The downtown Latrobe business district is preparing for its annual Holly Jolly festive event with its third annual gingerbread house contest and an inaugural book drive.

On all three Holly Jolly days, Dec. 2-4, visitors will be able to view locally crafted gingerbread houses at Westmoreland County Community College’s Latrobe campus, at Jefferson and Depot streets.

They’ll have an opportunity to cast votes for their favorite sweet creation from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4. Winners will be announced in three categories: ages 3-12; ages 13-17; and adults and organizations.

Wednesday is the deadline to register to place an entry in the gingerbread house contest.

Houses must be constructed of at least 75% edible materials and may not exceed 12 inches in width and 18 inches in length and height.

Completed houses are to be dropped off at the WCCC campus between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 29 or 30.

The central location for display of the houses is a change from last year, when the houses were divided among participating merchants.

“WCCC has been so gracious letting us use their school,” said Holly Jolly committee member Emily Pasqualino. “It’s a beautiful building, and there is ample space for people to come in.”

Visit hollyjollylatrobe.com for contest entry forms and complete rules.

Books sought for kids

The Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is conducting a book drive for local children in conjunction with the Holly Jolly celebration.

The chamber will accept donations of new and slightly used children’s books to distribute as gifts during the final day of the event.

Books can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 1 at the chamber’s Visitor and Information Center, 811 Ligonier St., Latrobe.

The books will be sorted and bagged by volunteers and will be distributed between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Holly Jolly event. Children will be gifted age-appropriate books by Santa’s helpers.

For more information, contact chamber President and CEO Briana Tomack at 724-537-2671.

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