Historic Grove Park Inn makes changes to National Gingerbread House Competition

ASHEVILLE, NC. — This time of the year, hundreds of masterful gingerbread creations usually line the halls of the Omni Grove Park Inn.

But a lot of has changed since the 2019 competition. (Please note, the photos below are from the 2019 event.)

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As hotels, businesses and people have learned to adapt to the complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the historic hotel has followed suit. The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the 28th National Gingerbread House Competition - the largest in the country - by conducting the competition virtually and announcing new in-person and socially distanced activities for hotel guests and fans at-home.

The resort’s goal is to preserve a slice of happiness, normalcy, and tradition as people across the country continue to navigate the new normal while seeking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

“The holidays are synonymous with The Omni Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread House Competition, and it’s public Gingerbread House display, which has brought viewers from around the country to the hotel," said Susan Rotante, Director of Public Relations & Community Outreach at The Omni Grove Park Inn. "This year, we were faced with the difficult decision of cancelling the public display in the name of safety. However, Gingerbread and the holiday season is far from cancelled as teams have worked tirelessly to reshape the competition as well as a plethora of virtual and in-person experiences. We truly care about our guests, the memories they create here, and our cherished competitors who make the Gingerbread season the tradition it is today. By pivoting programming, it is our way of continuing the legacy, and telling the stories behind the houses like never before.”

Virtual Activities for Fans At-Home:

• Baking Spirits Bright: Gingerbread Making Class Series: Starting Oct. 21, learn how to make Gingerbread Houses at-home via a three-part series featuring All-Star Chefs & Competition Judges (including celebrity chef, Carla Hall). A portion of the proceeds goes to ACFEF’s Chef & Child Initiative so the more you bake, the bigger difference you make. Class takers also receive 15% off future stays Jan. - Mar. ’21.
• The 12 Days of Gingerbread: A new way of celebrating the 2020 National Gingerbread House Competition Finalists together while staying apart. From Dec. 1-12, the hotel will announce one Finalist, per day, with the Grand Prize Winner revealed on Dec. 12 (National Gingerbread House Day!). Tune in via Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) & Instagram (@omnigrovepark).

In-House Guest Activities:

• Best In Dough: Gingerbread Finalist Showcase: A rare view of the Finalists' entries via a docu-style film for hotel guests from Nov. 23-Jan. 3. Including interviews with Competitors, Judges and 360 footage of the finalists' confectionary creations to create an up-close experience. Tickets are available exclusively to overnight guests to ensure safety measures remain intact and can be reserved as part of their stay.
• Holiday Mountain Magic Package: Create lasting holiday memories surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season. Lavish decorations at every turn with the warmth of two thirty-six-foot fireplaces creating the perfect mountain setting to celebrate the holidays for stays through Nov. 23-Dec. 31. Guests can pay it forward via Omni Hotels & Resorts' “Say Goodnight to Hunger” program, which includes a donation to MANNA FoodBank for every stay.
• The Great Gingerbread House: The Great Hall will be transformed into a holiday destination, with a life-sized Gingerbread House modeled after the historic hotel. Guests can enjoy housemade hot chocolate, specialty craft brews and sweet treats by the glow of the iconic Grove Park Inn fireplaces.

Safety First:

• Enjoying the hotel grounds this season will be available for guests with confirmed reservations (e.g., dining, rooms, etc.). For those who arrive without a reservation during high occupancy times, admittance onto the property will not be guaranteed, and will be subject to capacity protocols to ensure safety restrictions remain intact.

As in year’s past, a $25 per car fee will be charged for all drive-on day guests with a portion of the parking proceeds going towards the following local nonprofit organizations: United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County; American Legion Baseball Post #70; Meals on Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County; Asheville City Schools Foundation; Horizons at CDS; Children First/Communities in Schools; Asheville Museum of Science and Camp Watia Camper Scholarship Fund. Since 2013, The Omni Grove Park Inn has contributed over $535,000 through the Holiday Parking Program, supporting the local community and not-for-profit partners in Western North Carolina.

Cox Media Group