This coming Friday through Sunday, the Topeka Performing Arts center is hosting their annual Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays event to support art programs in the Topeka community. Builders register early in the month to secure a spot to display their very own festive gingerbread creations. Builders can choose to display, compete with, auction off or donate their gingerbread home.

Sophomore education major, Jasmine Creighton thinks that it is important to support such programs.

“It’s really important that we support art programs, especially because they aren’t funded as well as other subjects,” said Creighton. “Art is important in developing a child’s creativity and thinking processes, especially at a young age. This event shows that the Topeka community takes art education seriously and wants to support it through funding.”

Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays is an opportunity for the community to come together for a worthy cause and start off the holiday season right. Proceeds from the event go towards supporting the Topeka Performing Arts Center in providing children in the community with arts education programs through TPAC’s Youth Education Programs, the Sheffel Theatre Clinic, Young Artist’s Awards and Schooltime Theatre.

Sophomore history major, Mika Schmelzle knows of events similar and thinks it can create a good sense of community in Topeka.

“In my hometown, there is an event where Santa and Mrs. Claus ride down Main Street in a horse drawn carriage. It’s also the first night that the Christmas lights along Main Street are lit,” said Schmelzle. “The whole community comes together to watch. Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays also sounds like a great event, and it helps give back to the community, which is the true spirit of Christmas.”

At this year’s Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays event, you can expect to experience a similar community feeling through various activities. The hand-crafted Gingerbread homes will be on display all weekend. Unique and heartfelt gifts such as crafts and fresh fruit baskets can be found at the Holiday Boutique. The Holiday Café along Sweet Tooth Lane offers baked goods and homemade candy for sale to enjoy during the event or bring home to family and friends. Other activities range from making your own gingerbread home to visiting with Santa and much more.

The event will be held at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. Cost of admission is $3 and is available only at the door. Festivities will be Friday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m to 7 p.m, Saturday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m and Sunday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m.