Gingerbread Showdown coming to Fairlawn Plaza

The Gingerbread Showdown, hosted by The Sweet! Shoppe, takes place Dec. 18-23 at Fairlawn Plaza in Topeka.
Published: Nov. 6, 2026 at 6:24 PM CST|Updated: 24 minutes ago

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A traditional holiday project for many families gets a competitive edge for a good cause!

The Sweet! Shoppe at Fairlawn plaza is hosting a Gingerbread Showdown. Owner Nadira Patrick visited Eye on NE Kansas with Jaclyn Crow, director of community engagement for SLI.

Nadira said she wanted a way for families to create memories while also supporting a local charity. SLI, with its offices and their annual Festival of Trees also located in Fairlawn Plaza, was a logical choice.

The Gingerbread Showdown will start with build times 10 am to 6 p.m. Dec. 18 and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 19. People may build their entries at that time or at home, but they must be in by 2:30 p.m. Dec. 19 with judging to begin at 3 p.m.

The homes will be on display through Dec. 23 with attendees able to vote for a People’s Choice award. They’ll also have a silent auction to benefit SLI.

Entry fee is $10 for kids and teens, and $40 for adults. Learn more and find out about gingerbread house building classes ahead of the event at SweetShoppeLLC.Com.