Local residents are invited to take part in the Gingerbread Challenge, a gingerbread contest sponsored by The Whidbey Examiner.

Previous years’ entries have included traditional gingerbread houses along with hand-shaped gingerbread cookies and even a colorful gingerbread ferry.

Families, businesses, classrooms – everyone is encouraged to enter the contest. And be creative! How about a pod of gingerbread orcas? A gingerbread Coupeville Wharf?

A gingerbread lighthouse? Maybe even a barn with a herd of gingerbread cows!

To take part in this year’s contest, bring your entry to the Coupeville Library at 788 N.W. Alexander St. Entry forms are available on a table in the foyer where you can leave your entry on display.

There is no cost to enter, but participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for Gifts from the Heart food bank. Entries can be delivered beginning Saturday, Nov. 24, and official judging will take place on Saturday, Dec. 22.

A free “Build a Gingerbread House” workshop is set for noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 N.W. Alexander St.

The workshop, sponsored by the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association in partnership with Coupeville Chamber of Commerce, provides gingerbread supplies, frosting and candies on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Local residents are encouraged to visit the library to see the contest entries as they arrive. Ballots and a ballot box for the People’s Choice category will be on the table beside the entries.

The People’s Choice winner will be announced at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 at the drawing for the $1,000 Red Ticket Giveaway.

Entries must be picked up from the library by Dec. 31.