The Old Town Manassas Gingerbread House contest is about to begin.
Molasses, ginger, flour and baking soda are just a few of the ingredients those interested in entering the contest will need to buy to get ready.
For 14 years now, Historic Manassas Inc. has displayed the talents of local amateur "architects" in the shop windows of Old Town during the annual Merry Old Town festivities. The most creative are rewarded for their efforts.
The public can view the various structures and vote on them in the shops and online.
An adult and child category this year will have a first place prize of a $100 Old Town Gift Card. Second place walks away with a $75 card and third place wins a $50 card, courtesy of the contest sponsor, Baker-Post Funeral Home.
For rules and an entry form, go to the events calendar at the HMI Web site, www.visitmanassas.org, before Nov. 20.
Houses need to be completed and delivered to the Visitors Center, 9431 West St., in Old Town by Nov. 25.
Friends and family can vote on their favorites in the shops and on the Web site beginning Dec. 1.
HMI is a nonprofit organization charged with the promotion and preservation of Old Town Manassas. Other Merry Old Town activities include the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 4 at about 6:30 p.m. or right after Santa Claus arrives on the Virginia Railway Express.
On Dec. 5, the annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade steps off at 10 a.m. On Dec. 6, the merchants of Old Town hold their annual Open House.
To round out the weekend, the public can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Old Town while waiting for all the newly purchased gifts to be wrapped.
"Old Town downtown is rolling out the welcome mat and inviting everyone to our town for the holi-days," said Patty Tracy, executive director of HMI.
Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.<p>
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