Gingerbread Display Spreads Holiday Cheer at Valrico Community Center

Gingerbread Display Brings Holiday Cheer to Valrico Community Center

Valrico, Florida – A dazzling gingerbread display is capturing the spirit of the season at the Osprey Heights Gracious Community Living center. The gathering room is now adorned with an impressive array of gingerbread creations, serving as a central attraction for both residents and visitors alike.

The Heart of the Community

According to resident Valerie McDarby, the idea for the festive display stemmed from a desire to incorporate elements representative of the Tampa Bay area. “My thought was we need something from Tampa Bay, and all I could think of was boat parade and ta-da,” McDarby said. She expressed admiration for the creativity displayed by both residents and staff, stating that the result is “magnificent.”

Creativity on Display

The centerpiece of the exhibit is a whimsical gingerbread boat ride fleet, aptly named the SS Rudolph by one resident. The fleet features a giant pirate ship, leading smaller boats that circle around the community’s Christmas tree. Each boat is uniquely decorated with an assortment of various candies, chocolates, and even potato chips, showcasing a delightful mixture of artistic flair and holiday spirit.

Community Manager Jenni Emery referred to the gathering room as the “heart of the building,” where all activities seem to originate. “What we want everyone to get out of it is a great opportunity to have the biggest expression of internal creativity,” Emery noted.

Collaborative Effort

The planning for this elaborate gingerbread display began back in September. Residents and staff collaborated closely, each contributing their unique touch to the project. Shielia Breighner, a new resident at Osprey Heights, created her first gingerbread house for the occasion. “I thought that sounds like fun,” Breighner shared, emphasizing how the display brings everyone together. “It really just fits around the tree, and everybody walks around it and enjoys it. You can smell the gingerbread and all the icing, and it makes you hungry.”

Breighner’s gingerbread house is part of a charming village situated at one end of the circle. The landscape of this village features a hilly terrain constructed from Rice Krispies, which also serve as the ocean waves in the display. The combination of these elements creates a festive atmosphere that delights the senses.

Building Community Spirit

The display not only showcases creativity but also fosters a sense of community among residents. “It just brings out all the joy of Christmas and all the joy of our community,” McDarby observed. “We are a community. I know we live here, but we’re a community of people. That’s what’s most important to me.”

The gingerbread display at Osprey Heights is more than just a collection of sweets; it represents collaboration, creativity, and the cherished traditions of the holiday season. As residents gather to appreciate the handiwork, one thing is clear: the spirit of community thrives in Valrico.