So many Easter candies have gone down in history as being iconic classics—those must-have favorites to line every child’s basket with. Some of the most familiar mainstays include solid chocolate bunnies, REESE’S Peanut Butter Eggs, Cadbury Crème Eggs, jelly beans, and many others. But it’s those perpetually popular PEEPS marshmallow confections that remain a famed favorite time and again, each and every Easter. Interestingly though, while the popularity of PEEPS peaks around the Easter season, they are year-round offerings that even take on different themed shapes, flavors, and crystalized color coatings to fit with other seasonal holidays.
For most, there is great epicurean splendor in popping a PEEP into one’s mouth as is. Others, however, take a more creative approach in the construct of all-out “PEEPING” concoctions. For instance, did you know that PEEPS have proven to be a viable artistic medium in some very awe-inspiring edible sculptures? That’s the basis behind one beloved Maryland tradition 17 years in the making—the Carroll County Arts Council’s Annual PEEPshow.
The Carroll County Arts Council in Westminster, Maryland has been presenting its annual PEEPshow since 2008. An original show exhibiting the artistic use of PEEPS in such formats as sculptures, dioramas, mosaics, and even videos, the idea was initially inspired in part by a diorama photo contest that The Washington Post debuted back in 2007. Arts Council Executive Director Sandy Oxx even participated in the contest herself, although she did not win a prize. Still, the experience was enough to motivate the start of a new localized PEEPS-related art exhibit that has since grown into the Arts Council’s largest annual fundraiser event.
The Carroll County Arts Center’s PEEPshow grows bigger and better with each installment. In comparison to the very first show, which displayed just 60 total entries, the event now typically features well over 100 unique novelty PEEPS displays. Its popularity has also expanded well beyond localized attention and now draws in spectators and participants alike from all over. Furthermore, it has even garnered media coverage, earned many accolades, and been recognized nationally by such outlets as NBC Nightly News, Time, People Magazine, Gizmodo, Buzzfeed, and ESPN. Several entries submitted through the years have gone on to appear as featured displays at such venues as the American Visionary Arts Museum, the official Peeps & Company store, the Just Born company headquarters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and at the PEEPSFEST New Year’s Eve Celebration.
Because the event draws in countless crowds, for the last several years the PEEPshow has been presented at the TownMall of Westminster rather than on location at the Carroll County Arts Council. This allows for much more space for both displaying and viewing. Attending the PEEPshow is entirely free, with all visitors being able to view and vote for their favorite displays by “buying” votes.
All proceeds from the event (such as the buying of votes) benefit the Arts Council directly. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the mission of the Carroll County Arts Council is to enrich the community, both culturally and economically by presenting, promoting, and supporting a wide variety of arts opportunities for residents, visitors, and artists. They are headquartered at 91 West Main Street in a renovated 1937 movie theater located in downtown Westminster.
Again, while the home location of the Arts Center plays host to various ongoing events, classes, and other offerings throughout the year, the PEEPshow will be taking place once again at the TownMall, located at 400 N. Center Street in Westminster. Exhibits will be on display from March 22 through April 1. Hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Wednesday), 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Thursday through Saturday), and from noon to 5:30 p.m. (every Sunday including Easter). To learn more about this event and others from the Carroll County Arts Council go to their website at www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org.