The "Gretna Greetings" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Walking the streets of Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, looking at all the beautiful cottages decorated for the Christmas holidays.  

An old photo of Mt. Gretna 

I have written a few stories in the past about the music concerts that my wife, Carol, and I have attended at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse as well as our visits to the Mt. Gretna Art Show during the summer.   But, that was totally different then my stroll around the grounds of Mr. Gretna today, for you see, my visit today is in miniature as I walk past the miniature duplications of gingerbread houses that line the tables in the great room of RLPS Architects in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  

RLPS Architects in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

This year's creative gingerbread display is a celebration of the 125th anniversary of the town of Mt. Gretna in nearby Lebanon County.  The display features gingerbread construction accompa- nied with candy highlights in 3/8" scale.  All construction in the display includes cottages and accessories as well as iconic buildings such as the Playhouse, Jigger Shop, Emporium and Hall of Philosophy.  Photographs were taken of all the structures in Mt. Gretna and employees of RLPS drew from those photos to determine which structure they would create.  What I'm walking through right now are the gingerbread structures that the employees have created.  And, as you probably guessed by now, I will take you on a visual journey through Mt. Gretna with me so you too can see the fabulous creations that I am experiencing.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.   PS - Click on photos to enlarge.

The 1st Place winner in the RLPS Gingerbread competition titled "Fixer Upper"

This display is titled Merry Minion Mischief

Morning Star Cottage 

The cottage owner is hanging onto the top of the roof in this entry

The Sunflower Chalet

Gerhard's Getaway

Third place - 306 Penguin Ave.

The Amazon deliveryman was busy at this cottage

Titled Santa On Strike.  It really wasn't slanted as I made it.

Poinsettia Porchplex

Turrets over Gretna

One of our favorite summer places to eat: The Jigger Shop.  Fantastic ice cream creations!

The Emporium

The Playhouse

Bavarian Bungalow

Woodscent 

Who let the dogs out - 2nd Place

Maple Lodge

Pine Rest Express