In an old Episcopal Church, just next door to Jacksonville's Veterans Memorial Arena, awaits a grand presentation to the miniature.
"Today it's considered in the heart of downtown Jacksonville,” said Emily Lisska, the executive director of the Jacksonville Historical Society.
Inside the former sanctuary now devoid of pews is one of Emily’s favorite events of the year.
"I call it the most creative art show in town!” she exclaimed.
Each December, the Jacksonville Historical Society presents a holiday tradition proud to be on the smaller side.
"There are individuals all over Florida that are focusing on the holidays other than just retail satisfaction,” Emily said with authority.
The Gingerbread Extravaganza inside Old St. Andrews brings together creative gingerbread houses off all different shapes and styles.
"The third graders made it out of peppermint sticks, pretzel sticks, Hershey kisses, s’mores glue and I can't remember what they made for the flag,” comments fifth grader Islay Brady.
School children to engineers are the architects here -- recreating everything from the birth of Jesus, the Jacksonville Zoo and even recent films.
"Popular ones are storybook themes, or movie themes," shares Emily.
Other creations are historical in nature, like Fort Caroline found near this site in 1564.
Many of the gingerbread homes have flashlights out on the tables. Some designers have packed in so many details not only on the outside, but on the inside. Open doors and windows lead to another world hiding inside. Just don’t touch.
"There is never a year something doesn't collapse,” Emily said while doing triage on a broken fence made of pretzel sticks.
Many times throughout the duration of the Gingerbread House Extravaganza, Emily will play surgeon, fixing mishaps. It's a role she embraces each holiday season.
"[They are as] much fun building as the pleasure they give to the people who attend,” Emily concluded.
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