Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition 2008

Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition 11-17-08
GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Mrs. Billie Mochow of Burns, TN

From Grove Park Inn, Billie Mochow from Burns, Tennessee has been named the Grand Prize winner of the 2008 National Gingerbread House Competition at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, N.C. Seven judges deliberated for more than six hours on Monday to determine the winners among four categories: Adult, Teen 13-17 and Youth 9 to 12 and Child 8 and under. More than 600 spectators watched the judging process in the resort’s Grand Ballroom. There were a total of 124 Youth, 73 Teen and 203 Adult entries in the 17th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition.

The difference between the grand prize winner, a whimsical holiday carousel by Billie Mochow of Burns, Tenn., and the first place winner, was just a couple points. Mochow’s dedication may have made the difference. She said she ended up having to bake the deer for the carousel 36 times.

Also new: A doubled cash prize for the grand prize winner. Mochow, who won first place last year, took home $3,000 and a two-night stay at the inn. More than $12,000 in cash and prizes were awarded during Monday night’s ceremony. Read More Here.