Candied Masterpieces and Songs of the Season Return to the Gingerbread Festival

Waelderhaus Invites Community to Vote on Gingerbread Houses and Enjoy Free Music

KOHLER, Wis. – Nov. 21, 2011 – A community tradition for 14 years, the annual Gingerbread Festival at Waelderhaus again tempts your holiday spirit with a gingerbread house competition and seasonal serenades of local performers.

Join in on the festivities the day after Thanksgiving and then stop in through the holidays for weekend musical acts and to vote on our favorite gingerbread masterpiece.

Gingerbread Competition
Every year, local pre-school through high school groups are invited to submit unique gingerbread houses decorated with candy and other edible items. These creations are displayed at the Waelderhaus (1100 West Riverside Drive, Kohler), where visitors can cast their votes for their favorites. The winners in five age categories will receive cash prizes for first, second and third place.

“Last year’s competition welcomed impressive newbies along with returning contest veterans. This year, everyone’s stepped up their games. You’ll have to check it out,” said Debbie Weber, manager of the Waelderhaus.

Visitors may view these amazing submissions during the extended holiday hours (see below).

Free Weekend Music

While browsing the gingerbread house entries, Waelderhaus visitors can listen to classic Christmas songs performed by myriad local acts, from celebrated pianists to a German band making its Waelderhaus debut, on Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m.

Kicking off the season on Saturday, Nov. 26, are the perennial favorites, Golden Chordaliers, a chorus of 20-30 area seniors. The group rehearses at the Sheboygan Senior Citizen Center before performing at events throughout the year, such as at Brewers games. They will bring a mix of Christmas and other holiday favorites to the Waelderhaus.

The music continues the very next day, Sunday, Nov. 27, with pianist Johanna Schilling. This young prodigy was a recipient of the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship, which celebrates artistic merit and is presented annually by the Kohler Foundation.

Sunday, Nov. 27                Pianist Johanna Schilling
Saturday, Dec. 3                Concordia Singing Society of Sheboygan
Sunday, Dec. 4                   Kohler High School Madrigals
Saturday, Dec. 10             Plymouth High School German Band
Sunday, Dec. 11                Sheboygan North High School Band
Saturday, Dec. 17             Jane Van Marren Music Group
Sunday, Dec. 18                Montessori Children’s House

Admission to the Waelderhaus and the Gingerbread Festival, including the music, are free. The attraction is open Sunday through Friday, 1-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tours are offered at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. throughout the month of December (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Group tours are available by appointment. For more information, visit www.kohlerfoundation.org or call (920) 453-2851.

The Waelderhaus is managed by the Kohler Foundation, a non-profit, private foundation that supports education, arts and preservation initiatives in Wisconsin.