VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Erie Canal Museum brings back sweet holiday tradition with gingerbread creations
Geraldine Paglia: The Erie Canal Museum in downtown Syracuse transforms into a festive scene showcasing edible works of art, from whimsical cottages to elaborate castles. Warren Clark, a local Onondaga resident, came to the gallery to draw some holiday inspiration.
Warren Clark: We’re going to be building gingerbread houses next weekend so, you know, getting ideas and just having that family element.
Paglia: For Clark and his family, this is a new tradition. But for others, the gallery is a staple. Janice Sacturo and Kathleen Haze love to see the new designs each year and have cast their vote for as long as they can remember.
Janice Scaturo: Every year, practically, we, we start out here, no matter if we go to the festival or the trees next or whatever.
Paglia: Each handcrafted creation is tucked away behind windows, and this year, Elizabeth Farrell, assistant director of education at the museum, was overwhelmed by the number of creators registered.
Elizabeth Farrell: The one major change from last year is that there are so many entries this year. We actually had one fall apart just after it was dropped off, and I’m not sure where we would’ve fit it.
Paglia: Back in 1986, over 700 visitors strolled through the museum, enjoying choruses, carolers and gingerbread creations. Today, the event attracts visitors annually, raising funds for the museum and local causes. The gingerbread gallery will be open until Jan. 12. Don’t miss the opportunity to vote for your favorite gingerbread creation and experience the spirit of Christmas. Geraldine Paglia, NCC News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes the return of a beloved Central New York tradition. For 39 years, the Erie Canal Museum in downtown Syracuse has been delighting the community with its gingerbread gallery.
This year, the gallery is buzzing with excitement as families, friends and longtime attendees gather to soak in the festive atmosphere. Among them is local Onondaga resident Warren Clark, who visited with his family for some holiday inspiration.
“We’re going to be building gingerbread houses next weekend, getting ideas and just having that family element,” Clark said.
For Clark, it’s the start of a new tradition. But for others, the gingerbread gallery is a holiday staple. Longtime attendees Janice Scaturo and Kathleen Haze have been casting their votes for their favorite creations for as long as they can remember.
“Every year, practically, we start out here, no matter if we go to the festival or the trees next or whatever,” Scaturo said.
Each handcrafted gingerbread creation is displayed behind protective windows, showcasing the talent and creativity of community members. This year, the museum saw an unprecedented number of participants, according to Elizabeth Farrell, the museum’s assistant director of education.
“The one major change from last year is that there are so many entries this year,” Farrell said. “We actually had one fall apart just after it was dropped off, and I’m not sure where we would’ve fit it.”
The gingerbread gallery first opened in 1986, drawing more than 700 visitors who strolled through the museum, enjoying choruses, carolers, and of course, the gingerbread creations. Today, the event has grown into an annual community tradition, drawing even larger crowds and raising funds for the museum and local causes.
The gallery will remain open until Jan. 12, giving visitors plenty of time to marvel at the edible masterpieces and vote for their favorite.