Half Moon Bay publisher knows gingerbread
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Half Moon Bay Review Publisher Bill Murray knows a thing or two about house construction, having done extensive work on his family’s own California home. Perhaps that is why he was called upon to help judge the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay’s, annual gingerbread contest.
Hundreds of local residents and tourists turned out on Dec. 10 on what Murray termed a “breathtaking autumnal day.” The gingerbread contest was part of a very festive occasion at the local Ritz. There was also a tree-lighting ceremony and caroling under the gazebo on a manicured lawn overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean. Even Santa Claus made an appearance.
“The gingerbread houses were very impressive,” Murray said, noting that they had categories for kids, home cooks and professionals. “It was also fun to work with other judges,” he said, noting that one was a San Francisco radio personality and the other a local restaurateur.
The contest – which included an auction of the sugary creations -- raised $7,000 for a local child-care service known as Coastside Children’s Programs. The organization provides after-school activities for kids across a wide socio-economic spectrum throughout the newspaper’s readership area.