The Peeps Factory Is Opening Its Doors to the Public for the First Time Ever
But they ripped a page from Willy Wonka's playbook: They're only admitting a lucky sweepstakes winner.
The winner will see how these sugary birds are made in the Peeps factory tour. Photo by Kate Ter Haar via Flickr/Creative Commons
Good news for those who love sugary, neon-colored, marshmallow birds: Peeps will soon open its factory doors to the public for the first time ever.
Just Born Quality Confections, which owns and makes Peeps — as well as Mike and Ike, Peanut Chews, Hot Tamales, and more — is based in Bethlehem. This spring (because what better time to eat Peeps than around Easter!), the company will allow one lucky nationwide sweepstakes winner to tour their factory.
The contest involves a partnership with the nonprofit United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. To enter, Peeps-lovers must make a donation to UWGLV of at least five dollars, which will go towards supporting community schools. The more you donate, the better chance you have of winning: for every $5 donation, you’ll receive one chance to win.
Matt Pye, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Just Born Quality Confections, said this is the first time the company will allow the public inside its factory, despite the fact that it has received “many, many requests” and that “lots of fans show up at our doors over the years.”
“We couldn’t think of a better reason to open our doors for the first time ever than by teaming up with our local United Way to help give back to the community that Peeps calls home,” Pye said. “The winner of our Peeps Helping Peeps Sweepstakes will embark upon a once-in-a-lifetime tour of our factory and witness first-hand how our iconic Peeps marshmallow is made, all while helping raise funds in support of important community enhancing programs.”
The contest winner will be awarded a factory trip for four — plus $250 to shop at the Peeps and Company store. Because what is a Peeps factory tour without a massive supply of Peeps to take home with you afterwards?
The “Peeps Helping Peeps” sweepstakes is open now through April 8th. You can donate to UWGLV by visiting their website or by texting “peepsunited” to 40403. The winner will be notified around April 12th and announced at United Way’s Day of Caring event on April 18th.
