November 8, 2005 > Bay Area bakers will vie for gingerbread house honors

This year, the City of Union City is teaming up with the Tri-City Voice to host the area's first gingerbread house contest and while something of the above scale (approximately 400 square meters) is not expected, the results still promise to be quite impressive.

The heavenly aroma of gingerbread will fill the air of Union City's Ruggieri Senior Center during "Winterfest" preparations on Saturday morning, December 3rd. Ten master chefs will be completing final decorations of houses, chalets or whatever is conjured by their imagination. Competition is only open to professional bakers, but the public is invited to stop by and watch as these artisans prepare their entries between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Prizes of $500, $300 and $200 are at stake as well as bragging rights for the next year. For those who want to follow the lead of Hansel and Gretel and nibble at a window or doorway of these delicious creations, all entries will be auctioned to support Special Olympics and Our Kids Scholarship Fund at that evening's Winterfest activities. Entries must be received by November 23, 2005. Rules and information is available by calling (510) 489-0360. An entry form can be found on page 4 of this issue of the Tri-City Voice.

WinterFest is an annual holiday fundraising event sponsored by the City of Union City that benefits local non-profits. Volunteers gather or create holiday themed items including hand decorated trees, wreaths, garlands, gift baskets and table settings which are auctioned to members and businesses of the community. This years Winterfest auction gala will be complemented by music, food and beverages. One hundred percent of the auction proceeds go to the participating non-profit organizations. The City of Union City welcomes participation from all local non-profits and encourages residents to attend. For more information about participating or attending WinterFest, please contact Jill Stavosky at 675-5265.