ​Each tree must be appropriately sized to fit on a Gentiva Hospice patient's bedside table according to the challenge specifications. The tree should not exceed 42 inches in height and should have a sturdy base but not heavy allowing for one person to transport.
• You are welcome to use any materials you prefer for the tree. Whether it's a store-bought tree, a handmade creation, or a mix of both, it's your choice. For the tree decorations, feel free to adorn it with either purchased decor or your own handcrafted decor. Appropriate signage within or in front of the tree is welcome.  It's all about unleashing your creativity!​​

People's Choice & Judge Barb Ford Awards

All entries will be showcased for the public to view and cast their votes for favorites in the designated categories. Voting will end at 7:45 PM, and this will be followed by the award presentation at 8 PM, presented by guest Judge Barb Ford, along with the People's Choice awards. For those who cannot attend, the event will be broadcast live on the Christmas In Auburntown Facebook page (REMINDER: You have the option to opt out of the judging process, and still have your entry gifted to Gentiva Hospice.)

The People's Choice Awards are awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in the respective Gingerbread House and the Christmas Tree Categories:
- Adult (17 years & above)
-Teen (16 years-13 years)
-Youth (12 years & under)
-Group (2 or more builders) 

Judge Ford will also present 6 additional awards for creativity, imagination, and theme design.

Grand Prize: EVERYONE IS ENTERED 
The winners are all the participants who contributed to making this 4th annual event possible. Consequently, this year, every participant will be entered into a drawing for the GRAND PRIZE. The Grand Prize winner will be selected in a drawing and announced by Judge Ford during the awards. 

REGISTRATION

Peek into the past!

Free Admission

Christmas In Auburntown

Questions: th@auburntown.org or (615)907-9664

• We reserve the right to modify or add to the guidelines and events as necessary. All pre-registered participants will be notified, and the information on this site will be updated accordingly.