St. James Hotel Announces 1st Annual Gingerbread House Contest
Gingerbread House Public Viewing November 11 – December 26, 2007
Registration Deadline November 7, 2007

Red Wing, MN (June 13, 2007) The St. James Hotel announced that it will host its 1st Annual Gingerbread House Competition to be held during the 2007 holiday season.  The competition is free and is open to anyone wishing to participate in these four categories: ADULT,  TEENS 13-17,  YOUTH 12 and under, and TEAMS of two or more.  The hotel hopes the public will embrace this opportunity to express their creativity and enter the competition, and also invites visitors from throughout the Midwest to come to the St. James to view the assortment of Gingerbread Houses.

“We extend this opportunity throughout the Red Wing community and the region to artists, chefs, cake decorators and anyone interested in designing a Gingerbread House and entering it in our competition,” said Kevin Osborn, general manager of the St. James Hotel. “We are offering some valuable prizes for the winners, as well as a chance for the public to come to the St. James Hotel to view these creations and also experience the magic of the holiday season here in Red Wing.”

The Gingerbread Houses will be on display at the St. James for public viewing from November 11th through December 26th. The St. James Hotel offers several special events during the holiday season including brunches and dinners on the Summit for Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as themed holiday brunches, teas and wine tastings. The St. James Hotel is a member of National Trust Historic Hotels of America®, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For a complete calendar of events or to make reservations, visit www.st-james-hotel.com or call 651-388-2846 or 800-252-1875.  For information on Red Wing holiday activities visit www.redwing.org.

About the Gingerbread House Competition:
The contest is open to anyone, except employees and families of the St. James Hotel and hotel merchants.  Prizes will be awarded in the four categories of Adult, Teens, Youth and Team entries. First place winners will receive $250 cash, second place winners will receive $100 cash and third place and beyond will receive gift certificates or merchandise from local establishments.  Contestants must register by November 7, 2007 and Gingerbread Houses must be delivered to the St. James Hotel the weekend of November 10-11th, as judging will take place on Sunday, November 11th at 2 pm. Houses must be left at the St. James for public display until December 26th, after which they may be picked up. Any houses left at the hotel after December 28th will be discarded. To view detailed contest rules or to download a registration form visit www.st-james-hotel.com