Gingerbread FIREhouses on exhibit at the old fire house

Fresh evergreens and gingerbread -- ah, it's beginning to smell a lot like the holidays at Aurora's old central fire station. The first of the gingerbread FIREhouses have begun to arrive in anticipation for the Aurora Regional Fire Museum's second annual Gingerbread FIREhouse Contest and Exhibition set to open on Saturday, Nov. 27.

More than a baker's dozen gingerbread FIREhouses, fire stations, and burning buildings have been specially crafted for this family-friendly event. Entries have been received from individuals, families, teams of co-workers from local businesses, scout groups, school students, and culinary professionals. This year's contest attracted bakers from Elk Grove Village, Pingree Grove, and as far away as Momence.

Contest rules state that all entries depict a firefighting themed architectural structure (real or imaginary), and that except for the base, everything must be made from 100 percent edible materials. The gingerbread FIREhouses will be judged based on adherence to a theme; creativity and originality; and the level of precision and skill. A panel of local experts have been recruited to serve as gingerbread Firehouse judges -- Aurora's Fire Chief Hal Carlson; architect Lane Allen of Allen+Pepa Studios; and Michelle Boyd of Good Gracious Cakes (who has competed professionally on numerous television cake challenges).

Museum visitors will be encouraged to vote for their favorite gingerbread creation in the museum's "people's choice" category to be awarded December 18th, at the conclusion of the exhibit.

A family of festive firehouse mice are back again and have taken up residence to decorate the fire museum's main-floor exhibit “Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued.” Visitors can see Cinders as he sleeps in the back of the steam fire engine's boiler, Sparks as he tries to ring the fire bell, and Ashes as he decorates a 1948 fire engine.

Deborah Davis, the museum's executive director says, "It is only through the generosity of our sponsors that this event is possible." This year's contest has two Sugar-n-Spice lead-sponsors: Paul Davis Restoration of Kane, Kendall, and West Cook Counties; and Dee Rechenmacher of Pilmer Reality. Additional support has been received from local businesses, organizations, and private individuals.

According to Jack O'Connell, franchise owner of Paul Davis Restoration, "We are honored to be a leading sponsor of the event this year. The contest is a great way for families, civic and business groups to have fun and participate in a creative activity during the holidays while supporting the local fire museum's awareness campaign."

The Gingerbread FIREhouse Exhibit opens on Saturday, Nov. 27 with gingerbread judging, a visit from Santa the Fire Chief, storytelling, and a holiday mouse hunt. As a special holiday gift to the community, admission is free on opening day. The gingerbread FIREhouses and holiday displays will be on exhibit through Saturday, Dec. 18.

For more information, holiday hours, maps and directions, or to purchase raffle tickets for the gingerbread firehouses, see the Aurora Regional Fire Museum's website: www.AuroraRegionalFireMuseum.org