Rules are very relaxed for the Youth category, 12 and under, for the gingerbread house competition for the Fall Festival.

Milk cartons, cardboard, etc., can be used as support. Graham crackers can also be used. The icing will hold the crackers together.

Various kits are available, including a Wilton Gingerbread Cottage Kit, $14.99, www.wilton.com and Dancing Dear Gingerbread House Kit, $19.99, 888-699-3337; also, Ginger Kids Gingerbread House Kit, $19.99 (this year's edition), 888/292-1991.

Ginger Kids has offered to provide kits (not edible because the candy may be stale - last year's model) for $10.00, plus shipping and handling. They send three samples (received them in three days) and they are packaged really great - in a tin bucket similar to the popcorn buckets.