Gingerbread Festival Recap

This past weekend was the 10th annual Gingerbread Festival benefitting the Crystal Coast Hospice House at the Carteret County Civic Center. As the Treasurer for the Crystal Coast Hospice House, this event is near and dear to my heart. The Friday night preview is a great party for all of the adults to come out and enjoy live music while viewing the contestants in the gingerbread house competition and the themed crab pot trees. The weekend is dedicated to the kids with lots of activities including a visit from Santa!

This year I decided to sponsor one of the themed crab pot trees and decorate it for the silent auction. I chose the theme Down East Strong. For those of you local to Carteret County, you know what this motto means. For those of you that aren't, this motto is a tribute to the 8 lives, including 4 youth, that tragically perished in a plane crash off Drum Inlet on February 13 while returning from the youth day duck hunt. The Down East community is small but it is full of tight knit and mighty people. Witnessing the love and support that poured out was a truly beautiful and heartwarming sight.

It was truly an honor to put this tree together. It began with a locally made crab pot Christmas tree.

Then I added dark green and Camo tulle followed by a shotgun shell garland that my husband helped me put together. A driftwood cross made for the perfect topper.

To complete the tree, I added the "wings" to create the duck blind effect and added 8 decoys around the bottom.

Last, but certainly not least, was the sign honoring all 8!

I am truly honored to be a part of this community (even if I am a ding batter).

Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers this Christmas season and always.