With Easter right around the corner, the return of some of our most beloved seasonal candies to store shelves is upon us. Ranking supreme among these time-tested treats are the ever-popular PEEPS marshmallows, which have gained great acclaim.
Manufactured by Just Born Quality Confections in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the PEEPS brand has been rated number one on the list of non-chocolate Easter candies worldwide for several decades. And neither their fame nor favor shows any signs of waning anytime soon.
Despite their undeniable peak in popularity around the Easter season, PEEPS aren’t exclusively available this time of year. You can snag these sugar-coated marshmallow confections year-round. While often created in the likeness of cute chicks and rabbits during Easter, as you’d expect, they rightfully take on the seasonal theme of whatever time of year is current. From Halloween to Christmas, you can have your PEEPS and eat them whenever you choose.
Yet, some folks enjoy their PEEPS through a more artistic approach rather than mere consumption. That is, in fact, the reality behind what has proven to be the Carroll County Arts Council’s largest fundraiser each year: the one and only annual PEEPshow.
A tradition 18 years in the making, what began on a far more humble scale has since emerged as one of the community’s most impressive artistic endeavors—a showcase of creativity, talent, and ingenuity utilizing none other than PEEPS candies.
The initial idea was inspired by a diorama photo contest featured in The Washington Post back in 2007. As one of the contest’s participants, Arts Council Executive Director Sandy Oxx was motivated to begin her own localized PEEPS-related art exhibit, debuting the first of its kind in 2008. It has since grown into an original art show and community staple, drawing in hundreds of participants and spectators from near and far alike.
Original creations on exhibit throughout the PEEPshow embrace a broad range of expressive formats. The lineup includes sculptures, dioramas, mosaics, and even videos, among other demonstrations of originality. The only requirement is that all entries prioritize PEEPS as the primary medium. Other than that, the lines of expression are pretty much open to the creator’s discretion. Furthermore, anyone can register and submit. Registration for this year’s event is currently open and will remain so through March 21. Details are available at the link here.
The 2025 PEEPshow will run from April 11 through 21 at the TownMall of Westminster, located at 400 N. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free, but visitors pay for votes that go directly to the original PEEPS masterpieces of their choosing. Learn more about this event at www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org/peepshow.
By: LC Hermoza
