CANTON -- TAUNY’s 2016 Sugar & Spice Gingerbread Contest and Display, centered around a “camps and cottages” theme, attracted a variety of creative entries from children, adults, and families across the region.

Participants baked gingerbread from scratch and crafted edible versions of familiar retreats, scenes based off of camp memories, and miniature examples of the camps and cottages of their dreams.

The Sugar & Spice Gingerbread Display opened at TAUNY Dec. 3 during their Holiday Open House and the display is currently on view in the first floor gallery.

The public can stop TAUNY to see the creations and vote for their favorite through Dec. 23. The People’s Choice Award will be announced Dec. 23 at TAUNY’s Holiday Caroling program.

This year’s judges rated the gingerbread entries based on the edible elements, solidity of construction, originality of concept, creativity in use of ingredients, and overall aesthetic appeal.

This year’s winners (by category) include:

Children's category (under 12 years old with minimal adult help): First place tie, “Friendship Lake” by Laurel Whittier, Lucy DeCoteau, Katie Metcalf of Canton, and “Kid’s Bliss” by Gabriella Schuckers of Canton.

Tied for second place: “Cabin by the Lake” by Clare Sullivan-Catlin and Maddie Wheeler of Potsdam; “The Railroad Camp” by Michael Burns, Colin Kraengel, and Theodor Carlisle of Nicholville and “Adirondack Camp-sight” by Marcelino Alexander, Nikolas Drentwett, James Ermold, William Fox, and Zachary Gennarrelli of Nicholville.

Adult category first place winner was “Cabin by the River” by Kathy Putney of Waddington. The second place winner was “Holiday by the Sea” by Jennifer Berbrich and Derrick Conway of Rensselaer Falls.

First place in the family & community group category was “4-H Camp Overlook” by Maureen, Meaghan, Michael, and Carolyn Pierce of Heuvelton. A second place tie was awarded to “Christmas Camp” by Dean, Graeme, and Kelly Deschamps of Canton and “Campsite 191 at Meacham Lake” by Aaron Rosales, Jacob Rosales, and Matilda Larson of Canton.

More info: tauny.org.