For more than a decade the Opera House in Boothbay Harbor has been one of Maine’s sweetest gathering places during the holiday season. This year the historic building will once again serve as the host and backdrop for the annual Gingerbread Spectacular, Dec. 2-5.

While the pandemic has altered much of life in Maine and around the country, it has also meant that more families and friends are staying home. If home bound this season, or even if you are not, it’s the perfect time to start designing an entry for this year’s Gingerbread Spectacular. In past years both novices and seasoned bakers have competed to win the Most Spectacular Gingerbread crown, and associated bragging rights. They have created small gingerbread cabins and large gingerbread warming huts complete with moving gingerbread man (and woman) skaters. Gingerbread windmills and lighthouses, gingerbread wharves and islands, gingerbread stadiums and castles, gingerbread birdhouses and fish tanks, gingerbread cuckoo clocks and doll houses – the judges have seen almost everything over the past decade.

Entry forms are currently available by visiting the Opera House, open Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by calling 633-6855, or requesting at info@boothbayoperahouse.com

It is free to enter, and prizes will be awarded to not only the Most Spectacular, but also to the gingerbread creations that the judges feel represent the Best Holiday Spirit, The Largest, Most Traditional, Most Hilarious, Most Icing, Best Landscaping, and Best Representation of a Local Landmark. Creations may be picked up after the exhibit closes on Dec. 5, or donated to be auctioned off to raise funds for the Opera House.

Those interested in learning more about the craft of gingerbread house construction are invited to participate in a free class at the Opera House on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Advance registration is required – please call the box office at 633-5159. Kevin Kiley will pass along essential building techniques and icing secrets during this hour long class, beginning at 3 p.m. All ages are welcome, but participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

The 2020 Gingerbread Spectacular will have many familiar elements from past years, and will have new social-distancing rules in place as well in an effort to keep the season both safe and magical at the same time. For additional details call the Opera House or visit boothbayoperahouse.com