Feature image courtesy of Jesse Taylor on Facebook.
Santa Claus, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and live holiday music await visitors at the kick-off for the Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity “Second Annual Gingerbread Village Celebration,” set to take place Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. on The Oval of the Oklahoma Baptist University campus.
Festivities will be held on Oklahoma Baptist University’s (OBU)iconic campus oval, with an additional event planned for Dec. 14.
Funds raised from the Gingerbread Village will support Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to provide safe and affordable housing to working-class families in Pottawatomie County.
“The initiative aims to blend the festive atmosphere of the holiday season with the goal of ensuring secure and affordable housing for working-class families,” said April Grant, community engagement coordinator for Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity. “We are so thankful for our partners including Tinker Federal Credit Union.”
Highlights of the Dec. 6 kick-off event include photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, a steaming cup of cocoa, cookie decorating, and seasonal games. OBU’s Division of Music will provide live holiday music performed by its students. Local leaders will join the festivities to vote for the best gingerbread house and a trophy will be awarded to the winning company for their hard work and creativity.
For those unable to attend the Dec. 6 kick-off, there will also be a celebration on Dec. 14 event, which will feature performances by children’s choirs from Shawnee Public Schools.
“We’re excited to bring the community together for this holiday experience, offering the magic of the season while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those less fortunate,” Grant said. “We hope families from across the county will join us in building a brighter future, one gingerbread house at a time.”
After Dec. 6, the Gingerbread Village will be available for drive-through viewing throughout the holiday season from 6-8 p.m. beginning Dec. 7. The drive-through closes at 8 p.m. on Dec. 23. Visitors can cast their votes for the People’s Choice Awards by scanning QR codes on the displays, with a second trophy awarded in the new year.
For more details, contact April Grant at april@rrhabitat.org or (806) 470-0986.