by Staff writer
A record-breaking sea of marshmallow magic descended on Westminster TownMall this April as the Carroll County Arts Council hosted the 18th Annual PEEPshow, the region’s most colorful and creative spring tradition. Running from Friday, April 11 through Monday, April 21, the beloved event drew more than 21,000 visitors to admire 164 sugary sculptures—each crafted with the iconic PEEPS® marshmallow candies.
This year’s entries, built using a staggering 36,105 PEEPS®, showcased everything from pop culture references to whimsical dioramas. But it was the life-sized, Oscar the Grouch-inspired “Scram Peeps!” by Ava Piszczek and her family that stole the show, earning the Grand Prize with a record 8,094 votes. Over 40 of the 164 entries were purchased and sold once the week of sugary fun and voting came to a close.
19 years ago the Carroll County Arts Council got inspired from a PEEPS® inspired show in Washington, DC, which sparked almost two decades of the largest tourist attraction in Carroll County. “Some of my favorite stories I love to hear is people remembering standing on Main Street and the line wrapping around Ain’t That A Frame and the whole block” says Stephen Strosnider the Executive Director of the Carroll County Arts Council.
Top Honors and Crowd Favorites
Audience Favorite Awards:
Grand Prize: “Scram Peeps!” – Ava Piszczek & Family (8,094 votes)
2nd Place: “Precious Peep Panda” – Kelly Dutterer/Kelly’s Cakes (6,752 votes)
3rd Place: “SPIDER-PEEP” – Kelly Soverns (4,842 votes)
4th Place: “Fluffy the Peepster Pup” – Kelsey Taylor (4,342 votes)
5th Place: “Stitch Mallow” – The Tracey Family (4,009 votes)
6th Place: “Woodland Peeptures” – Lara King (3,971 votes)
7th Place: “Smells like PEEP Spirit” – Carroll Community College (3,956 votes)
8th Place: “MINEPEEP” – TGIF Homeschool Co-op (3,950 votes)
9th Place: “PEEPERS BEWARE” – Keira Coder (3,579 votes)
10th Place: “Be a Peepville Firefighter” – The Livesay Family (3,318 votes)
Top Video Award:
“PEEPZILLA” by Noah McNally, Arnulfo Alarcon, and Julian Lardner (695 votes)
Celebrating Artistic Excellence
A panel of judges also awarded the Artistic Excellence Award to standout entries including:
- “I wanna ride the carousel!” – Lena Prichard
- “Peepbot” – MAGIC Robotics Students + Gearfreaks #4991
- “Peeps Art Center” – Bethany Liberto + Nick Hooke
- “A Peep is a Wish Your Heart Makes” – Kristen Christy
- “Corgi: Best in PEEPshow” – Brooks Purper
- And more!
Special Recognition & Online Buzz
Sponsor’s Voice Awards went to fan favorites selected by local sponsors, such as:
- “Century Knights” by Century High School (TownMall of Westminster)
- “Every Peep is Welcome Here” by St. Paul’s UCC Sunday School (Edward Jones)
Meanwhile, digital entries gained traction through social media, with the Online Sensation Award going to:
- “Find Your New Best Peep @ HSCC” by the Humane Society of Carroll County
- “PEEP-errarium” by Coral O’Hara, age 10
- “The Great Peep War” by Lucy Seiser, among others
A Sweet Tradition Continues
As the PEEPshow wrapped its 18th year, organizers celebrated not just the creativity on display, but the event’s ongoing impact on local arts. Funds raised will support year-round programming through the Carroll County Arts Council, continuing to make art accessible and engaging across the community.
To see photos of this year’s winners and learn more about the PEEPshow, visit the Carroll County Arts Council.
PEEPS® and the PEEPS® chick and bunny shapes are trademarks of Just Born, Inc., Bethlehem, PA 18017. ©
