Credit: http://www.allchocolatekitchen.com/media-gallery

It might be a little early to start thinking of the Christmas holidays, but this is one competition you won’t want to miss if you love a good gingerbread house.

The All Chocolate Kitchen, 33 S. Third S. in Geneva, in partnership with the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, announced Thursday, Oct. 9, that it will host the 1st Annual Gingerbread House Competition to benefit the Saving tiny Hearts Society at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

ABC 7 anchor Linda Yu will emcee the event.

Participants are challenged to use their creativity to create gingerbread houses constructed and composed entirely of edible materials and showcased on a base measuring no more than 12 inches by 8 inches with a maximum height of 20 inches. The evening will also mark the two-year anniversary of the World’s Longest Candy Cane, made by Roby in 2012 and reaching 52 feet long.

In what has become a beloved tradition in Geneva, Roby will create a 10-foot replica of the Guinness World Record-breaking candy cane to commemorate the anniversary. Roby will then break the candy cane into tiny pieces with a “magical” golden hammer for guests to enjoy.

The competition is open to youth (8 – 17 years) and adults (18 years and up). Entries will be judged on overall appearance, originality/creativity, difficulty and precision. Anyone is eligible to participate and may drop off their entry at the All Chocolate Kitchen after 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2. The entry fee is $15.

All proceeds benefit the Saving Tiny Hearts Society.

Roby along with two additional judges will begin judging at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, with an Award Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

From Tuesday, Dec. 2, until Saturday, Dec. 14, all of the entries will be on display in the windows of A.C.K. for the public to see.

In the Adult Category, the grand-prize winner will receive a package from Chicago’s WLS TV, including two tickets to a taping of “Windy City Live” and a Gift Certificate to Hubbard Inn in Downtown Chicago. The second-prize winner will receive a private party for 10 at The All Chocolate Kitchen, featuring specialized desserts prepared by Roby himself ($350 value). The third-prize winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to the All Chocolate Kitchen.

In the Youth Category, the grand-prize winner will receive a private party for 10 at the All Chocolate Kitchen ($350 value). The second-prize winner will receive fondue for 12 and a 12-piece Exclusive Aroma Line ($100 value). The third-prize winner will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to the All Chocolate Kitchen a copy of the Second Edition of “Alain Roby’s American Classics, Casual and Elegant Desserts” signed by Roby ($64 value).

First-, second- and third-place prizes and ribbons will be awarded in both categories and featured on display at the All Chocolate Kitchen.

Beginning Dec. 4-6, the community can vote for their favorite house for the People’s Choice Award in each category. The winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 6.

To register for the competition, call the Geneva Chamber at 630-232-6060 or download an entry form on the Geneva Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Walk page. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 1.

SOURCE: Geneva Chamber of Commerce press release