Original interpretations of creativity and “sweet” equity were the driving forces shown off at the Sanders County Historical Society’s 21st Annual Gingerbread Contest on Saturday.

With the theme of “Christmas in the Old West,” 14 entries vied for the top prize – the “Auntie A Award.” This award is named after long-time supporter of the contest the late Alice Nakamura.

This year the Auntie A Award with the most votes cast was for Pam Peters and Kate Baxter’s Family/Group entry – an Old West Main Street complete with Santa roping a cowboy.

Prizes were also awarded to top vote gatherers in the following categories: Adult (19+), Millissa Culver’s Stagecoach drawn by a 6-horse team; Teen 13-18, Carson Rhoades, church in the snow; Youth 8-12, Shiann Hall with her Old West Main Street scene; and Child (ages 7 and under), Cruz Meadows’ “Livery Stable” entry.

THOMPSON FALLS Kindergarteners Gingerbread Boy creations were also on show for the event – 28 unique candy-laden masterpieces were displayed throughout the museum. These large-sized cookies were baked by local resident Mona Jacobson, and then decorated by the students individually.

A fundraising raffle, which included the “Teddy Bear Christmas” basket, was won by Susie Davis. Other raffle basket winners were James Haan “All Things Theodore Roosevelt,” Howard Inks “Rice, Anyone?” and Pat Ingraham “Home Sweet Home.”

The Gingerbread Contest is the museum’s Christmas treat to the community – the one time annually the facility is open during the winter.

The volunteers would like to thank all the visitors who came to support the museum during the gingerbread event, and throughout the summer of 2018.

The museum is now closed for the winter. Look for the reopening on Mother’s Day 2019 for the next season when the museum will highlight treasures from their archives.