Sweet Heritage on Full Display in Pictou

The Pictou Gingerbread Heritage Christmas Contest, which was held recently held at the McCulloch House Museum & Genealogy Centre, was a huge success.  Contestants were invited to create a replica of a Pictou heritage building out of gingerbread. There were five outstanding entries, which demonstrated impressive skill and imagination. 

This event was co-sponsored by the Pictou Heritage Advisory Committee, Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, and McCulloch House Museum & Genealogy Centre.  The Heritage Trust generously provided books and memberships as prizes and helped promote the contest.  The original idea for contest came from Laurie Stanley-Blackwell, the regional representative of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia for Pictou, Antigonish, and Guysborough Counties, as a means to promote and celebrate the remarkable heritage architecture in her community.   

Other community members chipped in to contribute voluntarily with refreshments, such as the Pictou County Genealogy and Heritage Society, Marielle Assad of Salt Water Bakery, and the Caribou Women’s Institute.  Becki Henderson of Springville kindly lent her miniature Christmas tree decorated with antique cookie cutters. 

This year’s submissions exceeded the organizers’ expectations.  They are excited to announce that this contest will become an annual event. 

This year’s contestants have set the bar very high for next year’s competition.  The winners are: Sharon Smalley (First Prize), Ruth Wortman (Second Prize), Heidi Nelson (Third Prize), and the Sunday Night Group and Lynn Nelson (Fourth Prize, tie).

This event also collected a full box of food donations, as well as $200 in cash, for the local Food Bank.