I'll tell you from personal experience that making a gingerbread creation from scratch can be very intimidating. In fact, there are more than a couple years that I've made something for this, that I was ready to throw it against a wall during the process (which is DEFINITELY not the spirit of the event).
Patience is key.
Eventually, cooler heads prevail and a bag of icing later, everything is back on track! I wanted to put out some helpful resources for you and a few recipes I've actually used (and some I may use this year) just to get you started. If you're participating as an individual, or if you are an awesome business that is participating, THANK YOU! This event couldn't happen without you!
While her piping skills are pretty polished, there are some great tips to keep it all together (literally). Check out the description of the video on YouTube for PT.2.
This video focuses on using a template, freezing the dough before cutting, and other great techniques.
This site is for the beginner to the PRO level (Like, really, really PRO). SO many pictures, templates, how-to's, a forum, and so much more. Go check this out: Gingerbread-By-Design | Gingerbread Templates (gingerbreadbydesign.com)
We're finalizing details for rules and entry forms, so keep an eye out!