NEW PALTZ – For eleven days in December, more than 1,800 members of the local community donated $15 for a Gingerbread Pass to view the impressive designs on display in the historic Hudson Valley “castle” resort. The pass also granted access to the ice-skating rink, provided a chance to experience the property’s holiday decor, and allowed guests to see the winners of this year’s 9th Annual Gingerbread Competition.

In years past, the resort has raised funds for the Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley from the gingerbread competition, but this year, the amount grew from $25,000 to $30,000 - a sign that our community continues to embrace local events, and of Mohonk’s commitment to welcoming the local community to support a worthy cause. 

100% of the ticket price is being given to charity,

Over 1,800 tickets were sold over 11 days

Mohonk Mountain House rounded up the community’s donation to the charity, bringing the entire donation to $30,000.

“Thank you to the entire team at Mohonk Mountain House for hosting the Hudson Valley Gingerbread competition to benefit the Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley again this year,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank. “This incredible display of creativity, generosity, and community spirit is truly inspiring, and the funds raised will provide nearly 120,000 meals to our neighbors in need.”

Tom Smiley, CEO of Mohonk Mountain House, shares, “The success of this year’s Gingerbread Display Competition highlights the generosity and spirit of our local community. We are honored to continue this cherished tradition, knowing that every dollar raised will benefit those in need through the remarkable work of the Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. We are proud and grateful to present this check of $30,000 to help create change in our own backyard of the Hudson Valley.”

While there were more than 60 submissions - with some designers prepping for their creation as early as October and with entrants as far away as Connecticut! Nine made it to the final judging round, which featured both an adult and junior category. The local judges for this year’s competition included: 

Mohonk Mountain House Executive Pastry Chef, Audrey Billups

Mohonk Mountain House Food & Beverage Director, Patrice Huart

Chitra Agrawal, Brooklyn Delhi

Amber Spiegel, SweetAmbs Cookies

Josiah Brown, the New York Sherpa

The winners are below: 

JUNIOR CATEGORY WINNERS:

1. How Far I’ll Go by The Caputo Girls

2. Falling Water by The A Team

3. Candyland by The Highland Huskies

4. Christmas — An Elf Story by Antonella Loriggio

ADULT CATEGORY WINNERS:

1. Growing a Family Tree by Team Brunk Built

2. Expotition to the North Pole by The Blacks

3. The Memory of Asian Tradition Culture by Xindi Ma

4. Awaiting Santa Paws by Alki Alariz

EMPLOYEE & FAMILY WINNERS:

1. Candy Land by Bunch of Bakers

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas by Grace Bakers

3. Boxwood Realty & Design by Team Boxwood

4. Winter Lakeview Summerhouse by Jennifer Yess

SPECIAL SKILLS AWARDS: 

BEST INNOVATIVE STRUCTURE - Growing a Family Tree by Team Brunk Built

BEST USE OF MIXED MEDIA - Expotition to the North Pole by The Blacks

BEST HOLIDAY SPIRIT - Gnome for the Holidays by Gale Jaeck-Quick.