The "Winter Wonderland" themed Gingerbread Workshop at the Norwich Family YMCA in 2021. This year the Y will be hosting the workshop with a Grinch theme, and will have several holiday- and Grinch-themed crafts and games to enjoy. (Photo from the Norwich Family YMCA Facebook page)

NORWICH — The Norwich Family YMCA is ready to ring in Christmas, and is celebrating with their annual Gingerbread Workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 16.

Last year's "Winter Wonderland" themed workshop drew in lots of area residents, according to YMCA Youth Development Director Kelly Reppert. She said this year's theme focuses on everyone's favorite Christmas grouch, the Grinch.

"Last year’s event was a success. We had a lot of people come out for that one. It was a lot of fun," said Reppert. "We went with a Grinch theme this year. So we have fresh decorations, traditional colors of red and green. But we have the same theme with the gingerbread workshop. So we have gingerbread houses for people to decorate and make their own. We’ll have crafts, games, prizes, and holiday refreshments."

Admission is $5 per person for YMCA members, and $10 per person for non-members. Reppert said pre-registration for the event is not required, although she recommends signing up beforehand at the YMCA front desk to ensure there are enough gingerbread houses to go around.

In addition to crafting their own gingerbread house, attendees will also get to participate in holiday-themed crafts and games, including pin the heart on the Grinch, ring toss, ornament making, and a make your own Grinch craft.

While the workshop is scheduled for Friday, Reppert said she's been keeping an eye on the impending snow storm. The National Weather Service of Binghamton has issued a winter storm warning for the City of Norwich, from 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 15 until 1 a.m. on Saturday, December 17.

The warning predicts 9 to 15 inches of snow accumulation in the City of Norwich as well as winds gusts as high as 35 miles per hour.

Reppert said a weather reschedule date for the workshop is set for Saturday, December 17, and she will keep prospective attendees updated on any changes.

"We’re keeping a close eye on that in case we need to postpone to Saturday," she said. "We’ll post on Facebook the details, if there’s a reschedule time and date, and we will call anybody who has pre-registered."

Despite the impending snow, Reppert is still looking forward to the YMCA Gingerbread Workshop, and encourages local residents to sign up and enjoy the festive activities.

"It’s a fun holiday event with lots of festive cheer," said Reppert. "It's a great opportunity to get out with the family and do something in the community."

More information on the Norwich Family YMCA, the Gingerbread Workshop, and other YMCA programs and events can be found at NorwichYMCA.com or on the Norwich Family YMCA Facebook page.