The annual Gingerbread House Contest and Display in downtown Oneonta has a historic theme this year.

Organizers are asking gingerbread house makers to recreate a historic building or event.

"Locally, we have many historic churches, homes, schools and a rich history with the railroads as well as the revolutionary war," said Nancy Scanlon, one of the event's organizers.

All creations must be made of mostly gingerbread and icing, and all visual aspects of the display must be made of edible materials. The contest's categories include two for young adults and children, in addition to "Historic," and "Open and Creative." Over $2,000 in prizes is available.

The early entry fee is $5 through today, but entries are accepted until Dec. 3 at $10 each. Entry forms are available at Elena's Sweet Indulgence, Pie in the Sky, Razzle Dazzle, Ruffino's Pizzeria, Silks & Treasures, and Winterwood.

Entries must be brought to the Oneonta Historical Society's building, at the corner of Main and Dietz streets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday or from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3.

The gingerbread creations will be on display in Bresee's windows through Dec. 19.

For more information, Nancy Scanlon can be reached at 432-7398.

Dog grooming business opens in Oneonta

There's a new dog in town.

Blue Dog Grooming, located on 739 East Street in Oneonta, opened for business last week.

Owner Karen Mazarak takes pooches by appointment Monday through Sunday during the day, but schedules evening appointments as well.

Grooming starts at $25 and varies depending on the breed or the condition of the dog's coat. A price list is available upon request

Why blue dog? "Blue has always been my color," Mazarak said.

Blue Dog Grooming can be reached at 433-5500.

Martial arts dojo opens

Greene Dragon Martial Arts System School East opened Nov. 11 at 192 Main Street in Unadilla.

"It's been a passion of mine for the last nine years and I just recently received my rank of Shodan (black belt)," said owner Christine Carbone.

The school, affiliated with Greene Dragon Martial Arts in Greene, teaches an American style of martial arts designed for children ages 4 to adults.

"If you were to enroll we would take you from knowing nothing of the martial arts to wherever you want to go," Carbone said.

Children and adult classes meet twice a week and cost $55 per month. Classes for tots (ages 4 to 6) meet once a week and cost $30 per month.

The school also teaches aerobics. Classes meet three times a week and cost $55 per month, or $6 for walk-ins.

Greene Dragon Martial Arts System School East can be reached at 369-2067.