Grove Park Inn Names Winners, Restores National Gingerbread Competition

The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa on December 4 revealed the results of the 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition, reviving an event that was canceled last year because of Hurricane Helene. The competition attracted 235 entries from 25 states, underscoring the contest's national reach and its return as a regional holiday attraction.

The Grand Prize in the adult category went to Mary Hulsman of Concord North Carolina for a build titled The Tiny Gnome Builders. Second place in the adult competition was awarded to Heather Nadeau of Cary North Carolina, and third place went to Michael Villella of New York. Judges included celebrity cake artist Yolanda Gampp alongside senior pastry staff from the Inn, providing professional evaluation from inside and outside the property. Teen, youth and child category winners were also announced, with successful entrants from Asheville and Black Mountain among those recognized. New awards introduced this year included a Community Spirit Award and a Rising Star Award, intended to expand recognition beyond traditional placements.

The Inn has scheduled the gingerbread display from November 18 through January 4 in the Great Hall, where the Great Gingerbread House exhibit will remain open to visitors throughout the holiday season. The competition and exhibit form part of a broader hospitality offering that includes a Gingerbread Holiday Package for guests. The property is also operating a Fall and Holiday Parking Program that directs proceeds to local nonprofits, tying visitor spending directly to community support.

For Buncombe County, the competition's return holds both cultural and economic implications. The influx of entrants and visitors boosts foot traffic in downtown Asheville and surrounding areas, supports local hospitality jobs and increases patronage for retail and dining establishments during a traditionally important period for tourism. The fundraising element channels hotel activity into nonprofit dollars, which can provide immediate benefit to local social services and arts organizations.

The event's revival after last year's weather related cancellation demonstrates institutional resilience and a renewed opportunity for civic engagement. Residents can see the winning creations in the Great Hall through January 4, and the expanded award categories and charitable parking program suggest organizers intend to deepen the event's ties to the local community in future years.