2025 Nicholas Lodge Legacy Foundation Virtual Gingerbread Competition

HEADLINE SPONSOR: Cake Collaborator Magazine

Key Dates — Entry: November 9, 2025 – December 17, 2025, • Judging: December 18–20, 2025 •

Winners will be announced on December 21, 2025

Official Rules & Guidelines

1. Theme & Creative Direction

All entries must be a gingerbread structure or scene. Any theme (holiday, winter, fantasy, architectural, cultural,

etc.) is permitted as long as it is respectful and non-offensive

2. Entry Requirements

• All visible components must be edible.

• Gingerbread (any recipe/flavor) must be the primary construction material.

• Acceptable edible elements include royal icing, fondant, gum paste, chocolate, modeling chocolate, candy,

wafer paper, isomalt, sugar art, edible lace, marzipan, cookies, rice cereal treats, and edible printing.

• No non-edible internal supports (wood, wire, PVC, foam, plastic rods). Hidden uncooked pasta or toothpicks

are allowed as internal supports only.

• Projects must be constructed during the competition timeframe (no prior builds).

• Base board must be completely covered and decorated with edible materials — no raw/visible board showing

anywhere (e.g., fondant, icing, chocolate, wafer paper, sugar sheets, sprinkles).

3. Size / Dimensions

No maximum size limit: entries must be fully free-standing and movable without collapsing. No limit on base

board size.

4. Required Progress Photos (WIP Proof)

Entrants must provide:

• Raw or unbaked gingerbread dough/pan sheet

• Cut shapes prior to assembly

• Mid-contruction (walls/roof/supporting icing visible)

• Final finished piece: front, back, sides, and top views

(Optional: time-lapse or short video clips)

5. Blind Judging Policy

Judging is conducted blind. Do not include names, logos, watermarks, or any identifying marks on judging

photos or the work surface shown in judging shots. Organizer will anonymize files for judges.

6. Social Media Posting Restrictions

No posting or sharing of progress or finished entry images/videos on any public channels until after winners

have been officially announced. Early posting will result in immediate disqualification.

7. Judging Criteria

Overall Design & Creativity (30%)

Precision / Finish / Clean Construction (25%)

Difficulty & Techniques Used (20%)

Edible Decoration Quality (15%)

Presentation & Photography (10%)

8. Disqualification Triggers

• Visible non-edible materials

• Primarily pre-purchased/kit builds without significant modification

• Missing required progress photos

• Offensive content or harmful IP misuse

9. Submission Package

• Entrant name

• Title of piece

• Short inspiration/description (max 120 words)

• Final photos + required progress photos

10. Age Categories

• Junior: up to age 12

• Adult: age 12 and up

(Parent/guardian may supervise Juniors for safety; all decorating must be done by the Junior.)

11. Awards

Placements per category (Junior and Adult):

• 1st Place

• 2nd Place

• 3rd Place

Cross-category specialty awards (single winner each):

• Grand Overall Winner

• Technical Skill Award

• Most Creative

• People’s Choice

12. Rights & Permissions

By entering, you confirm you created the work and grant the Foundation/CBC Designs permission to share

images for promotion with proper credit after winners are announced.

Use Code NLLF15 at www.simicakes.com for 15% off Simi Isomalt, Designer Molds and Sugar Tools.  Does not apply to kits, classes, an sales.