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FROM STAFF REPORTS

VESTAVIA HILLS – Residents will have the chance to view a variety of handmade ginger bread houses during the Megan Montgomery Foundation’s third annual Gingerbread Jam.

The third annual Gingerbread Jam is a unique holiday event and currently the only gingerbread house competition of its kind in the Birmingham metro area.

Building gingerbread houses was a special family tradition for Susann Montgomery-Clark, her daughters Meredith and Megan Montgomery and the many friends and family members who enjoyed their gingerbread parties in their home over many years.

“This event is a fun family friendly holiday event for an important cause” said Meredith Montgomery-Price, Megan’s sister and executive director of the foundation. “It’s a way to carry on the tradition that our family and friends loved growing up, and now a new generation can participate as they build their own houses to enter.”

Children of all ages are invited to visit Santa, who will be on site and while at the civic center, visitors may travel across the hall for the annual free pancake breakfast hosted by the city of Vestavia.

“The most fun will be viewing and voting for your favorite houses through the People’s Choice Awards,” said Nancy Cargile, chairman of the event.

The Gingerbread “Jam” competition is free to the public for viewing the gingerbread houses on Dec. 14, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center at 1090 Montgomery Highway Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216.

Those who would like to enter the Gingerbread Jam contest can pay $5 to submit a house of their own. Build and decorate the house at home, then drop it off at the Vestavia Civic Center Friday Dec. 13. Pre-made kits and cookie houses are allowed as well. To enter see details on the website and examples of winners from 2023. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in children’s various age categories, and adult categories.  Learn more at Gingerbreadjam.swell.gives.

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Megan Montgomery Foundation which has distributed more than $230,000 grants to high schools, colleges and non-profits for age-appropriate healthy relationship education, and to empower young adults to recognize unhealthy behaviors and stop relationship violence before it starts.