The inaugural Hardywood Gingerbread House Challenge dares local businesses, nonprofits, student groups, artists, neighbors and mall Santas to form teams and literally display their holiday spirit and creativity by constructing a gingerbread house centered around the 2017 theme: “Holidays in RVA”
Thanks to the goodwill of Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, this exciting event coincides with the release of their popular Gingerbread Stout (which BeerAdvocate calls “freagin’ Christmas in a bottle.”)
Celebrity Judges Panel

Hosted by BHCyp, the young professionals board of the Better Housing Coalition, event attendees will vote on their favorite houses, and a celebrity judging panel will crown the $1,000 Grand Prize Winner! Houses will be up for auction, and 100% of proceeds will support BHC’s mission of changing lives and transforming communities through high-quality affordable housing.
So don’t be a Scrooge – join the fun and support a great cause!
Event Details
Date & Time:
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Noon – 5:30 p.m.
Judging begins around 4 p.m.
Location:
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA
2017 Theme:
‘Holidays in RVA’
Tickets:
General Admission – $5 (At the door) Includes 2 votes in the competition;
$10 includes 5 votes
VIP – SOLD OUT!
Includes 5 votes, commemorative gingerbread cookie, VIP cup koozie and Hardywood taproom gift card
Who’s Competing?
What will they build?
Gingerbread structures are not limited to houses, and competitors are encouraged to be creative so long as the entry complies with judging rules.
Entries will be judged on overall appearance, originality, difficulty of construction, precision, and consistency of theme.
Who are the judges?
A celebrity judges’ panel including Mayor Levar Stoney, Katie Ukrop, Matt Shofner, Kelli Lemon and Lynn McAteer will decide who wins top prize. YOU help pick the People’s Choice winner!
What are the prizes?
Juried grand prize of $1,000, and a People’s Choice of $500. Also, pride and glory.
For Competitors:
Important Dates
- Entry Form Deadline: October 6, 2017 at 5 p.m. Download the entry form here.
- Entry Check-In: November 5, 2017 at 11 a.m.
- Competition & Awards: November 5, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
Resources
Below are some resources to help you build your gingerbread creation. *Use at your own risk.*
- Gingerbread Recipe (Food.com)
- How To Build An Indestructible Gingerbread House (NPR)
- How to Cook That | Gingerbread House Recipe (YouTube)
Sponsors
GOLD
BRONZE
Sponsorships Still Available!
Beer. Dessert. Cut-throat holiday competition. What more could you ask for???
Sponsors of the event will be highly visible to a diverse and merry crowd as the weekend of the Hardywood Gingerbread Stout release has historically drawn over 2,000 Richmonders. And that doesn’t include the gingerbread contest and celebrity judge panel.
Convinced? Download more information on sponsorship levels and benefits here.
Questions?
Contact Event Chair Rebecca Rowe at [email protected].