The chill is in the air as the holiday season descends upon us and we all know that there is nothing better to rid us of the chill than a nice warm snack like hot apple cider and warm cookies. And we also know that the holiday season isn’t the holiday season in The Fort without a trip to the History Center for the annual Festival of Gingerbread.

Since its inception in 1985, The Festival of Gingerbread has grown into one of the community’s premiere holiday traditions and the best attended event at the History Center every year, with more than 12,000 visitors annually.

Step into the Shields Room and you’ll immediately be amazed by the vast variety of styles, sizes, shapes and themes of the one hundred plus edible creations on display. Competitive categories for the show range from preschool to adults and professionals and the theme of each creation ranges from the traditional houses to replicas of existing structures to unique art.

Prizes are awarded to winners in each category, but regardless of whether they win or lose, the emphasis is always on fun.

The festival kicks off Nov. 23 and runs through Dec. 9 with a preview Gala on Nov. 20. In addition to the main attractions, The Festival of Gingerbread also offers visits with Santa, storytelling, cookie sales, crafts, and other entertainment.