NEWPORT — I admit, I cannot get enough of these Peeps diorama contests.
There’s just something about seeing the marshmallow confections in creatively ridiculous settings that make me so happy.
On Thursday, I spent some time looking through the 78 submissions to the Library Arts Center’s 9th annual Peeps Diorama Contest and laughed so hard I had tears streaming down my face. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event became a virtual contest and submissions from other states were accepted.
While some people placed the Peeps in coronavirus-like settings, others were inspired by fairytales, popular culture and Upper Valley landmarks.
Voting for the coveted “Peep-les Choice Award” is open through Saturday at libraryartscenter.org/peeps. You can vote once per day, though I can guarantee it’ll be difficult to choose your favorite. The submissions will be available to view online through April 21.
And if you’re feeling inspired, the Norwich Public Library’s Peeps Diorama Contest is accepting submissions through Tuesday on the theme of “Where in the World are the Peeps?”
Although we can’t gather in person in the age of social distancing, plenty of organizations are finding ways to hold events online. Here are some coming up in the next few days worth checking out:
Bach Cello Suites Performance: Upper Valley Music Center instructor Ben Kulp will livestream his performance of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 on the nonprofit organization’s Facebook page from 4:30-5 p.m. on Friday. More information: uvmusic.org/events.
Slow Jam Online: Amy Cann leads the session of the Upper Valley Music Center program from 5:30-7 p.m. on Friday. More information: uvmusic.org/events.
Virtual Writers’ Group: Windsor Public Library Director Barbara Ball will lead a writing group from 7-8 p.m. on Monday via Jitsi Meet. Participants will write for 40 minutes and then have the opportunity to share what they’ve written with others. Open to writers of all capabilities. Prompts provided upon request. For more information, email barbara@windsorlibrary.org or check out the library’s Facebook page, Windsor Public Library.
Reading and Rose online book discussion: Secure a copy of Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel My Year of Rest and Relaxation and join a virtual discussion from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday. More information at the Lebanon Libraries website: leblibrary.com.
Haiku Contest for Kids: The Thetford Libraries is hosting a poetry contest for children ages 12 and under. Per instructions, “entries should follow the 5-7-5 syllable format and use the word ‘library’ at least once.” Up to five poems per child may be submitted and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Email poems to Librarians@thetfordlibrary.org by 5 p.m. next Friday (April 24).
Please submit Upper Valley-based virtual events via our online form at calendar.vnews.com or email them to calendar@vnews.com. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
