Residents crowded St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Walden on Saturday, April 7 during the church’s second annual Peep Diorama Contest, where they marveled at vibrant displays of community life portrayed with small, marshmallow birds.

Peep dioramas are traditional for many communities across the United States during Spring, challenging participants to depict the various businesses, activities, and happenings of their municipalities. St. Andrew’s adopted their contest last year after Despina Parker, a vestry member of the church, proposed the idea.

“I used to do diorama contests in Florida. I thought it would be a good idea to do as a celebration of the community,” Parker said.
This year’s contest featured 16 entries recreating several locations and events in Montgomery and surrounding areas, from churches and restaurants to playgrounds and outdoor gatherings. The judges comprised members of the Walden Community Committee, including Jodi Lynn, Brenda Adams, and Debbie Robb, who evaluated each diorama based on its creativity, use of Peeps, and representation of the community.
“We were very pleased with the turnout. For the first time this year, we had businesses submit dioramas and the most five-to-ten dioramas,” said Nicole Hanley, a pastor of St. Andrew’s. “We’re excited that the community came out.”

Around 3:30 p.m., Hanley announced the winners for each category:

Ages 5-10
First Place: Olivia Hanna, “Wooster Grove”
Second Place: Abbie Barnett, “The Little Peeps Library”
Third Place: Adam Casamento, “St. Andrew’s Playgound”

HM: Leah Cameron, “Peeps Playground”
HM: Josh Baisley, “The Peeps of Montgomery”

Ages 11-13
Danielle Dudek, “A day at the Arboretum”

Ages 19 and up

First Place: Nicole Hanley, “Cider Peeps”
Second Place: Mary Barber, “Cleanup and Picnic at St. Andrew’s Cemetery”
Third Place: Grace Miner, Lily Valentin, and Aaron Miner, “Sweetey’s Pub”
HM: Kevin and Evie Baisley, “Weekend Walk on Wallkill Ave.”
HM: Erik Mattsen, “The Swimming Hole”

Businesses
First Place: SUNY Orange, “A Day on Campus”
Second Place: Walden Savings Bank, “Walden Savings Bank”
Third Bank: Walden Savings Bank Contact Bank, “Peep Yoga Studio”

Organizations/Groups

First Place: St. Andrew’s Members, “Walden’s Trunk or Treat”
Second Place: Anita Mattsen, “Lining up for Blessing at St. Francis of Assisi in Montgomery”

Regardless of who won, all the participants had a great time assembling their dioramas, and the residents who attended the contest’s viewing party adored every single entry.