Tasty treasures

By Joseph Cyr
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
FIRST PLACE — This Victorian gingerbread house, by Janet
Hansen won first place in the adult category of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce contest.
Staff Writer
HOULTON — With the holidays fast approaching the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce has announced its winners in the fourth annual Gingerbread House Building and Home Decorating contests.
    “Just stepping through the doors of the Courtyard Café, one experiences the incredible smell of gingerbread,” said Lori Weston, executive director for the chamber. “Joyce Transue, owner of the Courtyard Café, graciously displays the houses so that the public can view and admire the hard work and creativity of our very talented local folks.”
    This year, a total of 21 individuals constructed gingerbread houses for the competition. Those entering gingerbread houses had three nights that they could deliver their creations to the Courtyard Café. The houses are available for viewing at the restaurant.
    “This year, the entries were all exceptional,” said Weston,. “It takes great skill, patience and imagination to create a gingerbread house.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
CUTE CREATION — The 4-H Haybalers won second prize in the Group/Family category of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce Gingerbread Decorating contest.
    The winners in the gingerbread contest, as determined by a group of independent voters, were as follows:
    Adult — 1, Janet Hansen; and 2, Lynn Parker.
    Child — 1, Riley Fitzpatrick; 2, Austin Winslow; and 3, Cole Winslow.
    Youth — 1, Miriam Rogan; and 2, Olivia Winslow.
    Group/Family — 1, Second-grade class at Wellington School; and 2, 4-H Haybalers.
    Homes and businesses were also challenged to decorate their exteriors in holiday splendor. Twelve homes and 15 businesses participated this year. There is no entry fee to participate in the contest.
     Winners in the Home Decorating Contest were:
    Traditional – Jacob and Heidi McNinch, the Walker Road.
    Martha Stewart would be proud – Lisa Duff, Highland Avenue.
    Clark Griswold – Murray Williams, Foxcroft Road.
    In the Business Decorating Contest, the window display at Paradis Shop N’ Save won the coveted traveling trophy for its first-place victory. The Best Exterior Display Award went to Farm Service Agency. All of the winners received Chamber Bucks gift certificates that promote local businesses in the community.
    “The Chamber wishes to thank all of those who entered the contest,” Weston said. “Your community spirit is very much appreciated everyone!”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
YUMMY — Riley Fitzpatrick submitted this gingerbread house, which won first place in the Child Division.