DRACUT – Dracut Rotary Club officially kicked off the Christmas season on Saturday, December 3rd, at Harmony Hall. The 5th Annual DRC Gingerbread House Competition showcased dozens of gingerbread creations to the delight of adults and children alike.

The day-long event was a community service project, with proceeds to benefit the Dracut Food Pantry. Contestants competed for prizes in four categories: amateurs, children under 12, professionals and Rotarians. Visitors from Dracut and surrounding communities cast ballots for their favorites in each category. While the competition was an admission free event, donations for the food pantry were accepted. In addition, the houses were awarded to lucky winners of the silent raffle. Raffle tickets were for sale and patrons took a chance on their favorite gingerbreadcreation, with winners taking home a holiday treasure.

In addition, there was gingerbread cookie decorating for children and hot cocoa and sweet treats for everyone. The highlight of the day was the arrival of Santa to the delight of everyone. According to one excited 5 year old, “I knew Santa would come.”