Carrie Mandigo and her son, Sam, 5, visit the 2007 Gingerbread Festival & Auction. The auction benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County and brings in dozens of elaborate creations each year.

Lawrence residents of all ages will display their inspired creations of love, holiday spirit and — of course — gingerbread at the 14th Annual Gingerbread Festival and Auction.

The auction, held at the Eldridge Extended, 20 W. Eighth St., benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County. For organizers and builders, though, the competition is more than a fundraiser. It’s a holiday tradition.

“It’s kind of the beginning of the holiday season for us,” says Diane Fry, head of the auction planning committee. “Our committee works so well together, and we have been doing it so long, the event almost runs itself. It’s a great way to kick off the holidays.”

Around 80 children and 25 adults usually participate as builders, says Becky Price, northeast regional director for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Those in the grown-up division must make their buildings using gingerbread and other edible materials only. Children, or “Grahams,” have their own divisions, building their creations with graham crackers.

“Some kids have done them for so many years, they’re as good as or better than adults,” Price says.

The gingerbread houses might be better described as masterpieces that just happen to be built of gingerbread. Months of construction and planning precede the auction, Price says.

“I talked to one competitor who was planning to go and get the actual dimensions for the courthouse,” Price says.

All the hard work leads up to the moment when model three-story Victorian homes, Lawrence landmarks and national monuments eventually meet at the Eldridge Extended.

“When the houses are brought in, I swear sometimes the builders want to sleep right there,” Price says. “They put so much love and effort into them. It’s amazing.”

Public viewing of all the houses begins Dec. 7 and lasts until the evening of Dec. 9, when the auction begins. Tickets for the auction are $35, and wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

The Graham entries are judged and sold earlier in a silent auction. The winners of each age division receive a $50 gift card and can enter the live auction. Ambitious adult builders win a bit more: The architect of the winning gingerbread house receives $300.

Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters raised more than $40,000 with the auction, Price says.

“It’s an easy event for us,” Price says, “and everyone loves it.”

Whether one builds them, buys them or merely gapes in admiration, the gingerbread houses are a celebration of the holidays, all for a good cause.

“My personal favorites are the smaller ones that I can keep in my house,” Fry says. “I love the churches with stained-glass windows. But they’re all so beautiful.”