When Easter rolls around, I'm less than thrilled with the Peep surplus. There's something about sugar crusted animal shaped  marshmallows that isn't appealing to me at any time of the year. However, there is one Peep involved event I live for: The Washington Post Peep Diorama Contest.

Since 2007, the Post has requested entries of artfully crafted dioramas (reminisce about elementary school and then look at these and feel ashamed) using Peeps to depict a scene. The winning dioramas are usually identifiable pop culture references and take upwards of 40 hours of love. Note: You can see the finalist slide show by clicking each winning title's link.

The 2007 champion was a play on the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes titled "Peeps Are a Girl's Best Friend" in which a sultry pink dressed peep glides down the stairs. In 2008 the word was out and the Post received over 800 entries, but the winner made history (har har) with "The Tomb of King Peepankhamun" which included Christmas light torches and Peep hieroglyphics.

The following year 1,100 entries were submitted and many who entered had a business card with 'graphic designer' as their occupation. It became ultra competitive and professional.  NightPeeps , based on Edward Hopper's famous painting "Nighthawks" took 45 hours to craft. 2010 was a Disney moment, with a Peep version of the movie 'Up!'. Of course the title was changed to 'Eep!' and mattress springs were used to give the illusion of a floating house. From what I gather, although Peeps are marshmallow-like, they do not float like balloons.

Today the 2011 contest winner was revealed..."Chilean CoPeepapo Mine Rescue". What do you think of this year's winner?

Think you can do better?  Here are the rules!

-Carlene