Saturday, December 7th, was the official start of the holiday season in Dracut, and Dracut Rotary got the festivities going with their 13th Annual Gingerbread House Competition. The event was a huge success according to chair Tami Dristiliaris, with families visiting Gagnon Hall to view the festive creations and enjoy the holiday fun all day long. Visitors enjoyed the holiday music, decorated cookies and took chances to win a creation to take home.

They also voted for their favorite entries. There were four categories in the competition; Professional, Adult, Young Adult (ages 13 to 19 years) and Children (through age 12 ). The winners of the four categories were announced at the close of the event. 

In the Professional category 1st place went to Sugar Coated Bakery of Dracut; 2nd was awarded to Bittersweet Bake Shoppe of Tyngsboro. 

In the Adult category, 1st place went to John Cole, 2nd place was awarded to Rep. Colleen Garry and Staff, and in 3rd was Christine Cole.

The Young Adult 1st place award went to the RARA Team of LeeAnne Barry, Tina Broussard, Tammy O’Malley and George Sarault. The 2nd place was awarded to Olivia Keating, Kelley Sylvester and Jadyn Hood; and in 3rd place were Charlei Keating and Thomas Tziotzioras. 

In the Children’s category, 1st place went to Dimitri, Alyson and Kate Asikis. The 2nd place winners were the members of Pack 80 Den 6 Boy Scouts, and 3rd place was awarded to Girl  Scout Troop 67530.

While DRC does not charge admission for the event, donations are accepted. All proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets go to benefit the Dracut Food Pantry.