Food competition television is all the rage but there is no need to apply to the Food Network to participate. Pack up your gingerbread, royal icing and supplies and head to Orange Beach Dec. 3.

Orange Beach's Expect Excellence program hosts the biggest gingerbread house competition on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The annual fundraiser benefits the Expect Excellence Culinary Arts Program. The idea was born out of Jessica and Jonathon Langston's mutual love of gingerbread houses.

The competition is split into two categories: family or business. Each category has a separate set of rules and guidelines. The event is fun for the whole family and does not require any level of expertise. For many families it has become an annual family tradition.

Each year, the Gingerbread Jam has seen a steady increase in competitors in both categories. The Jingle Bell Johnson's (councilperson Jerry Johnson and wife Yo) dominated the family category for three years before hanging up their piping bags in 2021.

In the business category, restaurateur Brian Harsany's team led by Kimberly Asbury, executive chef and general manager of BuzzCatz dominated since the first year in 2018. Each year, their display recreates a different holiday classic movie. In 2021 a new business champion, Team Sand and Kisses Children's Clothing Boutique, was crowned. Their recreation of Bethlehem and the manager scene complete with edible Holy Bible, stole the heart of the judges.

Want to participate?

Registration for the Gingerbread Jam 2022 is open. Participants can register by visiting orangebeachal.gov. The event takes place at the Orange Beach Event Center Dec. 3. Building begins at 9 a.m. and doors open to the viewing public at 11 a.m. Family/friend team judging takes place at noon and business judging at 1 p.m.

Do not miss this fun opportunity to get into the holiday spirit with your family, friends or co-workers. For more information, visit orangebeachal.gov. For questions, email Jessica Langston, Orange Beach Creative Director, at jjlangston@orangebeachal.gov.

What you should know

Family/friend category

Each team in this category can have up to four team members and will build and decorate a gingerbread display on a 4-foot-square section. No baking is allowed on site and no previously assembled pieces are allowed. Teams can use store bought or homemade gingerbread houses but every element must be edible. A trophy is awarded to the team with the highest judges' scored gingerbread house and a special prize will be awarded to the People's Choice winner. Registration is $10.

Business category

Each team in this category can have up to 10 co-workers build and decorate a gingerbread village on an 8-foot round table. This category includes a tasting element for five judges that may be prepared off-site and brought to the competition. No baking is allowed on site. One previously assembled piece, not to exceed 4 inches tall, 4 inches wide and 4 inches deep, is allowed but all other pieces must be assembled on-site. All elements must be edible with the exception of the tablecloth or base.