The Chamber of Commerce Gingerbread display comes down this Friday, and if you missed it you can get a taste of the designs here, but the photos don’t do the details justice. Make sure to check it out in person before 5 p.m. on Friday when the Chamber office in the Depot closes.
Read about one family’s annual tradition participating in the contest.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
In 2012, when Matthews resident, Nathalie Friedlander, saw an ad for the Matthews Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gingerbread House Contest, she thought it would be a great experience for the three generations in her family.
Her mother, Rolande Sowers (“Nana”), also of Matthews, was known for her knitting, sewing, floral design, miniature-creations, interior decorating and cake making. Nathalie and her daughters, Maddie and Ella, baked and sewed together. A gingerbread house contest would be one more opportunity to create something, have fun, and, more importantly, be together as a family.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
That first year, as amateurs (as they called themselves), they decided to make a small village – each person created a house on a platform. They won 1st place in the Family category.
“This is creating something that is US,” said Rolande, “that we know, before Thanksgiving, that we need to get our stuff together.”
Since then, it’s been a trade-off in winning or placing in most of the annual contests. In past years, their works of art have included a log cabin, Mouse House, marble super-hero-headquarters, Lego creation, and the list goes on.
“In the past, we’d make the gingerbread, slap a few candies (on it) and bum, bum, bum – all done!” said Rolande. “I’m sure if we looked at the first one we made and now these, I can see improvement.”
With the precision of warriors and the knowledge of experienced students, they’ve perfected their techniques using online and magazine ideas, and always discussing and formulating their creations together, in advance. They guesstimate that they spend a few weeks in preparation and upwards of 15-24 man-hours creating the artwork.
Photo by Renee Garner
Each year, they painstakingly cook and flatten pans of gingerbread – often up to eight batches to get the right consistency and necessary pieces in order. Since everything must be edible, they use items such as beans, icing, pretzels, cereal and fondant, and leftover Halloween candy. Always, they design a cardboard or cardstock prototype to ensure the final product will actually stand the test of time (and transportation).
This year, (for reasons of expediency, timing, and lifestyle), they worked on their creations separately. By all accounts, it’s been a lonelier experience; the in-person contact has been replaced by texting and multiple phone conversations.
Rolande began formulating ideas for her creation several weeks ago - the “Pastel Cottage” (using fondant for the very first time) was born. “I wanted to focus and work out the detail until I was satisfied, and not be rushed,” she said. “It says something to me,” she added, bursting with pride. “I had a lot of fun doing it.”
Shutter, flowers, windows, doors – all of the details must be exact. This year, she worked on her separate pieces flat. “I wanted everything to be precise,” she said. “This is the first time I’ve done it (this way). In a way, it’s a lot easier, but it’s also a lot harder because you can do (even more) detail – you can spend just a few days (on this part, alone)!” she exclaimed.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
Across town, Nathalie and daughters were also formulating and making this year’s creations – Maddie’s gazebo and closed umbrella from (the movie) “Frozen,” Ella’s teepee and campfire, and Nathalie’s replica of a house on Lazy Branch Road built using Starbursts, Lifesavers, Jolly Ranchers, Gum Balls, rock candy, popcorn, marshmallows, edible grass, gum and (ball) sprinkles as accessories.
In every discussion, each family member echoes the same sentiments that this experience has provided. “It’s something we get to do as a family,” said Ella. “It’s a fun family experience - making good memories, and something to share with our children.” To which, mother Nathalie replied, “Someone commented that, down the road, I’m going to be the ‘Nana,’ and we can show them the gingerbread houses.”
Photo by Renee Garner
News About Town: If you’re driving through the Elizabeth Lane Elementary school zone, be aware of posted speeds. The Town has been examining ways to make traffic flow more smoothly through the area, especially during school hours. Aside from traditional approaches such as evaluating the pattern of movement for carpool drop-off and pick-up, the police department has been gathering data such as vehicle speed and safety at crosswalks. In an effort to ensure safety for families getting to and from school, additional signs and alerts will be posted. The Matthews Police Department is also increasing patrols to enforce the speed limit and crosswalk laws.
News Around Town: This Saturday marks the beginning of the winter hours for the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market. The market will have shorter hours from 8-10 AM, but many mainstays and favorite vendors will be selling through the colder months.
One Fun Thing: Show off your architectural skills with the Matthews Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Gingerbread House Contest. Drop off your entry at the Chamber (210 Matthews Station Street) by 4:30 PM November 30 for judging on December 1. Judging will be separated into three categories: Amateur: Child/Family: 17 yrs or younger or family group that includes a child, Amateur: Adult: 18 yrs or older or any group of amateur adults, and Professional: Bakers, Chefs, Caterers, and Artists. Each category will be judged based on first impression, proportion, artistry, difficulty, and Matthews influence.
