Surfside Beach Spreads Holiday Cheer with Gingerbread Contest
This holiday season, Surfside Beach, S.C. turned into a little winter wonderland filled with warmth and festive spirit. A delightful event brought smiles to the faces of both young and old in the community, all while helping those in need. On a Sunday recently, Gretel’s Candy House hosted a gorgeous gingerbread decorating contest, where children and their families gathered to unleash their creativity and indulge in some sweet fun.
Sweet Fun for a Great Cause
The $15 entry fee for the contest covered all the necessary ingredients and materials, so participants didn’t have to worry about a thing. From gluey frosted rooftops to candy-coated walls, kids had all they needed to create their very own gingerbread masterpieces. What made this event even sweeter? All proceeds from the contest went directly to Toys for Tots, ensuring that children in need had something special to unwrap this holiday season.
A Community Effort
Shirrie Shamah, the Operations Manager at Gretel’s Candy House, expressed the love and intention behind the event. “We’re doing a Gingerbread decorating contest, kind of just to give back to the community. It’s a fun way to have kids here decorating gingerbread houses at our local candy store in Myrtle Beach,” she explained. “You know, it’s also about giving back to kids that need toys for the holidays.”
Delicious Delights for Everyone
Alongside the twinkling lights and joyous laughter, visitors were treated to scrumptious Christmas cookies while the gingerbread decorators worked their magic. Imagine the sweet aroma drifting through the air as the kids giggled and chatted, decorating their gingerbread creations while munching on sugary delights! It was certainly a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
A Sense of Togetherness
The contest didn’t just provide a platform for creativity; it fostered a sense of togetherness in the community. Children attended with parents and siblings, uniting families in a fun, shared experience that resonated well with the spirit of the season. Decorations were flying left and right, and the air was filled with excitement as little and big hands crafted unique designs for their gingerbread houses.
Rallying Around a Worthy Cause
The partnership with Toys for Tots highlights a growing trend in local events—leveraging community gatherings to support charitable causes. People truly came together, contributing to a brighter Christmas for various children throughout the area through their small acts of creativity. Many community members left with a sense of accomplishment and joy, knowing that their participation would help make someone else’s holiday brighter.
Mark Your Calendars for Next Year!
If you missed out on this year’s gingerbread decorating contest, don’t fret! The success of this event has already sparked excitement for next year. Many attendees are hopeful this will become an annual tradition in Surfside Beach, bringing the community together in joyous celebration while giving back.
This gingerbread contest was more than just an enjoyable holiday activity; it was a reminder of the power of community and the joy of giving during the holiday season. So, here’s to more sweet memories to come in the pristine Surfside Beach! Keep an eye out for similar events in the future, as they are sure to bring as much festive cheer as this year’s event.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
