KALAMAZOO, Michigan. —Kalamazoo-based housing nonprofit, Community Homeworks, is again presenting its Annual Homes for the Holidays: Gingerbread House Contest, from Sunday, December 8 to Saturday, December 21.
This year’s free and family-friendly contest will again be held at downtown retail locations to support area small businesses during the holiday season. The event has expanded to include over 30 gingerbread house creations, which will be on full display at 30 locations in downtown Kalamazoo, beginning Sunday, December 8. Most entries will be showcased in the front window of each participating retail location. The public will be able to vote for their favorite entry by voting on the event website at communityhomeworks.org/gingerbreadhousekzoo/
The entry with the most votes by December 14 at 11:59 will become the 2024 People’s Choice Award recipient and receive a special trophy.
A panel of celebrity judges will select this year’s 2024 Judges’ Choice (both amateur and professional), Pop Culture, Fantasy, and Iconic Structure Award recipients. Celebrity judges include:
- Hon. Julie M. Rogers, State Representative, 41st District
- Dann Sytsma, Crawlspace Comedy Theatre
- Jessica Thompson, Bee Joyful Shop
- Clarence Lloyd, Southwest Michigan First Chamber
- Nancy Loftis, Advia Credit Union
The public can access a PDF version of the event map on the event website or pick up a print version at the participating retail locations. 2024 participating locations include:
- Abonmarche Byce
- Bee Joyful Shop
- Bimbo’s Pizza
- Cherri’s Chocol’art
- Climb Kalamazoo
- Colors and Cocktails
- Dessert First
- Discover Kalamazoo
- Earthly Delights at Amy Zane
- Gazelle Sports
- Hilton Garden Inn
- HighDive Kitchen + Bar
- Honor Credit Union
- 1st Source Bank
- Kalamazoo Public Library
- Kalamazoo Candle Company
- Kzoo in the Mitten
- LUXE Gift Shop & Boutique
- Mason Jar Plant Shop
- MRC Industries artWORKS
- Outfront Kalamazoo
- Pop City Popcorn
- The Radisson Plaza Hotel
- Rocket Fizz
- Spice and Tea Merchants
- The Aroma Labs
- The Epic Center
- The Grazing Table
- The Kalamazoo State Theatre Box Office
- The Spirit of Kalamazoo
- The Station
- Uncle Buddy’s Toy Stash
“We are thrilled to again present this year’s contest in downtown Kalamazoo to support our area small businesses during the holiday season and further increase awareness about Community Homeworks’ vital mission to support vulnerable Kalamazoo County homeowners,” said Chris Praedel, Executive Director.
“We hope to create an annual holiday tradition in downtown Kalamazoo and bring community together to support an important housing cause. Our organization works to keep homeowners in their home when health or safety home repairs arise. We also provide empowering homeowner education workshops and will soon launch a tool lending program. So far in 2024, we have served over 250 families in our community with critical home repair requests, including essential items such as no-heat situations as the months get colder.”
Advia Credit Union is again serving as the signature event’s presenting sponsor.
About Community Homeworks
Founded in 2009, Community Homeworks’ programs are designed to help keep people in their homes and develop homeowner self-sufficiency while also ensuring that Kalamazoo County homes are safe and healthy.
Our programs provide a comprehensive package of solutions for making housing affordable, more stable, and safe. Programs are critical home repairs, tool lending (opening soon), and education workshops on home maintenance and repairs. Learn more about the organization at communityhomeworks.org.
