Admit it, you’ve been waiting for this. It’s time for The Post’s eighth annual Peeps Contest. Each year, we ask you to create a sure-to-be-amazing diorama starring those mushy marshmallow goodies. This year is no different. The contest officially begins ... now.
Make a diorama of a famous occurrence or scene. But remember: Whatever your design — a historic, current or future event, or a wink at pop culture — the main characters must be played by Peeps. Submit your entry by March 17. If you need inspiration —
nay, Peeps-spiration! — check out galleries from past contests at
washingtonpost.com/peeps . So, bust out the chicks and bunnies. We can’t wait to see what you come up with.
The process
1. Think of a scene. Sketch some ideas. Possible extra credit given to those who deftly employ puns in the diorama concept or title.
2. Make your diorama using a shoebox or comparable item of reasonable size not to exceed three feet wide by two feet deep by two feet tall. To be eligible for finalist standing, the diorama must be transportable to our office by one person. Melt, mold and manipulate those fluffy chicks and bunnies to bring your creative vision to life. If you don’t know how to make a diorama, Google “how to make a diorama.”
3. Take photos of your diorama. Then, go to washingtonpost.com/peeps to upload not more than two photos of your diorama. Your pictures must be .jpg, .jpeg or .png files. Do not submit .doc, .docx, .pdf or .tiff files.
You will also be asked to provide:
a. Your name, age and home town.
b. The names, ages and home towns of anybody who contributed to the diorama.
c. A phone number and e-mail address (not for publication).
d. The title of your diorama.
e. Captions accompanying your photos about your creation or its significance.
Entries without this information will not be considered. You will see a notification screen after submitting if your images have been uploaded successfully. If you have questions about the uploading process, e-mail peeps@washpost.com .
4. Photo submissions are due by Monday, March 17, at 11:59 p.m. EST, but keep your masterpieces intact after submission. In the coming weeks, the Washington Post Magazine staff (who are judges) will pick five finalists based on originality of concept and skill in execution; those dioramas will be retrieved via courier and judged in person to determine the winner. Decisions of judges are final and cannot be appealed. The Magazine staff will also select semi-finalists; those dioramas will be displayed in our online gallery. Photos of our semi-finalists and finalists will run on Sunday, April 20. By entering, you authorize The Post to publish photos of your diorama and to identify you as the entrant with those photos.
5. The grand prize winner — as voted by Magazine staff — will receive a $200 American Express gift check and an Executive Peeps gift box (including Peeps items and candy) grand prize, approximate retail value $150. Four runner-up winners will receive a $75 American Express gift check and an Executive Peeps gift box, approximate retail value $50. The gift box is courtesy of Peeps and Company. Odds of winning and of being selected as a finalist or semi-finalist depend on the number of entries.
6. Fine print: No purchase necessary to enter. Anyone in the United States can submit photos of his or her diorama, but the five finalists and semi-finalists selected must be residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia. Contestants must be 13 years of age or older to enter. If you are under 13 please have a parent, guardian or teacher submit your entry. Employees, officers, directors and representatives of The Washington Post, and their immediate family are not eligible. For complete rules see: washingtonpost.com/peeps.