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Gingerbread Contest Call for Entries

2022 Gingerbread: Flour to Fables

Call for Entries!

Springfield (MA)—Springfield Museums is pleased to announce the Gingerbread: Flour to Fables exhibition. In this 13th annual holiday exhibit, visitors will step into a fantastical world of fables where flour, sugar, and spice have been blended and baked to bring classic stories to life. Colorful and sweet displays tell the stories of clever and bold animals as they go on adventures and learn important lessons.

“We were inspired by Aesop’s fables,” said Larissa Murray, Director of Education and the organizer of this beloved annual event. “We loved the idea of the fox and the grapes, the tortoise and the hare, and the country mouse and city mouse interpreted in gingerbread.”

Aesop (c. 620–564 BCE) was a remarkable storyteller who lived enslaved in Greece. His original home might have been Ethiopia, but no one knows for certain. Some historians liken his enduring tales with those of Br’er Rabbit, which were shared among enslaved people in the United States and might have had African roots. “His stories share morals that continue to resonate,” Murray said. “Slow and steady wins the race. A simple life in peace is better than an exciting life in danger. Mercy brings reward.”

“Fables can be drawn from many sources,” Murray added. “We invite folks to interpret the theme in whatever way inspires them.”

The Museums invite bakeries, schools, organizations, individuals, and families to register by Monday, November 7, 2022. Any structure is eligible, whether the design supports the Fables theme, or represents a traditional holiday scene. Gingerbread creations will be on display from November 25-December 31, 2022, in a large exhibit hall with creative murals, festive decorations, and other enchanting elements.

For questions or additional information, call 413-314-6486 or email programs@springfieldmuseums.org.

Important Dates:

Monday, November 7
Final Entry Deadline

Monday, November 21
Gingerbread Delivery Day

Friday, November 25
Gingerbread: Flour to Fables
exhibit opens to the public

Saturday, December 31
Gingerbread: Flour to Fables exhibit closes

Monday, January 2
Gingerbread Pick-Up Day

Springfieldmuseums.org, One Admission/Five Museums,

including the one and only Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum

Parking is always FREE

About The Springfield Museums

THE SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in the heart of downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated consortium of museums includes the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the first and only museum dedicated to the beloved children’s book author and Springfield native.

Hours

Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm

Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. Please visit the Tickets page.

The Hanmer Museum Store

Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm

The Blake House Café

Open Thursday-Sunday 11am-3pm.

For More Information:

Karen Fisk, VP Community Investment and External Affairs

413-263-6800, ext. 459

kfisk@springfieldmuseums.org