Last Call to Enter the 18th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The deadline to enter the 18th annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ is just two weeks away. To be eligible for the competition, entry forms must be received by Monday, November 8. Judging of the popular holiday event is set for Monday, November 15.

Contestants may deliver their gingerbread houses to The Grove Park Inn Grand Ballroom starting on Sunday, Nov. 14th, from 2-8 p.m. and again on Monday, Nov. 15th, from 7-8:30 a.m. The judging begins on Nov. 15th, with the awards presented that day at 5 p.m.

Hundreds of entries are expected across four categories: Adult (18 years and older), Teen (13-17 years old), Youth (9-12 years old) and Child (5-8 years old). Entries are judged on overall appearance, originality/creativity, difficulty, precision and consistency of theme. The National Gingerbread House Competition™ awards more than $12,000 in cash and prizes. The grand prize winner receives a $3,000 cash prize, plus a two night Club Floor stay at The Grove Park Inn & Spa Resort, complete with dinner for two and breakfast daily at the historic hotel. All contestants will receive a personalized certificate.

New to the 2010 National Gingerbread House Competition™ will be a prize for the contestant who enters from the furthest geographical location from The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and Asheville N.C.

All of the entries will be on display at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa from Nov. 17 to Jan. 2. The public is invited to view the displays any Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Groups and bus charters are asked to call ahead for reservations.

About The Grove Park Inn & Spa: The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is one of the South's most venerable and famous grand resorts. Built in 1913 from granite stones mined from Sunset Mountain, the resort overlooks the Asheville skyline and provides guests with majestic views of the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a monument of comfort and relaxation, offering 512 guest rooms and suites, a four-diamond restaurant and other fine dining establishments; a Donald Ross designed golf-course; a retail village comprised of four specialized boutiques; fitness facilities; and a spectacular, award-winning spa.

SOURCE The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa