ASHEVILLE, N.C. —

The National Gingerbread House Competition at Asheville's Omni Hotel is finally back after a year's hiatus because of Hurricane Helene.

Officials say the gingerbread houses represent more than just the holidays; this year, seeing them means Asheville is continuing to take steps after Hurricane Helene.

"This year we have a record number of competitors with over 235 competitors total, which is a record for us and over 25 states coming from as far away as Canada, California and Washington," said Bethany Cobb, the marketing director of the Omni Hotel.

After Hurricane Helene ravaged western North Carolina last year, this three-decade tradition had to be canceled. But now, the center of the gingerbread universe is back in Asheville.

"People as young as five years old can c

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