Area culinary architects are invited to submit entries into Switzerland County Tourism’s annual Holiday Gingerbread House Contest. Both youth and adult submissions are encouraged.

Categories include a youth division for ages 12 years and under, and an adult division for ages 13 years and older. Entries must have been constructed in 2012. Complete entries must be delivered to the Switzerland County Visitors Center located at 128 West Main Street in downtown Vevay, IN, on Dec. 3-6 from 10:00am-4:30pm.

Entries may depict any architectural structure, either real or imaginary. All components—except for the base—must be edible. All foil or plastic-wrapped candies must be exhibited unwrapped. Foundations must be no larger than 24” x 24”, with the entire structure being no more than 24” high. Bases must be entirely covered with an edible component. Plywood in ¼” thickness is recommended. No cardboard is permitted in the adult division.

Youth division entries may integrate a cardboard foundation however, must be completely covered with an edible surface such as gingerbread or graham crackers—no cardboard should show.

Electric lighting is not permitted in either division.

Official entry forms and a complete list of rules are available at the Switzerland County Visitors Center. Entries will be judged on overall appearance, originality, creativity, difficulty, and precision. Judging will take place on Fri., Dec. 7 at 11:30am, with winners announced at 7pm during First Friday festivities. Awards will include a first place in each division. Additional awards may be added at the judges’ discretion.

Gingerbread houses will be displayed at the Switzerland County Visitors Center office through Dec. 28, 2012 and must be picked up by Sun., Dec. 30th.

Switzerland County Tourism will not be held responsible for broken or damaged entries, and will not maintain or repair any submissions.

For more information, contact the Switzerland County Visitors Center at 812-427-3237 or e-mail visitsc@vevayin.com. Information on lodging, local businesses, and events in Switzerland County can be found on the Switzerland County Tourism website at switzcotourism.com. Join the Switzerland County Tourism-Vevay, IN, Facebook page for up-to-the minute information on county events and more.