ATHENS-Ella Lovvorn, an 8-year-old student at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, is ready to become both elf and judge.
Ella is the creator of Athens’ very own gingerbread house contest, named after her, of course.
The Ella the Elf Gingerbread House Contest was first held in 2023 after Ella called the office of Mayor Ronnie
Marks and requested a meeting. During their discussion, when he asked what she thought the city needed, she
pitched the idea for a gingerbread house contest. She added the first-place winner should get money and a lava
lamp.
“How do you say, ‘No,’ to that request?” Mayor Marks asked and answered, “You don’t.”
Photo of Ella Lovvorn meeting with Mayor Ronnie Marks about this year’s contest
Ella worked with her family, the Mayor’s Office and Athens Arts League to kick off her inaugural contest. Now
she’s ready for round two on Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. at the Athens Activity Center. She recently conducted a planning
session with Mayor Marks and staff to go over the details.
One of the major changes this year is, she will not taste test the entries.
“It was a little much, last year,” she said.
Instead, the focus will be on appearance, creativity and structural integrity.
Her army of elves have been at work. Athens Arts League agreed to organize the event and secured this year’s
major sponsor, Impact Roofing. Arts League Board Member Diane Lehr said Impact Roofing “loved the idea of
supporting a community event related to houses – gingerbread houses.” Impact Roofing’s sponsorship secured
24 gingerbread house kits and additional decorations and supplies.
Ella the Elf at the 2023 event and all the toys collected for the toy drive
The City of Athens is sponsoring gift cards for the winners. There will be three age categories and prizes for first
through third place:
First Place – $50 gift card and a lava lamp
Second Place – $25 gift card
Third Place – $15 gift card
Ella told Mayor Marks she wants to judge this year, and she plans to invite one of her friends to judge. She also
selected Athens Fire Chief James Hand and Athens Mayor’s Youth Commissioner Cevahni McNeill as judges.
Registration is limited to 24 entries. The entry fee is a new toy that will be donated to the Lincoln-Bridgeforth
Park Committee’s annual Christmas toy/bike give-away for kids in need.
Ella the Elf Gingerbread Contest Details
Dec. 14 at the Athens Activity Center, 912 W. Pryor Street.
Contest starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m.
Judging starts at 10 a.m., and winners will be announced as soon as results tallied.
Can be a single entry or 2 kids per team; will be placed in age category based on oldest child.
Link to print the form HERE
Forms are also available at City Hall in the foyer.
