Bakers alert! It's time to get out the flour, the allspice and the gumdrops. Your creations for the annual Holiday Port Gingerbread contest are due soon.

A few guidelines:

The entry form deadline is Dec. 4, and all entries must be delivered between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. On-site construction, decorating or assembly (other than minor repairs) is not permitted.

The contest is open to the general public and is free to enter; participants are not limited to a single entry.

Your structure does not have to be made of gingerbread, but it must be visibly edible. (Meaning graham cracker walls and other creative uses of food are acceptable).

Entries will be on display at the Cruise Terminal from Dec. 7 to 9, during the Holiday Port Festival.

Unless otherwise requested, all entries will be included in the silent auction. Auction proceeds benefit the Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross. All unclaimed entries must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13, or they will be discarded or donated.

In 2012, the contest added a themed category. The 2012 theme is "Uniquely Whatcom." Any size group, of any age, can enter the themed category instead of one of the other categories.

Details: http://www.portofbellingham.com/index.aspx?nid=141

ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR PEACE ARCH SCULPTURE EXHIBIT

Entrants are being sought for the 16th annual outdoor International Sculpture Exhibition at Peace Arch State Park. The deadline to submit artwork for consideration is Dec. 28.

The next exhibit, which runs May 1-Oct. 1, will include a special edition park history and exhibit tour brochure.

Each year, the park's picturesque landscape and gardens host family gatherings, picnics, weddings, and annual events of international significance. More than 500,000 visitors tour the site annually.

Details: peacearchpark.org/callforentries.htm

'SINGING CHRISTMAS CARDS' ON TAP IN DECEMBER

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? Singers from Whatcom and Skagit counties will soon be saying "Merry Christmas" in song, and leaving lots of people smiling. You can think of "Singing Christmas Cards" as singing telegrams, with holiday flair.

On selected dates in December, singers will fan out in the greater Bellingham, Mount Vernon and Burlington areas to deliver "Singing Christmas Cards" to chosen recipients.

The performers are members of Harmony Northwest Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Sweet Adelines sing four-part a cappella harmony.

Singing Christmas Cards cost $35 and include a personal visit by the singers, two holiday songs and a souvenir photo, card and flower. Over the telephone greetings also available for out-of-town friends and family for $20.

For scheduling information, contact Harmony Northwest Chorus at 360-734-0276 or contact@harmonynorthwest.org.

LA CONNER ART MUSEUM NAMES INTERIM DIRECTOR

The Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner recently announced that Kathleen Moles has agreed to serve as interim executive director, effective immediately.

A search is under way for a permanent executive director to succeed Tim Detweiler, who left the museum in early October. Moles is the museum's curator of exhibitions, a post she has held since summer 2008.

"We have a dedicated staff, an incredible group of docents and other volunteers, and a supportive board of trustees," Moles said in a press release. "We're excited to be moving forward."

Moles will retain her responsibilities as curator of exhibitions.