FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2007
Contact: Ann Grimm
Port of Bellingham
(360) 676-2500
Holiday Port Festival Raises Money for Red Cross
GINGERBREAD CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
[Bellingham, Wash.] A record number of 91 amazing gingerbread houses and structures were on display at the 17th annual Holiday Port Festival last weekend at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. These creations included everything from traditional gingerbread houses and cottages to Snoopy and his doghouse. Other kitchen creations included a church, a train, and Santa on a surf board, all made from gingerbread and delightfully decorated. Many were entered into a silent auction that raised $1200 to benefit the Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross. Red Cross volunteers serving refreshments also received $1,300 in donations from individuals during the 3-day event.
The gingerbread houses were judged on presentation, quality of construction, originality and detail and design. The "People's Choice Award" gave festival-goers an opportunity to vote for their favorite structure. The winner receives 2 round trip cruises to Victoria -- including a delicious dinner -- donated by Victoria San Juan Cruises. Prizes donated by Bellingham Travel and Cruise, Brenthaven, Heininger Automotive, The Bunch Store, Sorella's by the Bay and Village Books were awarded to all first place winners. Here are the 2007 winners:
People's Choice Award: Whitney Wynn's "Cinderella's Carriage"
Preschool (Age 5 and under)
1st: Bellingham Childcare and Learning Center
2nd: Madelyn Jurges
3rd: Sophie Lowy
Grades K - 3
1st: Elizabeth West
2nd Tie: Andrea Kelsh and Alex Kelsh
3rd Tie: Girl Scout Friends/Jean Layton and Kevin Clausen
Grades 4 - 8
1st: Jaime Korner - "The House of Books"
2nd: Celestina Sumpter Davidson with Ella and Ivy Denham Conroy
Rachel Roberts and Maya Norton
3rd Tie: Eric Foster - "Half Pipe" and Bryanna Choat - "My School"
Grades 9 - 12
1st: Whitney Wynn - "Cinderella's Carriage"
2nd: Alex Hyman - "The House on Valencia Street"
3rd: Katie Bachenberg and Gracie Mueller
Family:
1st: The Woods Family
2nd Tie: The Hewitt Family and The Lotts - "Snoopy at Christmas"
3rd Tie: The Prentiss Family - "Japanese Gingerbread" and the Metzger Family - "Hansel & Gretel's Find It"
Individual (Adult)
1st: Flip Breskin
2nd: Sarah Jane Hilliard
3rd: Angie Hardwood - "Christmas Carousel"
Professional/Baker/Caterer
1st: Sorella's by the Bay
Business/Organization
1st: Habitat for Humanity at Western
Seniors/Senior Organizations
1st: Llewellyn Hollingsworth
The Holiday Port Festival was presented by the Port of Bellingham and sponsored by BP Cherry Point Refinery, Bellingham Travel and Cruise, Rainier Petroleum Products, and media sponsor KAFE radio.
