ATHENS — Ella Lovvorn is ready to become both elf and judge.
Ella, an 8-year-old student at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, is the creator of Athens’ very own gingerbread house contest, named after her, of course.
The Ella the Elf Gingerbread House Contest was first held in 2023 after Ella called the office of Mayor Ronnie Marks and requested a meeting.
During their discussion, when he asked what she thought the city needed, she pitched the idea for a gingerbread house contest. She added the first-place winner should get money and a lava lamp.
“How do you say, ‘No,’ to that request?” Marks said. “You don’t.”
Ella worked with her family, the Mayor’s Office and Athens Arts League to kick off her inaugural contest. Now she’s ready for round two on Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. at the Athens Activity Center.
She recently conducted a planning session with Marks and staff to go over the details. One of the major changes this year is, she will not taste test the entries.
“It was a little much, last year,” she said.
Instead, the focus will be on appearance, creativity and structural integrity.
Her army of elves have been hard at work, as well.
Athens Arts League agreed to organize the event and secured this year’s major sponsor, Impact Roofing.
Arts League Board Member Diane Lehr said Impact Roofing “loved the idea of supporting a community event related to houses – gingerbread houses.” Impact Roofing’s sponsorship secured 24 gingerbread house kits and additional decorations and supplies.
The City of Athens is sponsoring gift cards for the winners. There will be three age categories and prizes for first through third place:
- First Place – $50 gift card and a lava lamp
- Second Place – $25 gift card
- Third Place – $15 gift card
Ella told Marks she wants to judge this year, and she plans to invite one of her friends to judge. She also selected Athens Fire Chief James Hand and Athens Mayor’s Youth Commissioner Cevahni McNeill as judges.
Registration is limited to 24 entries. The entry fee is a new toy that will be donated to the Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park Committee’s annual Christmas toy/bike give-away for kids in need.
Ella the Elf Gingerbread Contest Details
- Dec. 14 at the Athens Activity Center, 912 W. Pryor Street.
- Contest starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 10.
- Judging starts at 10 a.m., and winners will be announced as soon as results tallied.
- Can be a single entry or two kids per team; will be placed in age category based on oldest child.
- Link to print the form: https://al-athens.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3028/Gingerbread-Contest-Registration-2024?bidId=
- Forms are also available at City Hall in the foyer.
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