Rome, Ga. (Dec. 2024) — Renaissance Marquis brings holiday joy to residents and friends with life-size gingerbread train created by Dining Services Director, Mary Wilbanks. Each year, Wilbanks creates a special display out of gingerbread and this year was no exception. The life-size gingerbread train, complete with Santa driving a load of presents through a snowy landscape, was a treat for all residents.

The big reveal of the gingerbread train took place on Thanksgiving, where residents enjoyed the debut with a cookie decorating party and hot cocoa with peppermint spoons. Residents, team members, friends and family enjoyed the festivities.

Wilbanks has worked at Renaissance Marquis since 2012 and has been making a unique gingerbread display for most of those years. She has created something special each year, including a gingerbread replica of the Renaissance Marquis building, a life-size candy shop, a Christmas village with Santa’s workshop and so much more.

“Originally, I wanted to do something unique for the residents to make sure they had a special holiday season. I have continued to create them each year because of the joy it gives to our residents. The smiles on their faces when they see it is something I’ll always treasure. We all look forward to what the next year’s creation will be,” said Wilbanks.  

“We are so thankful to Mary for all the time and dedication she puts into this each year. She goes above and beyond into making this such a special experience for our residents. It is the highlight of the year and something that we all look forward to!” said Catie Mason, Executive Director of Renaissance Marquis.