JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It's a holiday art display that's completely edible and it's taken over the old St. Andrews Church now for decades.
We're talking about the exhibits that are making their debut at the Gingerbread Extravaganza's opening day Saturday.
Featuring exhibits submitted by cookie decorators of all ages, hoping to win in their category. The displays are judged by two architects and an interior designers.
The displays are made by people all over the First Coast, from Folkston, Georgia to Ormond Beach. The bakers include school students, families and more. The displays must be at least 85% edible, but can include birdseed or dog biscuits.
The Gingerbread Extravaganza is more than a competition among cookie connoisseurs. It's the Jacksonville historic center's biggest fundraiser.
For the past 22 years, this month-long gingerbread display has helped with funding programs they run outside of the holiday season.
But this year they have something new. On Dec. 12 and Dec. 17, they have an evening candlelight display. This is for the adults, and your tickets include two drinks.
Now these aren't just gingerbread houses, they're gingerbread mansions. Some are life-sized replicas of your favorite places on the first coast. And now through Dec. 28, you can walk through this cookie-made village.
In addition to the gingerbread exhibits, the 26 trees and 10 wreaths on display and a holiday shop.
Three of the trees have special significance. One celebrates the 100th anniversary of MOCA. Another is a salute to Jacksonville’s military heritage. The third, designed by the Southern Genealogist’s Exchange Society, brings attention to Jacksonville’s rich history through genealogy.
The Merrill House Museum will be open for 30-minute tours throughout the day.
On the majority of the days that Gingerbread Extravaganza is open, you have from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to walk through the winter wonderland. Tickets for adults are $10 and $5 for children.