For some entrants, the Boothbay Harbor Opera House’s annual Gingerbread Spectacular brings out their most competitive spirit, while others are merely happy if their gingerbread house or creation remains standing throughout the opening night Dough Ball Party and judges’ review.

Bribing the gingerbread judges has become common, with builders doing almost anything to walk home with the coveted Most Spectacular Prize. As in the past, all cash bribes have been donated to the Opera House.

Judging of this year’s Gingerbread Spectacular entries will take place immediately prior to the Dec. 12 Dough Ball kick-off party. The doors for the Dough Ball open at 7 p.m. The evening's music will be by Barney Balch and Sheepscot Jazz & Swing. An array of hors d’oeuvres created by the Friends of the Opera House.

The slate of 2014 Gingerbread Spectacular judges includes Gingerbread House Collapse Specialist and Rebuilding Together maven Sally Barter of Sawyer’s Island. Southport’s Kit Sherrill, the sometimes Boothbay Scrooge, may help bring a little divine intervention to the judging proceedings. New at the judging table: Boothbay Harbor innkeeper Kathryn Sullivan and East Boothbay’s Kelly Robbins. The four judges have said they welcome bribes in the days ahead.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Tickets are available through the Opera House box office at 207-633-5159. All gingerbread bakers receive complimentary tickets to the Dough Ball.

The Dough Ball also includes a silent auction table, with items ready for holiday gift giving including items donated by Knickerbocker Group, A Silver Lining, Eventide, Perkins Construction, Sheepscot Pottery, Boothbay Harbor Framers, the Stedt Family, Calypso Clothing and others.

The Opera House is located at 86 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor.