ATLANTA, Ill. (WAND) — The Atlanta Museum is putting a festive twist on the upcoming 100th anniversary of Route 66 by hosting a Christmas in July gingerbread decorating contest.
Amy Wertheim, museum director and organizer, is challenging participants to create gingerbread structures inspired by landmarks and attractions found along the historic Mother Road, from Chicago to California.
Entries could feature anything from the famous Cadillac Ranch in Texas to local Route 66 icons. Wertheim even encouraged contestants to recreate Atlanta's unique eight-sided public library.
"We're on Route 66. Everybody knows it's the 100th anniversary, so we're doing Christmas in July," she said. "You have to make a structure out of gingerbread, and it has to resemble something that you find along Route 66 from Chicago all the way to California."
The competition is open to all ages and is divided into three categories: children, teens, and adults. Entry is free, and organizers say prize money will be awarded to winners in each division.
Participants can submit their creations on June 13 and 14. Judging will take place June 15 and 16, with winners announced June 17. The public will be able to view the gingerbread creations beginning June 18.
Organizers say they've already seen some impressive entries and are hoping even more people will take part.
"I'm telling you, I've seen some of these entries. They're amazing," Wertheim said. "I really, really hope we have a lot of entries show up."
The contest is part of local celebrations surrounding the centennial of Historic Route 66, which will be commemorated throughout 2026.
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.Â
