Gingerbread House Festival entries frosted and sweet

SPRINGVILLE — Mark Poulson's wife almost looks forward to the weeks he's working on his entry for the annual Gingerbread House Festival.

Despite the fact that wall and roof pieces take over most of the available countertop and table space, she's OK.

"She knows I'll be taking her out to dinner," said Poulson.

Poulson's sweet creations are always remarkable — not just because they are elaborately decorated but because they feature decked out interiors.

This year, Poulson's arbor house is larger than in years past (the walls are 18 inches tall) and features a wraparound porch.

The windows and handrails are outlined in classic gingerbread curlicues, and inside there's a big fireplace, a good-size Christmas tree and decorated bedrooms.

"The first year, I did a lighthouse that did pretty well. The next one I did sold for about $900, I believe," Poulson said. "This one should do well, it will be kinda fun."

Poulson works at Macey's in Pleasant Grove when he's not working with icing and batter. But he's not in the bakery department as one might expect, though he did check with the baker there when he needed some roof trusses.

He learned the art of making gingerbread houses and decorating from his mother.

Poulson is just one of the bakers hurrying to get his house finished before the 2006 festival opens.

Entries range from villages, such as the one the staff at the Spanish Fork Macey's store is creating, to simple houses built by Cub and Girl Scout troops.

The proceeds from the annual event goes, this year, to benefit the Boy Scouts of America "Learning for Life" ethics program and the PTA Art Education Fund.

In addition to the houses, boutique items and sweet treats will be for sale during the event, and there will be entertainment Thursday afternoon through Monday evening.

On Friday, the festival will include a "From the Met to Rock City" event featuring Italian tenor Antonio Miguellangelo at 6:30 p.m., followed by the classic rock band "Love as It Was" at 7:30 p.m. There will be a gala dinner/auction celebration for sponsors on Saturday.

Eric Dowdle, renowned folk artist founded the festival in 2002.

If you go . . .

What: Gingerbread House Festival

Where: Show Barn, Thanksgiving Point in Lehi

When: 1-9 p.m., Nov. 9; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Nov. 10; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 11; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Nov. 13.

Cost: $3/$2 children; 2-under free; $10 per family at Ticketmaster outlets or at the door.

Phone: 325-7328

Web: www.gingerbreadfestival.org