Utah's children deserve our best in developing their
skills and character for success in life. The Gingerbread
House Festival tradition continues this year in providing
much needed support in this effort while providing fun
for the whole family.
Dozens of gingerbread creations to be donated by organizations
and individuals across Utah will capture the attention
of young and old alike. The Country Store and Cookie
Corner offer holiday goodies for the tummy and under
the tree. Entertainment from across the state promises
to kick-off the holiday season in a big way.
All proceeds from the auction and house sales will
benefit the Learning
for Life character education in schools and the
Utah PTA Arts Education
Fund. This partnership builds well-rounded character
for boys and girls in areas of education, the arts,
safety, environment, health and well-being-reaching
a diverse group of Utah children in the classroom, campground
and community.
On behalf of the Gingerbread House Festival and the
children of Utah who have been or will be helped by
your generous support, thank you.
"Imagination is more than knowledge."
- Albert Einstein
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Our History
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The Gingerbread House
Festival was founded by folk artist, Eric Dowdle.
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One winter, Eric took his Venturing
team on a skiing activity. That day ended in disaster,
as Eric was carried off the mountain with two broken
legs.
While recovering with both legs
in casts, Eric decorated sugar cookies with his children.
When he accidentally dropped a gingerbread man cookie
on the floor, both its legs broke off.
He picked up the cookie, stuck
the legs back on, and proceeded to decorate it. His
artistic abilities oozed over the cookie and when he
was finished - no one could tell that the cookie had
ever been broken.
Eric wondered how many people
were like the cookie: they're broken inside but no one
knows. He decided to do something to help prevent people
from becoming broken and started the Gingerbread House
Festival in November 1999.
Since that time the Festival
has funded numerous worthwhile programs, and continues
to serve and protect Utah's children today.
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