🌱 Secrets of Disney Gingerbread Hotel + Turkey Trot + Fire, Explosion

Hi all. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Orange County Daily, with everything happening in O.C. today. Including updates on:

• Join the 45th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot.
• Eighty firefighters race to douse blaze and explosion.
• Secrets of Disney's gingerbread Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 76 Low: 52.

Here are the top stories today in Orange County:

1. Start your Thanksgiving Day morning with a run/walk at the Turkey Trot! More than 10,000 runners and walkers are participating in the 45th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot & Kids Gobble Wobble. Walk or run the 5K, 10K, 15K Combo, or Kids 1-Mile Gobble before you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal in lovely Dana Point Harbor. Races start at 7 a.m. "Registration includes a commemorative T-shirt, medal, race bib with timed results (Kids Gobble Wobble not timed), and virtual goody bag." (Orange County Patch)
2. About 80 firefighters raced to a 3-alarm fire in Garden Grove Saturday. Callers reported a fire and the sound of an explosion near the railroad tracks at 10:43 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find multiple RV's ablazev. Embers were carried by strong winds to nearby businesses, "which started exterior fires at two other businesses." Firefighters determined the cause was accidental and was from "a transient-occupied area" next to the tracks. The fires were knocked down in 56 minutes. (Orange County Fire Authority via Facebook)
3. Disney's top pastry chefs shared secrets about the "7-foot gingerbread replica of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel." It's featured prominently in the Disney Grand Hotel lobby. The elaborate 7-foot tall by 12-foot-wide gingerbread replica is an exact copy of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa down to every amazing detail. Here are a few behind the scenes secrets shared by Disney's pastry chef's: They used two thousand pounds of gingerbread to make the structure, the dough was baked a little longer to withstand humidity, a carpenter had to build the base of the structure, and throughout the hotel there are "25 hidden Mickeys." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

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Today in Orange County:

• Holiday Lights Contest - City of Laguna Niguel Parks and Recreation (All Day)
• NFL Game Days at The Crack Shack - Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce (All Day)
• ESL Conversation Group - Laguna Beach Library (11 a.m.)
• Cookbook Book Club- Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library (11 a.m.)
• Gardening Club at Canyon Hills Branch (11:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Young Belgian Malinois needs a foster home: "Yet ANOTHER young puppy tossed aside like yesterday’s news! 6 month old Brodie has just arrived at GSROC and we are getting to know him. He is a smart young guy jam packed with Belgian Malinois energy. A foster home is needed!" (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County via Facebook)
• Law enforcement appreciation night: "Thank you Anaheim Ducks for highlighting Deputy Pete Chavez and the volunteer work he does with Six Points For Kids during Law Enforcement Appreciation Night last week!" (Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA via Facebook)
• Arrest made after Elton John concert attack: "At least one person connected to the attack on a couple in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium after an Elton John concert has been arrested." (Orange County Register via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Social Security Seminar at Newport Beach Public Library (November 28)
• Christmas City Markets- Festival of Lights (December 15)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! I'll see you around.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orange County Daily? Contact me at orangecounty@patch.com