BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Thousands attended the first day of the candy-themed New Year’s celebration PeepsFest on Friday.
The family-friendly two-day event from ArtsQuest and Just Born Quality Confections celebrates the New Year with candy, performances, games and the Peeps Chick Drop, in which a 400-pound Peep descends for the countdown to the new year at 5:35 p.m.
- Thousands attended the first night of PeepsFest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem
- PeepsFest will happen again on Saturday, but tickets are sold out
- Saturday’s Peeps Chick Drop will be livestreamed on Facebook starting at 5:20 p.m.
Tickets for both nights sold out on Thursday. ArtsQuest Director of Communications Shannon Keith said there will not be a waitlist for tickets for Saturday’s event, but the Peeps Chick Drop will be livestreamed on Facebook starting at 5:20 p.m.
Keith said the Peeps Chick Drop happens early in the evening to make it more kid-friendly than a typical New Year’s Eve celebration.
“It’s pretty amazing to see. Where else do they drop a 400-pound Peep chick?” Keith said. “It really does pay homage to Just Born and their special connection to Bethlehem.”
“When the Peep falls and there are fireworks, it’s spectacular.”
Deborah Duenyas, Emmaus
Emmaus resident Deborah Duenyas has attended PeepsFest with her children for many years. She said the Peeps Chick Drop is her favorite part of the event.
“When the Peep falls and there are fireworks, it’s spectacular,” Duenyas said.
Her sons, Desmond and Jacob, said all the free Peeps were their favorite part of the celebration.
Right before the Peeps Chick Drop, Just Born showed a video giving a “sneak Peep” of its new Easter Peeps flavors in recognition of the company’s 100th anniversary in 2023. The new flavors are Dr. Pepper, kettle corn and Mike & Ike.
PeepsFest had other activities such as a scavenger hunt, the Leaning Tower of Peeps, cornhole, Jenga and crafts by local groups. The event also featured performances by Lolly Hopwood, DJ Wesley Works and Eddy Ray Magic.
There may be rain during Saturday’s event — showers are in the forecast — but Keith said the festivities won't be canceled. She said folks can still plan on fun despite any rain.
“As long as everyone plans for that, and dresses accordingly, I think they will be able to have a great time,” Keith said.