Winner of Gingerbread House Announced

One hundred fifteen tickets were entered into a raffle to win a one-of-a-kind, 100 percent edible gingerbread house made by librarian Jackie Elser.

The winning ticket was drawn at the end of the 11 a.m. at the on Wednesday.

Congratulations to winner Tabby Bodie, a student in the Oconee County School System!

Emily Carr, a former teacher and Elser's sister, purchased the winning ticket (she purchased 24!) and wrote in the name of one of her former students.

The 2011 gingerbread house, modeled in the likeness of the , is decorated with characters from the popular "Star Wars" series.

One of the most popular activities during last summer's reading program was a meet and greet with characters from "Star Wars," Elsner said. Members of the Georgia 501st Legion, a volunteer organization of costume enthusiasts, spent two Sundays with families at the library.

"It was clear that everybody loved 'Star Wars,' so I bought some 'Star Wars' cookie cutters," Elsner said. "We've enjoyed having it on display and seeing how much people like looking at it."

The raffle raised $98 for the library, which will be used to purchase books for the children's section. They'll make sure there are plenty of Star Wars books in stock and also help fill the Basic Reader bookcase, Elsner said.

"The raffle is just a way to help the library and spread the joy."