The Sweet Smell of Christmas in Syracuse

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Courtney Volk

The Erie Canal Museum hosts its 27th annual gingerbread gallery

By Courtney Volk SYRACUSE (NCC NEWS) - When you walk onto the second floor of the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, you enter a holiday wonderland. This year, the museum is hosting its 27th annual gingerbread gallery. Professionals and amateurs enter over 40 creations to add to the display which is open to the public for the holiday season.

Holiday tradition

Many Syracuse residents look forward to the gingerbread gallery every holiday season according to volunteer Nora Sheldon.

“Some of them look forward to coming to this every year. It’s nice to see grandparents come through with their grandchildren because they have the time to walk through and really study each display and they can talk about it.”

However, each year, the gallery gains new fans as well. Fairmount resident, Fred Deitz visited the gallery for the first time this year with his wife.

“This is the first time we’ve been here. Of course, we’ve heard about it but it’s the first time we’ve come and we’ll come again.”

Opening the day after Thanksgiving, the gallery helps to put the community in the holiday spirit.

“It creates a feeling for Christmas,” said Deitz.

Attention to detail

All of the houses on display each have their own theme and are creative in their own ways. For many, each house offers something different.

“It is very impressive. There are a couple of things here that are unbelievable that it’s made out of gingerbread,” said Deitz.

“I had one couple that was in there for an hour and a half one year you know I think they discussed every little article on every display,” said Sheldon.

Friendly competition

All of the displays are judged by a four person committee and a winner is eventually announced by the end of the holiday season. The gingerbread houses are divided into categories, professional and amateur, so all can be judged on an even playing field. However, visitors to the gallery also have a chance to cast their vote for the people’s choice award.

“No. 10 and No. 18. Ten was Christmas time at the water mill and the other is a village, a little Christmas village. I voted for both,” said Deitz.

Sheldon still has yet to pick her favorite.

“I just went through for a few minutes this morning before I came on duty so I really haven’t studied each one to see.”

Open for business

The gallery will remain open until Jan. 6 and is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for senior citizens and $2.00 for children, with all proceeds benefiting the museum. Visit their website at eriecanalmuseum.org for more specifics.

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