Like many holiday traditions, the history of gingerbread houses is open to debate. Some credit the Brothers Grimm, whose story of Hansel and Gretel generated a booming business for German bakers in the early 1800s. Others say the fabled houses of bread and sugar predated the storytellers to 17th Century Germany.

How the confectionary constructions got attached to the Yule season is unknown.

In Forest Grove, the Gingerbread House Contest is a fairly recent addition to holiday activities. This year's contest was organized by the City Club of Forest Grove and sponsored by Pacific Insurance Partners and entries ranged from classic candy cottages to a sprawling duplex featuring a music studio.

Jacob Graham won the People's Choice award, based on ballots cast during Holiday in Grove on Dec. 3 and the week that followed.

Since the News-Times hosted the small gingerbread village this year, it fell to our staff to judge the rest. Here are the winners, as well as their prizes. We hope they all savor the sweet taste of victory throughout the coming year.

People's Choice

David Graham

$20 certificate from

Pizza Schmizza

Youth Division (9-12)

Kamryn Houser

$20 certificate from Connie's Corner Café

Teen Division (13-17)

Caitlyn Houser

$20 certificate from Maggie's Buns

Adult Division

Mayme Seaton

$25 certificate from

1910 Main

An American Bistro

Most Delectable

(AKA the 'Ace' award, in honor of the News-Times'' canine office mascot)

Neve French

and Payton Bean

$20 certificate to

Bugatti's Restaurant