The Fort Wayne History Center has created some of its own history during the Christmas season for more than three decades by staging the annual Festival of Gingerbread in its downtown Fort Wayne facility. This year’s event takes place Nov. 29-Dec. 15.

Among the edible creations on display attendees will most often find various takes on the traditional gingerbread house but will also likely find unique takes on local historic buildings, family farms, villages, and quite possibly a political piece or two. The displays are created as part of a contest sponsored by the History Center and judged by an astute panel of gingerbread experts. The contests pit participants from different age and skill levels against others in the same group, each one vying for cash prizes and year-long bragging rights.

Attendance for the event has grown tremendously over the last 33 years, now drawing up to 15,000 people annually. In addition to the gingerbread designs, storytelling for kids, crafts, and entertainment, a gingerbread cookie sale will take place once again this year, adding more excitement for some of the younger attendees.

Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus making themselves available for photos while looking to add the names of good little boys and girls to their gift lists.