It’s that time of year again, ERA Landmark Real Estate wants you to break out your gingerbread house making tools! At this year’s Livingston Christmas Stroll, they will be choosing winners for the 4th annual competition.
This contest began back in 2019 and this year will be the fourth in five years, 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19. Jessie Sarrazin, Broker and one of the organizers of the competition, when asked why they started this said, “We wanted to start something to increase our involvement with the community.” She stated that since their primary focus in business is homes, they believed a gingerbread house competition would be a logical and fun event due to this.
It’s not all about the competition, as they will be providing refreshments and entertainment for all who come in to vote on the day of the stroll. They will be providing cookies and hot cocoa. They will also have live music. The ukelele band from last year will be making an appearance. It’s sure to be an exciting affair.
All voting will take place the day of the stroll at the ERA office.
Last year they had nearly 300 voters and are hoping to increase that this year, along with the number of entries. They are looking to accomplish this by spreading the word in person and with ads in the community journal.
This contest is for all ages. There are three categories: Youth (12 and under), Adult and ERA staff.
On December 4th, the communities’ votes will be tallied up and a first, second and third place will be awarded for each category. Now, this isn’t just for fun. There are also cash prizes and trophies up for grabs.
For the adults, 1st place wins $250, 2nd place $125 and 3rd place $50.
For the youths, 1st place wins $100, 2nd place $50 and 3rd place $25.
The ERA staff will be competing for bragging rights and trophies, which the youths and adults will also be competing for.
While there is no money on the line, it was obvious that the participants in the office take it seriously. Melody Christopher, office manager, was quick to point out that Jessie Sarrazin has won the last two years. She came close last year with 3rd place.
For the youth category, Cora Roseberry won last year and for the adults, Vay O’Brien took it home.
If you want to enter, bring your entry to the ERA office at 215 S Main St, Livingston, MT 59047. Entries will be accepted from November 27th to December 1st at 1 p.m.
Get out there and start building! Don’t wait too long, the competition is sure to be fierce!