Signs of the holiday season are slowly emerging across campus, even in the Bean. The cafeteria will host its first gingerbread house building contest in an attempt to build community.

The Bean’s staff came up with the idea of a gingerbread house contest while discussing how to decorate the Bean for the holidays. All of the gingerbread houses entered in the contest will become decorations for this Christmas season.

“We were looking for something that would draw people to ACU during the holidays and also something that would bring a sense of involvement, build community and promote the mission of ACU,” said Tom Arellano, senior food service director for ACU Dining.

The contest is open to everyone, but so far, 42 ACU students have entered. There is no entrance fee and all of the gingerbread house materials will be supplied. ACU Dining is offering three different types of gingerbread structures: the traditional gingerbread house, a gingerbread town home and a gingerbread miniature village. Participates are encouraged to be creative as possible and to add anything they want.

All of the entries must be turned in by Nov. 22 to be eligible for judging, which will take place Nov. 28. The top three gingerbread houses will receive ribbons and be displayed in the glass case by the bakery in the Bean. The rest of the houses will be scattered around the cafeteria.

The Bean’s staff hope to make it an annual event on campus during the holidays. Roland Thomas, ACU’s Dining marketing specialist, said he thought the contest was well-fitting for this time of year.

“I think friendly competition breeds a type of unity which goes along with the holiday spirit,” Thomas said. “Also this is a time when students minds are bogged down with upcoming finals so this gives them a chance to loosen up and have some fun.”

For information on how to enter the contest, contact Arellano or Thomas.