Gingerbread House Making Creates Memories for All

Individuals, friends and families came together on Dec. 18 to decorate gingerbread houses and make memories during the Valley County Extension Office's yearly Gingerbread House Workshop. With bowls filled with frosting and a variety of cookies and candy, everyone was able to create a masterpiece to bring home.

The event started 10 years ago on a whim by Extension Agent Roubie Younkin at the Valley County Courthouse Community Room and has grown every year since. "This year the basement of First Lutheran Church was full of people!," exclaimed Younkin. For the event, Younkin, Valley County Extension Agent Shelly Mills and Stone Tihista baked 55 gingerbread houses, of which 52 were decorated. "Our goal was to only make 40 houses this year. Once we got done making those, people kept calling in to reserve a spot!," said Younkin.

It's not uncommon to think of the Gingerbread House Workshop as being an out-of-the-box event for the Valley County Extension Office. "You would never believe the number of people that come up to me confused this is an extension event," said Younkin. However the Extension Office puts it on yearly to bring families together. "The value of the event is different for everyone. It's about being able to find a time to get together and make memories," stated Younkin.

Over the past 10 years, the event has grown and Younkin has no plans on stopping. She puts on the event year after year due to the positive feedback she receives. "It's great when people come up to me after decorating and say 'thank you.' It's the positive reinforcement that keeps me going year after year."