If you’ve ever built a gingerbread house, you know that it takes time, patience, self restraint (don't eat the shingles!) and, most importantly, a steady hand. Now imagine that instead of a simple gingerbread house, you’re building a confectionery replica of Union Station or the John Hancock Center.
Seem impossible? Well, the staff at another one of Chicago's other iconic buildings, the Willis Tower, doesn't think so. To celebrate the holiday spirit and draw attention to some of the city's historic structures, Willis Tower is holding a gingerbread making competition that asks locals to build decadent models of the 108-story skyscraper, as well as other Chicago landmarks.
“With the holiday season approaching, we wanted to incorporate the festive spirit into Willis Tower beyond our annual tree lighting,” said Randy Stancik, general manager of Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago. “Given that Chicago is so well known for its architectural history and Willis Tower is especially impressive, we decided encouraging locals to create gingerbread structures inspired by our city is the perfect way to do this.”
Chicago residents can enter the contest by sharing images of their gingerbread creations on social media with the hashtag #WillisTowerTreats by December 16. Willis Tower will select a handful of semifinalists, who will receive complimentary passes to the Sky Deck.
Semifinalists will be displayed at Skydeck Chicago the week of December 19, and visitors to the Willis Tower will be asked to vote for their favorite replica. The winner will receive a dinner package for four to Pie in the Sky, a dining experience that allows guests to eat a Giordano’s pizza on the Sky Deck (those nauseated by heights or gratuitous amounts of cheese need not apply).
Photograph: Courtesy Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago
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