Can you imagine a library in a park, and a park in a library? If you can imagine it, can you build it – in gingerbread?
This isn’t your typical gingerbread contest. Instead of a gingerbread house, we want to see your best gingerbread library. And how you decorate around the building is just as important – we want to see your best imaginary park alongside the library.
The Cedar Rapids Public Library and Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation are working on plans for a real-life new Westside Library and city park. Located near the corner of Wiley Boulevard SW and 20th Avenue SW, the new Westside Library will bring a permanent library with more space and more amenities to our community’s southwest side. At the same time, the Parks department will design a new park next to the library.
Our dream is to have the library and the park fit together. The library should feel like part of the park, and the park should feel like an extension of the library.
What does that look like? Designers are still working on the plans for both projects– and we want to see what you can imagine! We want you to dream of the possibilities and build them in gingerbread and candy.
How to Participate
The contest runs December 1 through 11. Beginning Dec. 1, gingerbread kits will be available for pickup at the Downtown and Ladd libraries, while supplies last. Kits will be a basic gingerbread house kit. You are encouraged to supply supplementary materials, including extra candy or supplies to enhance your library and park.
Build your gingerbread creation at home, snap a photo, and enter the contest on the form below by Dec. 11 for a chance to win great prizes!
Learn more about the Westside Library project here: https://www.crlibrary.org/locations-hours/westside
Learn more about the Westside Park project here: https://www.cedar-rapids.org/residents/parks_and_recreation/westside_library_park.php
Contest Details
There is a limit of one entry per person or family/team. Entries must include both a library and a park to be considered. By entering your photo in the contest, you give the Cedar Rapids Public Library permission to share it online and in print.
Can I use items that aren't in the kit?
Yes! We encourage your creativity! Just let us know on the sign-up form so that it can be judged in the appropriate category:
- Grand Prize
- Most Creative Library
- Most Creative Park
- People’s Choice
- Best Library and Park with no additional ingredients
- 1st and 2nd Prizes: Children; Family/Team/Group; Adult
How will the winner be chosen?
Winning gingerbread houses will be chosen from the series of categories listed above.
A panel of judges, library staff, and the public will choose winners. Public voting will take place online using the entry site below. Share your submission with your friends and family to get as many votes as possible! Voting closes December 18.
What if I need help entering the contest?
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you don't have access to a digital camera or computer to enter the contest, or if you have any other concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library at (319) 261-7323.
Official Rules
