FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) — The 40th Annual Festival of Gingerbread wrapped up its most successful year yet, setting new records for attendance, fundraising, and community support during its Ruby Anniversary in 2025. The beloved holiday tradition at the Fort Wayne History Center saw a record-breaking 183 gingerbread creations crafted by culinary artists from across the region, showcasing the creativity and holiday spirit of the local community.
This year’s festival also broke records in fundraising, generating $122,076 in total revenue, including $56,350 in pre-event contributions. With a grand total of 10,603 visitors, the event proved to be a major success, far surpassing previous years’ figures. All funds raised go to support the History Center’s mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing Allen County’s rich history and heritage.
Held annually, the Festival of Gingerbread has become a staple of the holiday season in Fort Wayne, with hundreds of culinary artists creating edible masterpieces that delight visitors of all ages. This year’s festival displayed a wider variety of gingerbread entries than ever before, from elaborate houses to whimsical sculptures, all designed to inspire and entertain…