Have you ever wondered what it’s like to compete in a culinary competition? Why not realize your dreams and compete in the 2021 Gingerbread Jam at the Orange Beach Event Center Dec. 4.

Competitors in both the family and business categories will need to bring their best gingerbread decorating skills as each category has been dominated for three years.

Orange Beach councilperson Jerry Johnson and wife Yo, who go by the team name of the Jingle Bell Johnsons, have won the family category the last three years. BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets of Orange Beach has captured the top spot in the business category the last three years as well.

There is no word yet on if the Jingle Bell Johnson’s plan to compete but Kim Asbury, executive chef and general manager of Buzzcatz is hoping to have enough staff for this year’s competition and she is working on ideas.

“It’s always fun for the whole staff. It’s a real collaborative effort and we get ideas from everyone. We try to tell a story with each entry. Right now, we only have six people working here, when we normally have 12 people on staff,” Asbury said.

The Gingerbread Jam was the brainchild of Jessica and Jonathon Langston as a fundraiser for the Expect Excellence Culinary Arts Program in 2018.

“Jonathan and I began this holiday tradition because we wanted the community to come together to enjoy one of our favorite activities of the season -- decorating gingerbread houses with family. Some of my fondest Christmas memories include visiting the Grand Hotel in Point Clear with my extended family during our monthly luncheon and seeing the grand gingerbread village and festive spread. We always took a family photo in front of the fireplace, and I remember how the sparkling decorations and the smells of gingerbread became a special part of Christmas for us,” said Jessica Langston, creative director for the city of Orange Beach.

The 2021 Gingerbread Jam will begin at 9 a.m., Dec. 4 at the Orange Beach Event Center. Doors will open to the public at 11 a.m. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available at no charge. Family team judging begins at noon and business teams at 1 p.m. The entry fee is $10 for families, $25 for businesses and free for Orange Beach employees and students. Visit orangebeachal.gov to register and see rules and guidelines. Advance registration is required.