1st Annual Gingerbread House Competition at Hotel Viking December 1, 2007

Holiday enthusiasts are invited to create gingerbread houses in the likeness of a 'Historic Newport Mansion, Home or Venue' to benefit the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. The gingerbread creations will be entered into an annual Gingerbread House Competition on December 1, 2007. The homes will be on display until January 3, 2008. The Hotel Viking has chosen to forgo the practice of cutting down a 35 ft. tree for their annual tree lighting service and opted for a sweeter option with less impact to the environment.

The three categories include:

1. Authentic Reproduction of a Rhode Island Historic Mansion, Home or Venue

2. Amateur Gingerbread Creation -- Create a gingerbread masterpiece, all designs welcome.

3. Kids Only! Gingerbread Creation -- Children must be 12 and under to enter.

A panel of celebrity judges will select the winning gingerbread houses at 4:00 pm December 1, 2007 at a special tea ceremony at One Bellevue in the Hotel Viking. The winning creations will be chosen based on their creativity, and decoration. All entries will be displayed at the Hotel Viking until January 3, 2008, with signs crediting entrants. The winning "homemakers" in each category will receive a 2-night stay the Hotel Viking.

Those interested in the competition can visit www.hotelviking.com for a complete set of rules and an entry form or they can call Patrick Mullins at the Hotel Viking at 401-848-4800 or [email protected] by November 22, 2007. Fees are $25 per adult submission and $12 for children 12 and under. The entry fees will be donated to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter and the hotel will match the dollar donation.

Free for spectators; $25 per adult entry, $12 per child entry.

Official Website: http://www.hotelviking.com