HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It’s one of the neat Christmas traditions in downtown Hutchinson and it happens again this Saturday with Hutch Rec’s annual Gingerbread House Decorating event. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Hall and is free and open to the public.

Due to the popularity of this event, participants are encouraged to come early to guarantee a free house to decorate. Santa will also be available for pictures and visits while the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hutch will announce the grand prize winner of their Shop Local Holiday campaign.

More than 1,100 houses will be constructed this week thanks to several community volunteers. Hutch Rec is still taking candy donations through the event’s morning. Accepted candy includes: licorice, gummy candies, peppermints, marshmallows, Skittles, Starbursts, Jolly Ranchers, jaw breakers, gum, candy corn and etc. Candy that is not accepted includes any items with chocolate and/or nuts.