The sweetness of Wilton is now on full display in the more than 30 gingerbread creations adorning the book shelves for the first “How Sweet It Is in Wilton” Gingerbread Contest sponsored by the Wilton Library and the Wilton Chamber of Commerce.
This is one of those ‘build it and they will come’ moments,” remarks Melissa Baker, media and digital services librarian for Wilton Library, who came up with the idea. “We threw this challenge out to the community and people responded with creativity, whimsy and talent.”
Baker was inspired by an article she read about the Boston gingerbread contest created by professional architects. She took that idea and went further with it by inviting all members of the community to embrace the concept–individuals, families, groups, organizations, merchants and others. The results were 23 entries by adults and nine entries created by children.
“The basic idea was to create a home, building or place in Wilton. Edible models of everything from Ambler Farm to Merwin Meadows, from Schoolhouse at Cannondale to Wilton Library, are now here,” Baker says. “Aside from the wonderful creativity, the best part about this contest is the yummy aromas of vanilla, ginger and cinnamon wafting through the shelves.”
Elaine Tai-Lauria, executive director of the library agrees that the idea is an uplifting one, “We partnered with the Wilton Chamber of Commerce because this contest is all about Wilton. But the unexpected delight is seeing the smiles on admirers’ faces as they recognize all the submissions.”
Debra Hanson, executive director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, was excited to work with the Library on this. “We felt it was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and a fun reason for people to visit Wilton. For instance, people can see the creations when they visit the library during the Holiday Stroll on Friday, Dec. 7.”
All the entries are featured at the library through Jan. 2, 2019, but that’s not where this contest ends. Three community leaders will judge the submissions based on two groups–12-and-under, and ages 13-to-adult–in three categories: best historical Wilton house, best creative Wilton building and best whimsical design. But wait, there’s more–members of the public have a chance to vote on a Community Favorite. Gift certificates from the Wilton Chamber of Commerce will be awarded in each of the seven categories, including the community pick.
Public voting for the Community Favorite entry continues until Tuesday, Dec. 18 at noon. Once the voting is closed, the names of all the creators will be placed next to their respective submissions. The winners will be announced at the library on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m..
Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Rd. in the heart of Wilton Center. Library hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.. The library will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For information, call 203.762.6334.
