Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation Department hosting gingerbread house party

The first Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation Department’s gingerbread party was a surprise hit for the holiday season last year.

Programming Director Michelle Franzetti said she wanted to create a Christmas-themed event, and gingerbread seemed like something that would be fun for children and adults. The first event proved to be popular enough to bring it back this year, Franzetti said.

The second gingerbread party will be today at 6 p.m. in the fitness room at the College Park Gym. The cost is $5 per participant, and Franzetti said people of all ages are encouraged to participate.

Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Lewis said several staff members plan to come just because they enjoyed the party so much last year.

“I’m building one — it’s fun. We’ll have some Christmas music playing and having the kids there. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was half adults,” Lewis said.

Gingerbread and decorating materials will be supplied, and Parks and Recreation employees will be available to assist. Franzetti has been baking homemade bread for several days in preparation for the party.

“It’s not a graham cracker party,”¿Franzetti joked, referring to building materials used last year.

Lewis said the plan is to provide materials that will taste as good as they look.

“That was a nice endeavor. She made all that at home, and it’s good. It has a really good taste to it, so you can eat it and not just build with it,” Lewis said.

Icing also will be homemade.

Local police officers and firefighters are invited to bring their families for free.

“We just want to thank them for what they do for the community,” she said.

About 30 people participated last year, Lewis said, with 32 already registered for this year’s party. Parks and Rec employees hope to have at least 50 participants.

For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 745-0240.