By Alan Schwegler

Guest Reporter

The Mormon Trail Center is having its 25th annual gingerbread house exhibit to celebrate the spirit of the holidays.

The theme this year is “The Greatest Treasure,” or a treasure that the community holds dearest to them ranging from family, traditions and even an Xbox, characterized by a Guitar Hero gingerbread house.

“Some houses were built by Cub Scouts and local Fontenelle Elementary School, which involved a few hours for preparation,” said Lanae Tryon, a volunteer at the Mormon Trail Center.

One piece in particular characterized the “Twelve Nights Before Christmas,” a massive piece that took a couple of weeks, decorated with cookies, candies and all things sweet ushering in the 2009 holidays.

Christmas trees were also in abundance and were decorated by local children from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with pictures and sparkling velvety ornaments.

“Tour buses, senior citizens and students come from all over the state to view the elaborately decorated houses,” said Diane Jacobi, a volunteer at the Center.

Director Elder Hoyt Bruster, assisted by 12 senior citizens from around the nation, heads the Center.

“The gingerbread house show has become so popular, we have had to split it in two, located in Council Bluffs, Cainsville tabernacle,” said Elder Carl Scott, host of the Center.

The Mormon Trail Center was established in 1997 and converted to a visitor center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Scott said the sister’s elders and youths are there to serve missions and educate the Omaha community about the gathering and migration through Nauvoo, Iowa, into Nebraska.

The Mormon Trail Center is open from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. with the Gingerbread house exhibit lasting until January, no charge, and just good old-fashioned fun to delight any sweet tooth.