Carol Franck of Canton took first place in TAUNY's Sugar and Spice Gingerbread Contest with "Unless."

CANTON -- TAUNY's 2015 Sugar and Spice gingerbread contest, with the theme Children's Literature, drew nearly 20 imaginative creations from area children, families, adults and community groups. Diverse literature is represented including the classics "The Three Little Pigs" and "Hansel and Gretel," as well as popular series including "The Magic Treehouse," "Narnia," "The Hobbit," and "Harry Potter." Dr. Seuss was well-represented as well as other favorites. Awards were given in four categories.

Judges folklorist Varick Chittenden, Potsdam children's librarian Sarah Sachs, and architect Rebecca Weld of Renew Architecture and Design noted the details, creative use of materials, and imaginative interpretations of the scenes.

"Taken as a whole, the exhibit is truly remarkable. I'll never look at trees without seeing Rice Krispies or steam without seeing popcorn again," says TAUNY communications director Aviva Gold. The exhibit remains on display until December 22 at The TAUNY Center, where the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite in The People's Choice category.

The contest and exhibit are generously sponsored by Stewart's Shops.

The winners are:

• In the Children's category (under 12 years old with minimal adult help), first place goes to Jake Backus (10), Kailin Backus (9) and Maddie Zimmer (7) of Rensselear Falls with "Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"

• Second place is a three-way tie between Lucy DeCoteau, Katie Metcalf and Laurel Whittier (all 9) of Canton with "Magic Tree House at Christmas Time," Gabriella Schuckers (10), Canton, "Hogwart's Express and Platform 9 3/4", and Adalee DiMarco (8), Potsdam, "Adalee's Hansel and Gretel."

•In third place is Keillor Dilger (7), Potsdam, with "Ronia and Birk's Cave." Honorable mentions go to Brennan Fullerton (11) of North Lawrence for "The Gingerbread Man" and Maddie Wheeler (10), and Clare Sullivan-Catlin (11), Potsdam, for "The Three Little Pigs."

Youth (ages 12-17 with no help) winners are:

•In first place Grace Sawyko (12), Canton, with "Bag-End, Underhill, Hobbiton."

•In second place is Elise Franck (15), Canton, with "Wardrobe."

In the adult category, Carol Franck of Canton took first place with "Unless," and Sue Wilder of Stormville took second place with "Gingerbread Friends."

The Family, Community Group winners are:

•Carter (18), Maureen (14), Meaghan (13), Michael (10), and Carolyn Pierce of Heuvelton took first place with "The Ox-Cart Man."

•Second place went to the Canton Free Library for their "Bag End", and third place went to Angie Oliver, Sue Novak, Sue Ziemba and Skye Opel of Wanakena for their "The Three Bears Return."