Fifth annual Gingerbread Festival announces winners

The winners of the fifth annual Gingerbread Festival have been announced. The festival, which ran from Dec. 13 through Dec. 15, featured 180 entries from Sarasota County classrooms, afterschool programs and adult groups.

The festival was divided into four categories for judging: elementary; middle school; high school and the adult division.

Erica Aultman and her third-grade class from Ashton Elementary won first place in their category. Aultman and her class of 18, along with the help of volunteer Susan Garrett, built a galactic-themed gingerbread house.

“There is so much focus on testing and academics.” Says Aultman, who is happy to see that the children were able to celebrate their creativity. “The gingerbread house was an opportunity for the kids to be kids, use their imaginations and express their creativity.”

The third-grade class will be celebrating their victory at a class holiday party today.

FIRST PLACE WINNERS: 

Elementary
Mrs. Aultman’s Ashton Astros

Middle School
Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club, Club Venice

High School
Venice High School Sophomore Class

Adult Division
 Art Center Sarasota