Little pink houses: Budding architects and chefs can work their magic, gingerbread style, this Saturday at Ferry Farm. Visit the Photo Place

>> GINGERBREAD HOUSES ARE FUN, AND WEEKEND WORKSHOPS HELP FOLKS GEAR UP FOR THE BIG CONTEST AT FERRY FARM

Gingerbread house workshops are fun, and help folks gear up for the big contest at Ferry Farm.

by Collette Caprara

Date published: 11/5/2009

by Collette Caprara

for the free lance-star

As the air turns crisp and the holidays approach, thoughts wander to the special aromas and tastes of the season--including gingerbread, which has been a tradition since the time of our nation's founding.

In fact, the folks at George Washington's boyhood home at Ferry Farm even have the recipe used by his mother, Mary Ball Washington, and will be hosting two gingerbread workshops for children ages 6 and above this Saturday.

The workshops will be led for the third year by a devoted volunteer, Heather Holmes, who personally baked 80 kits of gingerbread pieces for her first workshop, after pursuing ideas and settling on a pattern that could be used.

"I keep my eye out all year for ideas," said Holmes.

"The workshops are a great idea for mommy-and-me time or daddy-daughter dates," she added. Holmes, whose 6-year-old, Caleb, will be participating this year, said, "The kids really enjoy the experience. They're creating a memory as well as a holiday decoration or gift!"

The workshop is also valuable preparation for those who may be thinking about participating in Ferry Farm's 23rd annual Gingerbread Contest and Exhibit, which will be on display throughout December. The contest, which has attracted as many as 60 entries, will be featuring the theme "George Washington Slept Here" this year.

"And a little research opens a lot of possibilities for the gingerbread creations," said Noelle Hall, Ferry Farm's special events coordinator. "It even goes beyond Virginia. There was the time that George spent with his brother Lawrence in Barbados--and, of course, he slept in camps such as Valley Forge and a number of forts."

Holmes is well-suited to facilitate the workshops. Her creation for the Victorian Christmas exhibit was an award-winner in 2005, so she brings the expertise of experience. At the same time, that amazing Victorian house, complete with cupola and columns, was her first and only gingerbread creation. So she is living proof that one need not be an expert to enter.

In fact, awards are given in 13 categories, ranging from ages 2-5 and 6-10 (with adult supervision) to 18 and over, and include such cohorts as family-made, group creations, special needs and professional.

Holmes' tips on creating a gingerbread house range from considerations of structure and durability, to ideas for materials that could be used for decorations (all of which must be edible).

What: Gingerbread House workshops Where: Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Highway (State Route 3), Stafford When: Saturday, Nov. 7. Two sessions: 10 a.m.-noon; 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Children $5; adults $10. All supplies included. (All children must be accompanied.) Reservations: 540/370-0732, ext. 24. Info: kenmore.org (Ferry Farm, Events) for contest guidelines and registration form.

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Date published: 11/5/2009