SUISUN CITY, Calif. — A life-sized gingerbread house that draws large crowds and brings joy to countless people, but this year, the lights and the displays will go missing.
It's a house right out of a movie. From roof top to the front lawn, a sugary-themed wonderland of handmade displays sits on Shoveller Drive in Suisun City.
“We were looking for something that we have not seen before,” said Aaron Sencil, one of the two creators behind the Gingy House. “We wanted something that you cannot buy in a store.”
For more than five years, VnA’s Gingy House has provided countless memories. The astonishing displays are a labor of love and the result of a dare.
“I think the first year, it was like maybe 100 (people who visited). We thought that was so cool,” said Sencil. “But we realized that it is something that the community really enjoyed.”
Last year, Sencil said around 900 people visited every night. An experience not just for the eyes but other senses as well.
“We made it so that you can smell the gingerbread house rather than just seeing lights. We change up the music; we want to hit all the senses,” said Sencil.
This year, Sencil and Vincent Tanciongco said the plan was to do it again. But life threw Vincent and Aaron a curve, forcing them to take this year off.
“My dad, Vincente Tanciongco, has been battling Parkinson's for the last almost 10 years,” said Vincent Tanciongco, one of the creators behind the Gingy House.
Vincent said last week, Vincente Tanciongco lost his battle. Even through the battle, the 79-year-old found ways to help with the Gingy House, in his later years helping paint candy hearts.
“It is interesting how this disease works, where sometimes he will be completely immobile,” said Vincent Tanciongco. “Then when it comes to artwork, he is able to move his hands again. He was truly a vital part. Not only did he supply the home itself, but he gave us his blessings to continue doing this even as the disease progressed.”
The emotional toll is forcing the family to cancel this year, so they can heal from this loss.
“Once 2024 starts with, we are going to be brainstorming new things and come back stronger,” said Vincent Tanciongco. “It was his favorite holiday (Christmas), and we do not want to disappoint him.”
Sencil and Vincent said they will host a pop-up shop on Dec. 9 from 12 to 4 p.m. selling merchandise. The funds will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research.
However, there is a way to catch the display, it will be on ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight season premiere. It will be featured as part of their All-Stars special on Nov. 26.
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