Essex County residents have been invited to participate in the 2016 Sustainable Homes and Habitats Gingerbread Contest at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland. The contest is free with all entries that will be on display from Wed., Dec. 7 through Fri., Dec. 16, Mon.to Fri., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sat., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the environmental center.

An awards ceremony is set to be held Sat., Dec. 17, at 9:30 a.m., also at the environmental center.

“Our Sustainable Homes and Habitats Gingerbread Contest is a wonderful event that incorporates our mission to raise awareness about nature with a holiday theme,” says Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.. “This hands-on, family-oriented project lets people of all ages learn about the environment in a fun way. I am amazed at the creativeness and ingenuity of the entries each winter and look forward to another great contest.”

The public has been invited to participate in four categories: Individual Child Category for children ages 14 or younger who work independently on all aspects of their entry; Group/Family Category for children 14 and younger who work as a group or have adult assistance on any aspect of their entry. A maximum of five people can work on one entry; Adult Non-Professional Category for individuals or groups of people with no more than five people per group, ages 15 and older who are students of the culinary arts or are not professional chefs; and

Adult Professional Category for individuals or groups of people ages 15 and older who are professional chefs or are working in the culinary arts.

Entries will be judged on guideline adherence, creative use of a nature theme, used of green building design techniques and skill in decoration. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded in all categories. The decisions of the judges are final.

For more information, call the Essex County Environmental Center at 973-228-8776 or visit www.essexcountynj.org.