At first glance, you're entering a world of castles and snow covered roofs, farms and restaurants. What also stands out is the rock candy, life savers, and licorice. Creativity and imagination jump out at you during a visit to the Gingerbread Village at the Festival of Trees in Davenport.
There are about 150 creations in the village. The one common denominator is that they are made from gingerbread.
Amber Grimm and Lisa Dundovich are the village trustees so to speak. They are volunteers who are responsible for organizing all of the creations submitted by amateurs and professionals along with children and adults. The two women also created their own gingerbread houses for Festival.
There is a Nativity Scene, houses with patriotic themes, a farmer's market, a chapel that lights up and much more. The people who submit entries use popcorn, gum, Hershey's Chocolate, peppermints, and other candies to decorate their gingerbread art.
Some of the gingerbread creations will sell for more than 200 dollars. If they are made right, many will last for years.
The entries are judged according to categories. Judges look for creativity, quality, and artistic ability. All of the money raised from the sale of the gingerbread items goes to Quad City Arts. Whatever is not sold will be donated to a local library.
Lisa says it's hard not to smile when you make a visit to the Gingerbread Village.
