COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — Gingerbread houses are a staple of the holidays, but can you build one in just an hour? KETV reports that was the challenge laid out by Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment, or PACE, Friday night at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center in Council Bluffs.

The group hosted a family gingerbread house-making competition. Awards were given for the wackiest, best quality and most creative houses. Paticipants got to take home the all the candy and goodies afterward.

The event also featured live music from the Council Bluffs Symphony Orchestra. The idea was to get people to spend time with their loved ones and turn-off their cell phone, be creative, have fun and conversations in-person.

PACE offers events almost daily. Go to www.paceartsiowa.org/events on the web to see future events.