Mapleton Gingerbread Village Dispute Settled, Ravens Party to Vacate

Parties in a months long dispute over the former Old World Gingerbread Village property in Mapleton reached a settlement on December 23, 2025. The settlement resolved competing complaints between the property's former owner Carol Sarault and Brittany Jones, president of The Ravens Party nonprofit, and included allegations of a contract breach and claims of unlawful occupation. Under the agreement The Ravens Party agreed to vacate the premises, ending the most visible legal standoff over the site.

The Old World Gingerbread Village has long served as a seasonal attraction in Mapleton, drawing holiday visitors and serving as a focal point for local fundraising events. In recent months the dispute disrupted planning for the winter season and prompted concern among residents and small businesses who rely on holiday foot traffic. Organizers and vendors involved in related fundraising activities have said uncertainty around the property complicated event logistics and volunteer coordination during a key revenue period.

Beyond the immediate vacancy the settlement raises practical questions about maintenance, reuse and the timing of any redevelopment. The case highlights common issues in small town property management where informal agreements, nonprofit stewardship and seasonal commerce intersect. Local officials and community leaders will need to weigh options for securing the site and supporting replacement attractions or programming that preserve the economic benefits that the Gingerbread Village generated.

Economically the loss or prolonged closure of a seasonal attraction can have outsized effects in a small community. Even without precise revenue figures from the dispute the broader impact includes lost sales for local food and retail vendors, reduced donations for fundraisers that depend on event audiences, and lower visitor draws for nearby businesses. Restoring a stable plan for the property will be important for winter and spring planning cycles and for businesses that budget around predictable holiday activity.

With the vacatur agreed, attention now turns to next steps for the property and the community's efforts to rebuild confidence among vendors and visitors. Municipal officials, property stakeholders and nonprofit leaders face decisions about site security, contractual clarity and potential uses that could preserve the economic role the Gingerbread Village played in Mapleton.