The Erie Canal Museum has kicked off one of Syracuse’s most cherished holiday traditions: its annual Gingerbread Gallery. Now in its 40th year, the winter showcase has grown into a month-long celebration of creativity, history, and community spirit.
“It started out relatively small as a weekend-long thing where people from the community made gingerbread houses, and it’s evolved over the years,” said Derrick Pratt, the museum’s Director of Education.
The museum puts out its call for bakers in September, keeping submissions open throughout October. This year, the gallery features 41 gingerbread creations with a mix of bakers, spanning generations and skill levels. “It’s open to anyone,” Pratt explained.
“Professionals who want to compete for a cash prize do have to pay an entry fee, but for everyone else who just wants to build one with their family or something, it’s free to submit.”
A Tradition for Many
Over the years, several participants have come back time and time again to submit gingerbread creations. Among the returning contributors is the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS), which has participated in the gallery for the past seven years.
CCHS Director Jessica Moquin said participating in the gallery is more than just a holiday activity.
“The Gingerbread Gallery allows us to share and celebrate the history and heritage of Chenango County well beyond our geographical footprint,” she said.
Every CCHS submission has been made by a talented volunteer baker, Debi Pierce. Her creations have included historical structures that CCHS oversees, such as Ward School No. 2, The Loomis Barn, the Maple Sugar Shack, the James Flanagan Research Center, and the Ross Schoolhouse. This year, Pierce recreated the Railroad Watchman’s Tower, a preserved signal tower from the early railroading era that CCHS recently restored.
“We hope that visitors take away a new appreciation for local heritage and how these historical milestones are relevant today,” Moquin said.
Healthy Competition
Once completed, the gingerbread creations fall into several competition categories.
The highest level, the Confectioner’s category, includes the professional submissions and is judged by a panel, who grade on creativity, use of materials, and more.
Visitors also get their say on all of the creations. The People’s Choice category allows community members to vote on their favorite through QR codes or at the front desk.
The Impact
The Gingerbread Gallery pulls in around 5,000 to 6,000 visitors annually, many of whom make it a holiday ritual.
“It’s a magical time of the year for us. We have some really incredible creations throughout the gallery, and it’s one of our most popular times at the museum,” Pratt said.
A standout submission this year is a “Wicked” inspired gingerbread house. This is a personal favorite of Pratt’s, who grew up in nearby Chittenango, the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
No matter the year and no matter the submissions, the history and holiday spirit provided by the gallery bring the community together like nothing else.
“It’s a major Syracuse tradition.”The gallery will remain open until January 11.