In the face of Hurricane Helene's destructive path, one Asheville hotel has emerged as a beacon of hope and cheer. For an astonishing 31 years, the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has been hosting an annual gingerbread house contest. This cherished tradition has not only brought the local Asheville community together but has also allowed residents to showcase their remarkable gingerbread creations.

In the Wake of Disaster, a Sweet Tradition Continues

Gingerbread House Contest - A Time-Honored Tradition

For decades, the Omni Grove Park Inn's gingerbread house contest has been a highlight of the Asheville holiday season. Local residents pour their hearts and creativity into these elaborate structures, turning them into works of art. The competition was a time when the community came together to admire and celebrate these sweet masterpieces.However, Hurricane Helene's impact forced the cancellation of the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread Competition. But the Inn's leadership team, led by executive pastry chef John Cook, didn't let this setback dampen their spirits. They reimagined a way to keep the tradition alive.

The Gingerbread Trail of Giving - Spreading Holiday Cheer

The result was the "Gingerbread Trail of Giving," a collaborative effort involving 45 local Asheville businesses. These businesses agreed to display the gingerbread houses created by those who had already entered the competition. This initiative spread holiday cheer throughout the city, allowing people to enjoy the sweet artistry in unexpected places.Each display features a QR code for donations to the Always Asheville Fund. This fund supports the recovery efforts of small travel and hospitality businesses in the tourist-beloved area. It's a beautiful way to give back while enjoying the festive spirit.

Post-Hurricane Resilience - Keeping Tradition Alive

Despite the devastation caused by the hurricane, the community came together to ensure that the gingerbread tradition lived on. People who had completed their gingerbread houses were invited to bring them to town and display them for others to enjoy. This act of unity showed the true spirit of Asheville.Pastry chef John Cook emphasizes the importance of this resilience. "It's devastating to see what's happened to our community, but it's beautiful to see people come together and help keep tradition alive and share their skills," he says.

Looking Ahead - The Return of the In-Person Competition

While the community found a way to keep the tradition alive this holiday season, the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is eager to return to its regularly scheduled program next year. "We are looking forward to bringing back the in-person competition in 2025," Cook says. "We have already announced that entries will be accepted as of July 25, 2025!"This announcement gives hope to the community and those who love the gingerbread tradition. It shows that even in the face of adversity, Asheville will continue to celebrate its unique culture and spirit.The sweet-and-spicy gingerbread creations, from cityscapes to windmills, are now on display through January 5 at the hotel and throughout the city. It's a sight that brings joy to many and serves as a reminder of the power of community and tradition.